Stepping Out in Faith Amidst Life's Storms
Summary
Today, I shared a message centered on the theme of faith, particularly focusing on the biblical story of Peter walking on water as narrated in Matthew 14:22-33. This narrative not only illustrates the miraculous power of Jesus but also highlights the human aspect of faith, which can waver under fear yet has the potential to accomplish the impossible when firmly placed in Christ.
The sermon began by setting the context of the story where Jesus, after feeding 5,000 people, sends his disciples ahead on a boat while he retreats to pray. As the disciples encounter a storm, their fear overtakes their faith, even failing to recognize Jesus as he approaches them walking on the water. This moment vividly captures the disciples' struggle between familiar fear and the supernatural reality of Jesus.
I emphasized the critical moment when Peter, upon hearing Jesus’ assurance, steps out of the boat to walk towards him. This act of stepping out, despite the visible storms and the logical fears, represents a profound lesson in immediate obedience and trust in God's word. Peter's ability to walk on water, albeit briefly, underscores the extraordinary outcomes of faith.
However, Peter's focus shifts from Jesus to the storm, leading him to sink. This shift illustrates how our spiritual focus can determine our faith's effectiveness. Jesus’ immediate response to save Peter, by catching him and questioning his doubt, serves as a reminder of God's readiness to support us when we falter, encouraging us not to dwell on our small faith but to use it as a stepping stone to greater trust in Him.
Drawing from personal experiences, I shared about the challenges faced in ministry, particularly in regions hostile to Christianity. These narratives paralleled the biblical story, showing that real-life risks and divine guidance are still relevant. The story of venturing into a dangerous village in West Bengal, driven by a vision and protected by divine intervention, served to illustrate the tangible reality of God's protection and guidance in our ministry efforts.
In conclusion, the sermon called on the congregation to embrace the risks associated with radical faith, to step out of comfort zones, and to trust in God's supreme power over all circumstances. The message aimed to fortify the belief that even a little faith, when correctly placed in Jesus, can lead to miraculous outcomes and deepen our spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Immediate Obedience to Divine Commands - When Jesus called Peter to come to Him across the water, Peter's response was immediate. This act of immediate obedience, despite the surrounding storm, is a powerful testament to the kind of faith that God calls us to exhibit. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat, we too are called to step out in faith when Jesus commands, trusting that His word will hold us up. [41:52]
2. Focus Determines Faith's Effectiveness - Peter's ability to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus teaches us that our spiritual focus directly impacts our faith's effectiveness. When we shift our focus to the challenges and fears around us, we begin to sink. However, maintaining a steadfast gaze on Jesus, regardless of circumstances, enables us to navigate through life's storms. [49:02]
3. Little Faith is Better Than No Faith - Even when Jesus noted Peter's little faith, it was a recognition that some faith was still better than none. This encourages us not to despise small beginnings of faith but to nurture it, as even the mustard seed of faith can move mountains. This perspective helps us appreciate and grow our faith, however small it may initially seem. [50:46]
4. The Power of Divine Protection in Ministry - Sharing personal experiences from ministry in hostile environments, like the village in West Bengal, highlighted that God's protection is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality. These experiences serve as modern-day testimonies of God's deliverance, akin to biblical accounts, reinforcing our faith in God's protective power over His servants. [59:40]
5. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare and Divine Intervention - The vision of angels descending on ladders during a perilous situation in ministry vividly illustrates that spiritual warfare is real and that God intervenes miraculously for those engaged in His work. This takeaway is a reminder of the unseen spiritual dynamics at play and the divine resources available to believers. [01:00:07]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
0:34:02 - Challenges Facing Christians in India
0:35:38 - Introduction to the Biblical Story of Peter
0:36:57 - The Disciples' Storm Encounter
0:38:44 - Jesus Approaches Amidst the Storm
