Stepping Out in Faith Amid Life's Storms

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound story of Peter walking on water, a narrative that many of us are familiar with from childhood. This story, however, holds deep lessons about discipleship and faith in Jesus. We began by reflecting on the comfort and joy of sailing in calm waters, contrasting it with the fear and danger of storms. This analogy set the stage for understanding the disciples' experience on the Sea of Galilee, where they encountered Jesus walking on water during a stormy night.

The central theme was the call to step out of our "boats"—the places of comfort and security we cling to—and to trust Jesus, even in the midst of life's storms. We examined why the disciples, despite their close relationship with Jesus, initially failed to recognize Him. This highlighted the need for the "eyes of faith" to see Jesus in our own turbulent times. The sermon also emphasized that obedience to Jesus does not exempt us from difficulties; rather, it often leads us into challenging situations where our faith is tested and strengthened.

We looked at various biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, Job, Jonah, and Paul, who encountered God in their moments of crisis. These stories remind us that God often meets us in our most desperate times, using these moments to draw us closer to Him. The sermon encouraged us to maintain sensitivity and openness to God's presence, even when it seems He is passing us by.

Peter's bold step out of the boat was not just an act of courage but an act of obedience. This distinction is crucial; true discipleship involves discerning God's call and responding in faith, not merely taking risks for their own sake. The sermon challenged us to identify our own "boats"—the things that hold us back from fully trusting and following Jesus. Whether it's fear of failure, comfort, or the opinions of others, we must be willing to leave these behind to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers.

Ultimately, stepping out in faith may lead to moments of fear and even failure, but these are opportunities for growth. Jesus is always there to lift us up, just as He did with Peter. The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder that Jesus is not in the boat; He is out on the water, inviting us to join Him in a deeper, more adventurous faith journey.

### Key Takeaways

1. Recognizing Jesus in the Storms of Life: Often, we fail to see Jesus in our difficult times because we lack the "eyes of faith." Just as the disciples did not recognize Jesus walking on water, we too can miss His presence in our crises. It is crucial to develop a spiritual sensitivity to discern Jesus' presence, especially when life gets turbulent. [05:51]

2. Obedience Does Not Guarantee Smooth Sailing: Following Jesus' commands does not mean we will avoid difficulties. The disciples were obedient when they got into the boat, yet they faced a storm. This teaches us that obedience to Jesus can lead us into challenging situations, but these are opportunities for our faith to grow and for us to experience God's power and presence. [09:16]

3. Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones: Our "boats" represent the things we rely on for security and comfort. To grow in faith, we must be willing to step out of these comfort zones, even if it means facing fear and uncertainty. Identifying what holds us back and taking steps of faith is essential for spiritual growth. [14:45]

4. The Role of Fear in Faith: Fear and faith often coexist. Peter experienced fear both in the boat and on the water. The key is not to eliminate fear but to trust Jesus despite it. Each step of faith, taken in the face of fear, strengthens our trust in Jesus and deepens our relationship with Him. [24:18]

5. Learning from Failure: Peter's experience of sinking after stepping out of the boat teaches us that failure is not the end but a part of the growth process. Jesus used this moment to teach Peter and to strengthen his faith. Similarly, our failures can be opportunities for learning and spiritual development if we allow Jesus to guide us through them. [26:59]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:47] - The Joy of Sailing
[03:39] - The Story of Peter Walking on Water
[04:43] - The Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Presence
[05:51] - Recognizing Jesus in Crisis
[08:03] - Biblical Examples of Meeting God in Crisis
[09:16] - Obedience and Challenges
[10:23] - Sensitivity to God's Presence
[11:20] - Peter's Bold Step of Faith
[12:36] - Discerning God's Call
[14:45] - Identifying Our "Boats"
[16:29] - The Cost of Staying in the Boat
[19:13] - The Shift in Peter's Focus
[20:43] - The Reality of Life's Storms
[23:09] - The Risk of Staying in the Boat
[24:18] - Fear and Faith Coexist
[26:59] - Learning from Failure
[28:18] - The Unique Experience of Stepping Out
[30:27] - Jesus' Gentle Correction
[33:09] - Jesus is on the Water
[34:32] - The Call to Step Out in Faith
[36:02] - Personal Testimony of Stepping Out
[37:40] - The Reward of Faithful Steps

