Navigating Life's Storms: Faith Over Fear
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the powerful question, "What if?" This question can be asked in various contexts—past, present, and future. However, the focus today was on viewing "what if" through the lenses of faith and fear. We delved into Matthew 14, where Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and go ahead of Him. This act alone must have sparked numerous "what if" questions among the disciples, especially considering they had previously experienced a storm with Jesus in the boat.
The disciples had just witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 people, yet they were still filled with fear when faced with another storm. This illustrates how easily we can forget God's past miracles when confronted with new challenges. The key takeaway here is that our "what ifs" can either be driven by faith or fear, depending on what we feed into our lives. If we feed our faith, our "what ifs" will be faith-driven. Conversely, if we feed our fears, our "what ifs" will be fear-driven.
As the disciples battled the storm, Jesus walked on water towards them. Initially, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. This reaction shows how fear can cloud our perception of God's miracles. Peter, in his doubt, asked Jesus for confirmation to step out onto the water. Jesus simply said, "Come." Peter walked on water but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. Jesus immediately reached out to save him, emphasizing that even in our moments of doubt, Jesus is there to lift us up.
The story concludes with the disciples worshiping Jesus after He calmed the storm. This serves as a reminder that in our most challenging times, worship and faith should be our response. Jesus' command to "go to the other side" was not just about crossing a physical body of water but about reaching a place where many would be healed and experience God's power. Therefore, the confirmation we seek is often already given in God's commands. We must act in faith, knowing that Jesus is with us, guiding us through every storm.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith vs. Fear in "What If" Questions: The "what if" questions we ask can either be driven by faith or fear. If we feed our faith through God's Word and past experiences of His faithfulness, our "what ifs" will be faith-driven. Conversely, if we feed our fears, our "what ifs" will be fear-driven, leading us away from God's purpose. [06:04]
2. Remembering Past Miracles: The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feeding 5,000 people, yet they were still fearful in the storm. This shows how easily we can forget God's past miracles when faced with new challenges. It's crucial to remember and hold onto God's past faithfulness to strengthen our faith in current storms. [07:39]
3. Jesus in the Storm: Jesus sent the disciples into the storm, not to harm them but to teach them and grow their faith. Sometimes, God allows us to go through storms to reach something important on the other side. Our focus should be on Jesus, who is always with us, guiding us through the storm. [09:55]
4. Immediate Rescue: When Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. This illustrates that even in our moments of doubt and fear, Jesus is ready to lift us up. Our first response in sinking moments should be to reach out to Jesus, who is always there to rescue us. [22:05]
5. Confirmation in the Command: Often, we seek confirmation from God to act on His commands. However, the confirmation is already in the command itself. When God tells us to love our neighbors, share the gospel, or take any step of faith, we don't need additional signs. The command is the confirmation. [25:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:22] - Introduction to "What If"
[04:31] - Disciples' Fear and Past Miracles
[06:04] - Feeding Faith vs. Feeding Fear
[07:13] - The Storm Begins
[09:23] - Jesus Walks on Water
[11:05] - Faith in the Storm
[12:14] - Disciples' Fear of the Ghost
[14:30] - Jesus' Assurance
[15:46] - Peter's Doubt and Request for Confirmation
[18:11] - Hearing God's Voice
[19:30] - Peter Walks on Water
[22:05] - Jesus Rescues Peter
[23:24] - Worship in the Storm
[25:46] - Confirmation in the Command
[27:06] - The Other Side: Healing and Miracles
[28:33] - Final Encouragement and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
- Romans 10:17 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific command did Jesus give to the disciples in Matthew 14:22? How did they react to this command? [03:22]
2. What miracle had the disciples just witnessed before getting into the boat, and how did this affect their faith during the storm? [04:31]
3. How did Peter respond when he saw Jesus walking on water, and what was Jesus' immediate reaction when Peter began to sink? [15:46] [22:05]
4. What was the disciples' reaction after Jesus calmed the storm and got into the boat with them? [23:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus made the disciples get into the boat without Him, knowing they might face a storm? [03:22]
2. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the difference between faith-driven and fear-driven "what if" questions? [15:46]
3. What does Jesus' immediate rescue of Peter teach us about His response to our moments of doubt and fear? [22:05]
