GEB Live - Sunday Service 10.19.2025

Today is a day of gratitude and celebration, a day to rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness and the privilege of gathering together in worship. We honor not only the survivors and fighters of breast cancer, but also the God who continues to heal, sustain, and make a way for us, even in the most challenging seasons. As we come together, we are reminded that our worship is not just a routine, but a response to God’s goodness, mercy, and the countless ways He has provided for us—both seen and unseen.

Turning to Matthew 14, we reflect on the disciples’ journey across the water, sent by Jesus into a storm. This passage challenges us to examine our faith, especially in moments when God feels distant. It’s easy to trust when we feel close to Him, but true faith is forged in the valleys, in the storms, and in the waiting. The disciples had witnessed miracles, even participated in them, yet when the storm arose and Jesus was not visibly present, their faith faltered. This is a mirror for us: how often do we forget God’s authority and past faithfulness when our circumstances become overwhelming?

We are called to remember who placed us where we are. God’s placement is purposeful, even when it leads us into storms. The valleys are not signs of abandonment, but opportunities for growth and deeper trust. We must also recall our personal experiences with God—how He has used us, blessed us, and left us with more than enough, even after we’ve poured out for others. Our past encounters with God are not just memories; they are fuel for our faith in present trials.

Perspective is everything. While the disciples saw only the storm, Jesus saw their struggle and came to them at just the right time. Peter’s boldness to step out on the water reminds us that faith sometimes means moving forward even when we can’t see the outcome. And even when we falter, God’s hand is there to lift us up. We are, in fact, standing on top of what should have taken us out—walking on the very things that once threatened to drown us.

As we pray for one another, celebrate milestones, and support those in need, let us hold fast to the truth that God is always present, always working, and always able. Our faith is not in what we see, but in who we know God to be. Let us keep our focus on Him, trust His placement, and remember that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Placement Is Purposeful, Even in Storms When God sends us into unfamiliar or difficult places, it is not a sign of His absence but of His intentionality. The valleys and storms are often where He shapes our faith most deeply, teaching us to trust Him beyond our understanding. Even when we cannot see the purpose, we can rest in the assurance that the One who placed us there is the same One who will bring us through. [57:29]
• 2. Remembering Past Faithfulness Fuels Present Faith Our experiences with God—how He has provided, healed, and used us—are not just stories to recall, but anchors for our faith in current trials. When we face new storms, we must look back and remember the miracles He has already performed, both for us and through us. This remembrance gives us courage to trust Him again, even when the outcome is unclear. [61:45]
• 3. Faith Is Not Dependent on Proximity, but on God’s Unchanging Authority It is easy to equate God’s nearness with His activity, but His authority over our lives does not waver based on our feelings or circumstances. Even when He seems far, He is still sovereign, still working, and still faithful to His promises. Our faith must be rooted in who He is, not just in what we perceive. [55:04]
• 4. Perspective Determines Our Response to Trials The disciples saw only the storm, but Jesus saw their need and came to them at the appointed time. Shifting our perspective from fear to faith allows us to recognize God’s presence and provision, even in the darkest moments. Sometimes, the miracle is not the absence of the storm, but the fact that we are still standing—on top of what should have overwhelmed us. [69:51]
• 5. God’s Hand Lifts Us When We Falter Like Peter, we may step out in faith and still find ourselves sinking when we lose focus. Yet, God’s grace is sufficient; His hand is always ready to lift us up and set us back on course. Our failures do not disqualify us from His love or His purpose—He delights in rescuing and restoring us, time and again.
  
  ** [76:52]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [05:58] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
• [09:17] - Gratitude for God’s Provision
• [10:43] - Breast Cancer Awareness & Peek Out Sunday
• [11:41] - Worship and Elevation
• [20:26] - The Call to New Life
• [21:02] - Announcements and Community Prayers
• [25:01] - Upcoming Church Meeting
• [30:15] - End-of-Year Fellowship and Reflections
• [32:53] - Welcoming Visitors and Fellowship
• [50:10] - God’s Faithfulness Despite Circumstances
• [52:32] - “While Jesus Is Away” – Matthew 14
• [56:11] - Faith in the Storm: Remember Who Placed You
• [61:45] - Recall Your Personal Experience with God
• [68:34] - Choosing the Right Perspective
• [76:52] - God’s Hand Lifts Us Up
• [92:04] - Intercessory Prayer and Faith Declarations
• [99:40] - Offertory and Giving
• [104:39] - Final Announcements and Benediction

Bible Reading

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) — 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 14, who sent the disciples into the boat and into the storm? What does the text say about Jesus’ actions while the disciples were struggling?
2. What was the disciples’ reaction when they saw Jesus walking on the water, and how did Jesus respond to their fear?
3. In the sermon, what miracle had the disciples just witnessed and participated in before being sent into the storm?
4. What happened to Peter when he stepped out of the boat, and what did Jesus do when Peter began to sink?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “God’s placement is purposeful, even in storms.” What does it mean that Jesus sent the disciples into the storm on purpose? How might this challenge our assumptions about God’s will and our comfort?
2. The disciples had just seen Jesus perform a miracle, yet their faith faltered in the storm. Why do you think it’s so easy to forget God’s past faithfulness when we face new challenges?
3. The pastor said, “Our faith is not in what we see, but in who we know God to be.” How does this idea help us when God feels distant or silent?
4. The sermon points out that sometimes the miracle is not the absence of the storm, but the fact that we are still standing. How does this perspective change the way we view our struggles?

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt “sent” into a difficult situation. Did you see God’s purpose in it at the time, or only in hindsight? How might you remind yourself that God’s placement is purposeful, even when it’s uncomfortable?
2. The sermon encourages us to “recall your personal experience with God.” What is one specific way God has provided for you in the past that you need to remember right now? How can you use that memory to fuel your faith in a current challenge?
3. When have you equated God’s nearness with His activity in your life? How can you root your faith in God’s unchanging authority, even when you don’t feel His presence?
4. Peter stepped out of the boat in faith but began to sink when he lost focus. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you’re “sinking” right now? What would it look like to call out to Jesus in that situation?
5. The pastor said, “We are standing on top of what should have taken us out.” What is something in your life that once threatened to overwhelm you, but now you see God has brought you through? How can you encourage someone else with that testimony?
6. The sermon calls us to support and pray for one another, especially those in need or going through storms. Who in your life needs encouragement or prayer right now, and what is one practical way you can reach out to them this week?
7. The message reminds us to “keep our focus on Him, trust His placement, and remember that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” What is one step you can take this week to intentionally shift your focus from your circumstances to God’s faithfulness?