Even when it feels like God is distant or silent, He is still present and working on your behalf. The storms of life may make you feel alone or abandoned, but God’s authority and love remain unchanged regardless of your circumstances. You can trust that He sees you, knows your struggles, and is orchestrating things for your good, even when you cannot see the outcome. Remember, your proximity to Jesus does not determine His power—He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. [55:04]
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.”
Reflection: When was the last time you felt God was far away during a difficult season? How can you remind yourself today that He is still present and working, even when you can’t see Him?
Wherever you find yourself—on the mountaintop or in the valley—remember that God is the one who has placed you there for a purpose. Sometimes, the places that feel most uncomfortable or confusing are the very places God uses for your spiritual growth and development. Even when you don’t understand why you’re facing a particular challenge, trust that God’s plans for you are good, and He will bring you through to the other side. [57:29]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life right now that feels uncertain or difficult. How might God be using this place for your growth, and what would it look like to trust Him with it today?
God has not only allowed you to witness His miracles, but He has also used you as a vessel to bless others. When you face new storms, recall the times God has provided, protected, and worked through you in the past. Your personal testimony is a powerful reminder that God is faithful, and He always leaves you with more than enough—even after you’ve poured out for others. Let your past experiences with God fuel your faith for today’s challenges. [01:04:22]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific time when God provided for you or used you to bless someone else. How can remembering this encourage your faith in what you’re facing now?
In the midst of trials, your perspective can either focus on the storm or on the Savior who sees you. Even when the night feels long and the struggle seems endless, God sees you and is with you. Sometimes, the miracle is not that the storm is over, but that you are still standing—on top of what should have taken you out. Shift your perspective today to see God’s sustaining power in your life, and trust that He is working even in the waiting. [01:10:33]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your perspective from fear to faith? How can you intentionally focus on God’s presence and power in that area today?
God’s grace enables you to walk on top of the very things that once threatened to overwhelm you—anxiety, depression, financial struggles, or any storm you face. Like Peter, you may falter, but Jesus is always there to reach out and lift you up. Take time to look back and recognize the moments when God brought you through what seemed impossible, and let that give you courage to keep moving forward in faith. [01:16:13]
Romans 8:37 (ESV)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Reflection: Identify one challenge that once seemed insurmountable but that God has brought you through. How can you use that victory to encourage someone else who is struggling today?
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.
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.”
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