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:22-33 - The story of Peter walking on water.
2. Exodus 3:1-4 - Moses encountering God in the burning bush.
3. 1 Kings 19:1-13 - Elijah encountering God in a gentle whisper.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on water? ([04:43])
2. How did Peter respond when he realized it was Jesus on the water? ([11:20])
3. What did Jesus say to Peter when he began to sink? ([29:36])
4. How did the sermon describe the disciples' obedience to Jesus when they got into the boat? ([09:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples failed to recognize Jesus during the storm? How does this relate to our own ability to see Jesus in difficult times? ([05:51])
2. What does Peter's request to Jesus, "Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water," reveal about his understanding of faith and obedience? ([11:20])
3. How does the sermon illustrate that obedience to Jesus can lead us into challenging situations? Provide examples from the sermon. ([09:16])
4. What role does fear play in the story of Peter walking on water, and how does it affect his faith journey? ([24:18])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "storm" in your life. How did you recognize or fail to recognize Jesus' presence during that time? ([05:51])
2. Identify a "boat" in your life—something that provides you comfort and security but may be holding you back from fully trusting Jesus. What steps can you take to step out of this "boat"? ([14:45])
3. How can you develop the "eyes of faith" to see Jesus in your current challenges? What practical steps can you take to increase your spiritual sensitivity? ([05:51])
4. Think about a recent situation where you felt God was calling you to step out in faith. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? What can you learn from this experience? ([11:20])
5. Fear and faith often coexist. How can you take steps of faith despite your fears? Share a specific fear you have and how you plan to trust Jesus in that area. ([24:18])
6. Reflect on a failure you have experienced in your faith journey. How can you view this failure as an opportunity for growth and learning? ([26:59])
7. Jesus is not in the boat; He is out on the water. What does this mean for your personal faith journey, and how can you take a step towards a deeper, more adventurous faith? ([33:09])

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Jesus in Life's Storms
In the midst of life's storms, it can be challenging to recognize Jesus' presence. Just as the disciples failed to recognize Jesus walking on water during a stormy night, we too can miss His presence in our crises. Developing the "eyes of faith" is crucial to discern Jesus' presence, especially when life gets turbulent. This spiritual sensitivity allows us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust that Jesus is with us, even when it seems He is passing us by. [05:51]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Think of a recent difficult situation where you struggled to see Jesus' presence. How can you develop the "eyes of faith" to recognize Him in future storms?

Day 2: Obedience and Challenges
Following Jesus' commands does not guarantee a life free from difficulties. The disciples were obedient when they got into the boat, yet they faced a storm. This teaches us that obedience to Jesus can lead us into challenging situations, but these are opportunities for our faith to grow and for us to experience God's power and presence. Obedience often involves stepping into the unknown, trusting that Jesus will guide us through the challenges we encounter. [09:16]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when obedience to Jesus led you into a challenging situation. How did this experience help your faith to grow?

Day 3: Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones
Our "boats" represent the things we rely on for security and comfort. To grow in faith, we must be willing to step out of these comfort zones, even if it means facing fear and uncertainty. Identifying what holds us back and taking steps of faith is essential for spiritual growth. Peter's bold step out of the boat was not just an act of courage but an act of obedience, demonstrating the importance of discerning God's call and responding in faith. [14:45]

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Reflection: Identify one "boat" in your life that represents comfort and security. What steps can you take to step out in faith and trust Jesus more fully?

Day 4: The Role of Fear in Faith
Fear and faith often coexist. Peter experienced fear both in the boat and on the water. The key is not to eliminate fear but to trust Jesus despite it. Each step of faith, taken in the face of fear, strengthens our trust in Jesus and deepens our relationship with Him. Embracing fear as a part of the faith journey allows us to rely more on Jesus and less on our own understanding. [24:18]

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV): "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

Reflection: Think of a current fear you are facing. How can you take a step of faith today, trusting Jesus despite your fear?