0:40:02 - Peter's Request and Jesus' Invitation
0:41:52 - The Act of Stepping Out in Faith
0:43:23 - The Significance of Immediate Obedience
0:44:10 - The Contrast Between Peter and the Other Disciples
0:45:15 - Personal Testimony of Ministry in Hostile Areas
0:46:22 - Commitment to Follow Divine Guidance
0:47:29 - Encouragement to Take Risks in Faith
0:48:13 - Lessons from Peter's Experience
0:49:02 - Maintaining Focus on Jesus
0:50:46 - Jesus Saves Peter and Teaches About Faith
0:51:39 - Call to Action for the Congregation
0:52:34 - Sharing a Personal Story of Danger in Ministry
0:54:34 - Arrival and Threats in the Village
0:55:36 - Facing Imminent Danger
0:56:37 - Divine Vision Amidst Threat
0:57:38 - Angelic Intervention
0:58:37 - Aftermath and Divine Assurance
0:59:40 - Reflection on Divine Protection
1:00:07 - The Reality of God's Miraculous Interventions
1:01:12 - Continued Challenges and Faith in God's Provision
1:02:10 - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33
### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on the water? ([38:44])
2. How did Peter respond to Jesus' invitation to come to Him on the water? ([40:02])
3. What happened to Peter when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm around him? ([49:02])
4. How did Jesus respond when Peter began to sink? ([49:49])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples failed to recognize Jesus during the storm? What does this reveal about their state of mind? ([38:44])
2. What does Peter's immediate obedience to Jesus' command to come signify about his faith at that moment? ([41:52])
3. How does Peter's experience of walking on water and then sinking illustrate the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus? ([49:02])
4. In what ways does Jesus' response to Peter's sinking provide a lesson on how God supports us in our moments of doubt? ([49:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out in faith. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([41:52])
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel like you are sinking because you have shifted your focus from Jesus to the surrounding "storms"? How can you refocus on Him? ([49:02])
3. Peter's little faith was still acknowledged by Jesus. How can you nurture and grow your faith, even if it feels small right now? ([50:46])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of immediate obedience to God's commands. Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you have been delaying? What steps can you take to act on it now? ([41:52])
5. The story of ministry in hostile environments highlighted the reality of divine protection. Have you experienced or witnessed God's protection in your life or the lives of others? How did it impact your faith? ([59:40])
6. Spiritual warfare and divine intervention were significant themes in the sermon. How can you become more aware of the spiritual battles in your life and rely on God's intervention? ([01:00:07])
7. The sermon encouraged stepping out of comfort zones to trust in God's power. What is one specific area in your life where you can take a risk for your faith this week? ([47:29])
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Obedience Transforms Faith
When Jesus called Peter to walk towards Him on the water, Peter's immediate response was not just a physical act but a profound spiritual declaration of trust. This moment teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires active, immediate responses to God's calls. When faced with challenges or divine instructions, the speed and willingness of our obedience significantly impact the depth and effectiveness of our faith. Immediate obedience, as demonstrated by Peter, is a powerful testament to a heart fully committed to God, even amidst life's storms. [41:52]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one specific area where God is calling you to immediate obedience today? How can you respond to this call with action?
Day 2: Focus Determines Faith's Effectiveness
Peter's ability to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus illustrates a crucial spiritual principle: our focus directly impacts our faith's effectiveness. When we concentrate on the fears and challenges around us, we begin to sink, overwhelmed by our circumstances. However, maintaining a steadfast gaze on Jesus, regardless of the storms we face, enables us to navigate through life's challenges with divine support. This focus is not just about seeing but also about trusting that He is in control and has the power to sustain us. [49:02]
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Reflection: Identify a current situation in your life where you feel like you're 'sinking.' How can shifting your focus to Jesus change your perspective and response?