4. How does the concept of "confirmation in the command" challenge our usual way of seeking signs from God before acting? [25:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "what if" question you had. Was it driven by faith or fear? How can you feed your faith to ensure future "what ifs" are faith-driven? [06:04]
2. Think about a past miracle or act of faithfulness from God in your life. How can remembering this strengthen your faith in current or future storms? [07:39]
3. Are you currently in a storm or facing a challenge? How can you shift your focus from the storm to Jesus, similar to how Peter was initially able to walk on water? [22:05]
4. Have you ever sought confirmation from God before acting on His commands? How does understanding that the command itself is the confirmation change your approach to obedience? [25:46]
5. In what ways can you practice worship and faith during your most challenging times, as the disciples did after Jesus calmed the storm? [23:24]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to act in faith without waiting for additional signs. What steps will you take this week to move forward in obedience? [25:46]
7. How can you support someone else who is currently going through a storm, helping them to focus on Jesus and act in faith? [29:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith vs. Fear in "What If" Questions
Our "what if" questions can either be driven by faith or fear. If we feed our faith through God's Word and past experiences of His faithfulness, our "what ifs" will be faith-driven. Conversely, if we feed our fears, our "what ifs" will be fear-driven, leading us away from God's purpose. [06:04]
In life, we often find ourselves asking "what if" questions. These questions can either propel us forward in faith or hold us back in fear. The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles, still struggled with fear when faced with new challenges. This shows how easily we can forget God's past faithfulness when confronted with new storms. By feeding our faith through God's Word and remembering His past miracles, we can ensure that our "what ifs" are driven by faith rather than fear.
When we allow fear to dominate our thoughts, it can cloud our perception of God's presence and power in our lives. However, when we choose to feed our faith, we open ourselves up to seeing God's hand at work, even in the midst of our storms. Let us be intentional about feeding our faith and trusting in God's faithfulness, so that our "what if" questions lead us closer to Him and His purpose for our lives.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What "what if" questions are you currently facing? Are they driven by faith or fear? How can you feed your faith today to ensure your "what ifs" are faith-driven?
Day 2: Remembering Past Miracles
The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feeding 5,000 people, yet they were still fearful in the storm. This shows how easily we can forget God's past miracles when faced with new challenges. It's crucial to remember and hold onto God's past faithfulness to strengthen our faith in current storms. [07:39]
The disciples had just experienced the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people, yet when faced with another storm, they were filled with fear. This illustrates how quickly we can forget God's past miracles when confronted with new challenges. Remembering God's past faithfulness is essential for strengthening our faith in the present. When we recall how God has provided, protected, and guided us in the past, it gives us the confidence to trust Him in our current storms.
It's easy to let fear and doubt creep in when we face new difficulties, but by intentionally remembering and reflecting on God's past miracles, we can bolster our faith. Take time to recount the ways God has been faithful in your life. Write them down, share them with others, and let them serve as a reminder that the same God who was with you then is with you now.
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: Think of a specific time when God performed a miracle or showed His faithfulness in your life. How can remembering this event help you trust Him in your current challenges?
Day 3: Jesus in the Storm
Jesus sent the disciples into the storm, not to harm them but to teach them and grow their faith. Sometimes, God allows us to go through storms to reach something important on the other side. Our focus should be on Jesus, who is always with us, guiding us through the storm. [09:55]
Jesus intentionally sent the disciples into the storm, not to harm them but to teach them and grow their faith. This act demonstrates that sometimes God allows us to go through difficult situations to reach something significant on the other side. The storm was not a sign of God's absence but an opportunity for the disciples to learn to trust Him more deeply. In the midst of our own storms, it's crucial to keep our focus on Jesus, who is always with us, guiding us through.
When we face storms in life, it's easy to feel abandoned or question God's presence. However, these challenging times can be opportunities for growth and deeper faith. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His guidance, we can navigate through the storm and reach the place of healing and miracles that God has prepared for us. Remember, Jesus is always with us, even in the midst of the storm.