Day 5: Learning from Failure
Peter's experience of sinking after stepping out of the boat teaches us that failure is not the end but a part of the growth process. Jesus used this moment to teach Peter and to strengthen his faith. Similarly, our failures can be opportunities for learning and spiritual development if we allow Jesus to guide us through them. Embracing failure as a part of our faith journey helps us to grow and become more resilient in our walk with Jesus. [26:59]

Proverbs 24:16 (ESV): "For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent failure in your life. How can you allow Jesus to use this experience to teach and strengthen your faith?

Quotes

1. "Es ist interessant, es gibt mal noch eine andere Geschichte, wo Jesus auch nicht erkannt wird. Die sogenannte Emmaus-Geschichte. Da gehen Jünger nach dem Tod von Jesus nach Emmaus und Jesus läuft neben ihnen her und das heißt, sie erkannten ihn nicht. Und ich glaube, diese beiden Begebenheiten wollen uns eins deutlichern. Sie wollen uns eins deutlich machen, dass es nämlich manchmal Augen des Glaubens braucht, um zu erkennen, dass Jesus da ist." [05:51] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Und deswegen ist es, glaube ich, auch so wichtig, dass wir in den Stürmen unseres Lebens uns die Sensibilität, uns die Offenheit, uns die Aufgeschlossenheit befahren, dass Gott uns begegnen möchte. In einem Lied, in der Andacht, in einer Predigt, in einem Gespräch, manchmal durch die Natur." [09:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Unser Boot ist ja all das, worauf wir unser Vertrauen und unsere Sicherheiten setzen, wenn es im Leben stürmisch wird. Unser Boot ist das, was uns manchmal auch ein bequemliches Leben macht. Und was mich davon abhält, weil es so schön bequem ist, auszusteigen. Unser Boot ist das, was uns davon abhält, Jesus in allem zu folgen." [14:45] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Die Entscheidung, aus dem Boot zu steigen und damit die Entscheidung für geistliches Wachstum im Glauben, bedeutet gleichzeitig immer auch, dass Ängste, immer wieder kommen werden. Wir müssen jeden Tag neu aus dem Boot steigen. Die Jünger erleben den Sturm, sie sehen diese Gestalt auf dem Meer und sie haben Angst. Dann hören sie, habt doch keine Angst. Petrus steigt raus, nachdem er gehört hat, komm, sieht die Wellen und hat wieder Angst." [23:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Die gute Nachricht dabei aber ist, mit jeder Entscheidung für das Risiko, wächst die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass du beim nächsten Mal wieder aussteigen wirst. Warum? Weil du Jesus kennengelernt hast. Weil du mehr Vertrauen gelernt hast und erfahren hast. Die Angst wird nicht weniger. Die Angst wird bleiben. Aber du merkst auf einmal, dass dich die Angst nicht zerstören kann. Und daher, wer auf dem Wasser geht, rechnet mit Schwierigkeiten und akzeptiert die Angst als Preis für den Wachstum." [25:29] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus sucht bis heute Menschen, die aus ihrem Boot aussteigen. Aber warum dieses Risiko eingehen? Ich glaube, weil es ein wesentlicher Weg ist, um im Glauben zu wachsen. Ich glaube, weil es auch Teil deines Berufungsprozesses sein kann. Den Gott dich führen will. Und weil es dich davor bewahren kann, vor Stillstand und Langeweile im Boot sitzen zu bleiben. Aber das viel wichtigere, glaube ich, was es heißt auszusteigen aus dem Boot ist, weil Jesus nicht im Boot ist. Sondern auf dem Wasser." [33:09] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Wir alle lieben ja Geschichten mit, wo Menschen davon erzählen, dass sie aus ihrem Boot ausgestiegen sind. Das ist immer so spannend. Und wir sind fasziniert, wenn Menschen ihre Lebensgeschichten erzählen und erzählen, was sie mit Jesus erlebt haben im Sturm und wie sie es geschafft haben auszusteigen. Das Problem ist nur, diese Geschichten führen in der Regel nicht dazu, dass dein Glaube Tiefgang bekommt. Zumindest nicht längerfristig. Sie begeistern, sie sind irgendwie erbaulich. Aber sie werden deinen Charakter nicht verändern. Sie werden dein Glaubensleben nicht wirklich verändern. Verändern wird nur, wenn du es schaffst, aus deinem Boot auszusteigen und Schritte zu gehen. Mutige Schritte." [37:40] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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