Day 3: The Value of Even Little Faith
Jesus' recognition of Peter's "little faith" is not a dismissal but an acknowledgment that possessing even a small amount of faith is valuable. This encourages us not to despise the small beginnings of our faith journey but to nurture and grow it. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This perspective helps us appreciate and cultivate our faith, no matter how insignificant it may initially seem. [50:46]
"He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: How can you nurture and grow your faith today, even if it feels small or insignificant?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Protective Power in Ministry
Sharing personal experiences from ministry in hostile environments, like the village in West Bengal, highlights that God's protection is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality. These experiences serve as modern-day testimonies of God's deliverance, akin to biblical accounts, reinforcing our faith in God's protective power over His servants. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's provision and protection, even in the most daunting circumstances. [59:40]
"He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced God's protection in your life? How does this memory help strengthen your trust in His ongoing care?
Day 5: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare and Divine Intervention
The vision of angels descending on ladders during a perilous situation in ministry vividly illustrates that spiritual warfare is real and that God intervenes miraculously for those engaged in His work. This takeaway is a reminder of the unseen spiritual dynamics at play and the divine resources available to believers. Understanding this reality encourages us to seek divine guidance and protection actively as we engage in spiritual battles. [01:00:07]
<2 Kings 6:16-17 ESV>
"He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Reflection: What spiritual battle are you facing right now, and how can you actively seek God's intervention and guidance in this situation?
Quotes
1) "You want to do something unusual for the Lord. You have to take a risk. You have to jump into the water. You have to immediately obey him. These are some lessons that we get from the Bible. But you know, it's hard for us to say, yes, Lord. It's so hard. We, you know, our brains are like computers. There are so many things that are going through our mind. It blocks us. It blocks us from obeying the Lord." [48:13]
2) "Never look around. Never take your eyes away from Jesus. As long as your eyes are on Jesus, you will not sink. You will not drown. He will save you. He will make you do all those miracles. Now, he started sinking. And when he started sinking, the verse over there says. Let me just read that to you. And immediately. Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him and said to him, oh, you of little faith. Why do you doubt?" [49:02]
3) "Often we try to say that here Jesus was calling him a man of little faith. And, you know, you can take it negatively if you want. But I would take it positively and say, with love, my Jesus was telling him, oh, why did your faith decrease? Why do you have little faith? Trust in me. I'm there. Come on. I'll hold you. I'll lift you up." [49:49]
4) "And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. What does it say? When they, they got into the boat. Who's this they? Jesus and Peter. You know, in my imagination, you know how I think about it? How did they get into the boat? He lifted Peter up, held him hand in hand, and they walked together into the boat. Do you have that experience of walking hand in hand with Jesus?" [50:46]
5) "The first thing he does is says, Lord, if it is really you, speak to me, I want to hear your voice. And when I hear your voice, then I will take my next step. If you and I can make those decisions in life, I tell you, God is there to speak to us. He's right there. He wants to talk to us, but we do not want to listen to his voice." [40:02]
6) "The first thing I said is. Peter wanted to hear the voice of God. The second thing is the moment he hears the voice of God, when he hears that word command, he immediately obeys. And what does he do? It says away here. And so he said, come. And when Peter had come down out of the boat, so what happened is as soon as Jesus said, come. Peter steps. He steps out of the boat. Immediate obedience." [41:52]
7) "How many people were in the boat? All together, they were 12 of them. You agree with me? There were 12 disciples. All 12 of them were there. How many decided to immediately jump out into the water? Only one, Peter. And how many were left over in the boat? 11. The 11 wanted to be in that comfort zone. They were not ready to jump out and take a decision for the Lord." [44:10]
8) "It was not an easy go, let me tell you. Because that place is a place, as I've already said, I think many of you know it, but still for the new people, let me say, it's a jungle area where animals, wild animals come out every night. And here's my husband and myself who have decided to go to an unknown place. We do not have a house over there." [45:15]
9) "And then Peter, after that, we see that Peter walked on the water. When he stepped out of the water, he was just looking into the eyes of Jesus. He just knows that Jesus called me. And he was just looking into the eyes of Jesus. And he was walking on the water. He did not drown. The 11 that were sitting in the boat would have said, oh, he's the most foolish person." [47:29]
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