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: What storm are you currently facing? How can you shift your focus from the storm to Jesus, trusting that He is guiding you through it?
Day 4: Immediate Rescue
When Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. This illustrates that even in our moments of doubt and fear, Jesus is ready to lift us up. Our first response in sinking moments should be to reach out to Jesus, who is always there to rescue us. [22:05]
As Peter walked on water towards Jesus, he began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. In that moment of doubt and fear, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. This powerful act of rescue illustrates that even in our weakest moments, Jesus is ready to lift us up. When we find ourselves sinking in life's challenges, our first response should be to reach out to Jesus, who is always there to rescue us.
It's comforting to know that Jesus doesn't hesitate to save us when we call out to Him. His immediate response to Peter's cry for help is a reminder that we are never alone, even in our moments of doubt and fear. Let us be quick to reach out to Jesus, trusting in His readiness to lift us up and carry us through our difficulties.
Psalm 34:17 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel like you are sinking? How can you reach out to Jesus today, trusting in His immediate rescue?
Day 5: Confirmation in the Command
Often, we seek confirmation from God to act on His commands. However, the confirmation is already in the command itself. When God tells us to love our neighbors, share the gospel, or take any step of faith, we don't need additional signs. The command is the confirmation. [25:46]
Many times, we find ourselves seeking additional confirmation from God before acting on His commands. However, the confirmation we seek is often already given in the command itself. When God instructs us to love our neighbors, share the gospel, or take a step of faith, we don't need extra signs to validate His words. The command is the confirmation, and our response should be one of obedience and trust.
God's commands are clear and purposeful. When He calls us to act, He has already equipped us with what we need to fulfill His will. Instead of waiting for further confirmation, let us move forward in faith, knowing that God's commands come with His assurance and provision. Trust in His guidance and take the steps He has called you to take, confident that He is with you every step of the way.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: Is there a command from God that you have been hesitant to act on, waiting for further confirmation? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting that the command itself is the confirmation?
Quotes
1. "We will get out of what we feed. If we are feeding faith into our spiritualness that we need. Our what ifs are going to be driven by faith. But if we feed fear in our lives. Our what ifs are going to be driven by faith. Our what ifs are going to be driven by fear." [06:04] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If God has called you to do something. And you say. And you're feeding fear into your life. The first thought that's going to come up is fear. What if. What if I'm called to go share the gospel. What if I go share the gospel and somebody starts making fun of me. That's all driven off of fear. If we have faith." [06:39] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes we get into the middle of the storm. Get into that other side. And there's something important. Something important for us on that other side. And we just don't know what it is yet." [07:13] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Some of us today. Sitting where we're at right now. Is in the biggest storm of our life. And sometimes you don't even know. And right now you could be thinking. I don't know what's on. I don't even know if I want to make it to the other side. If my storm is this big right now." [08:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sometimes I think we get into that. Blame game to where we start blaming everybody around us. To why we're in the storm. And we need to also remember. That Jesus will send us right into these storms too. Not because he doesn't love us. But he wants us to go through some things. So we can get to the other side. And see the value of it." [09:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What if there is something on the other side. That is worth going through the storm for. What if. That something on the other side of the storm. That you're going through. Is worth getting to. That what if right there. If you can say that to yourself. That what if is based off of faith. And not fear." [11:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How many times have we been through a storm. And we've jumped out and left. And said you know what. This isn't what I was thinking. This is not what I want to go through. And how many times have you said. What if I was that close to getting to the other side. And I jumped off the boat. And swam away too soon." [11:45] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How many times do we hear this. And we still get fearful. We don't actually take heart. We don't actually listen to that voice. When Jesus says don't be afraid. It's I. Here's the thing though. And I think that we all could do better. For me to everybody in here. Is we must train ourselves. To listen to Jesus just a little bit more." [15:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus already said it was him. How many times do we say that? Jesus tells me to go do something. And I'll go. But I just need Jesus to give me confirmation. And I'm going to go. I just need a word. Just confirm it to me. Show me a sign." [16:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you're waiting on confirmation. To do something for the Lord. Stop seeking out confirmation. And start seeking the word of God. Because the confirmation is in the command." [28:33] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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