Trusting God's Plan Through Life's Storms
Summary
In my sermon, I explored the profound journey of faith, emphasizing the necessity of enduring through trials and trusting in God's plan. I began by reflecting on the nature of our life's narrative as crafted by God. It's not merely a series of random events but a divinely authored adventure, filled with challenges meant to strengthen our faith and character. This journey often involves God calling us to embark on paths that seem beyond our capacity, but He has already seen us through to the other side, even before we begin.
I delved into the biblical story of Jesus commanding His disciples to get into the boat, a vessel predestined to carry them to the other side despite the impending storm. This narrative from Matthew 14 illustrates that the disciples' journey was not just about reaching a geographical location but about trusting in Jesus' command and His foresight of their safe arrival.
During the sermon, I emphasized the importance of staying in the boat, symbolizing staying in God's will, even when the storms of life make it tempting to abandon the course He has set for us. I shared personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how trials are often platforms for God's glory to be revealed and for our faith to be deepened.
The account of Peter stepping out of the boat was particularly pivotal. It served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deviating from God's plan. Peter's impulse to join Jesus on the water, though seemingly bold in faith, actually represented a moment of doubt in the safety and certainty of the boat—the place where Jesus had originally placed him and his companions.
I concluded by reinforcing that the true test of faith is not merely in its declaration but in its demonstration through perseverance. Faith must be lived out through actions that align with God's directives, even when they defy human logic or personal comfort.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Narrative for Our Lives: Our life is not a random series of events but a divine narrative authored by God. He writes our story with a purpose, and each chapter, no matter how challenging, is designed to lead us to our ultimate good and His glory. This perspective helps us to see trials as necessary parts of our story rather than pointless obstacles. [47:53]
2. The Importance of Staying in the Boat: The boat, as commanded by Jesus, symbolizes the safety and will of God. Even when storms rage, staying in the boat is about trusting God's plan and His protective hand over our lives. This teaches us about the security found in obedience and the peril in stepping away from divine direction. [49:08]
3. Faith Demonstrated Through Action: True faith is not just professed; it is demonstrated through actions that align with God's commands. Like the disciples who had to physically stay in the boat to show their trust in Jesus, our actions in times of uncertainty reflect the depth of our faith. [01:43:57]
4. The Perils of Deviating from God’s Plan: Peter's decision to step out of the boat serves as a warning about the dangers of deviating from God's plan. It reminds us that our plans, no matter how well-intentioned, can lead to greater storms when they are not in alignment with God's will. [01:15:10]
5. Restoration and Redemption: Even when we fail, as Peter did, Jesus is ready to rescue us and redirect us back to His plan. This takeaway offers hope and reassurance that our mistakes are not the end of our story; God is always prepared to guide us back to the right path. [01:32:03]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)
> Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples at the beginning of the passage? ([52:40])
2. How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus walking on the water? ([54:00])
3. What was Peter's request to Jesus, and what was Jesus' response? ([54:24])
4. What happened to Peter when he saw the wind and became afraid? ([54:24])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to send the disciples ahead of Him in the boat while He stayed behind to pray? ([52:40])
2. What does Peter's reaction to the wind and his subsequent sinking reveal about his faith at that moment? ([54:24])
3. How does Jesus' response to Peter's doubt ("You of little faith, why did you doubt?") help us understand the importance of trust in God's plan? ([54:49])
4. In what ways does the calming of the storm after Jesus and Peter got back into the boat symbolize the peace that comes from being in God's will? ([54:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like abandoning a difficult situation. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now, knowing the importance of staying in the "boat" as per God's will? ([49:41])
2. Peter stepped out of the boat because he thought it was safer with Jesus on the water. Have you ever made a decision based on fear rather than faith? How did it turn out, and what did you learn from it? ([54:24])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of enduring trials as part of God's narrative for our lives. How can you shift your perspective to see current challenges as opportunities for growth and faith-building? ([49:08])
4. Jesus rescued Peter when he began to sink. How does this story encourage you to call out to Jesus in moments of doubt or fear? ([54:24])
5. The pastor mentioned that true faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's commands. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or challenged? ([01:43:57])
6. Reflect on the idea that our life's narrative is authored by God and filled with purpose. How can this perspective change the way you approach daily decisions and long-term plans? ([47:53])
7. The sermon highlighted the dangers of deviating from God's plan, as seen in Peter's experience. Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to deviate from what you believe is God's will? How can you stay committed to His path? ([01:15:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Authored Narrative
Our lives are not a collection of random occurrences but a story intricately woven by God. Each event, especially the trials, is purposefully placed to mold our character and faith. Understanding that our life's narrative is authored by God allows us to view every challenge as an opportunity for growth and a testament to His meticulous planning. This perspective is crucial for maintaining faith during times of uncertainty and hardship. It reassures us that there is a divine reason behind every difficulty we encounter, guiding us towards a greater good and His ultimate glory. [47:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIBM_bL6S7w&t=2858s)
Jeremiah 29:11-13 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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: How can recognizing your life as a divine narrative change your reaction to current challenges?
Day 2: The Safety of Divine Obedience
Staying in the boat, as commanded by Jesus, symbolizes remaining within the safety of God's will. This act of obedience, especially during life's metaphorical storms, is a profound demonstration of trust in God's protective oversight. It teaches us the security found in divine obedience and the dangers that arise when we step away from it. By choosing to stay in the boat, we affirm our faith in God's plan, acknowledging that He knows our journey's end and the safest route to get there. [49:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIBM_bL6S7w&t=2933s)
Psalm 107:28-30 ESV: "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to reaffirm your commitment to stay 'in the boat' of God's will?
Day 3: Demonstrating Faith Through Actions
True faith is not merely spoken; it is shown through actions that align with God's commands. Like the disciples who remained in the boat to demonstrate their trust in Jesus, our actions in times of uncertainty are powerful reflections of our faith's depth. This active faith requires not only belief in God's word but also a steadfast adherence to it through our choices and behaviors, even when they contradict human logic or personal comfort. [01:43:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIBM_bL6S7w&t=6222s)
James 2:22-24 ESV: "You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a practical way?
Day 4: The Risks of Ignoring God’s Plan
Peter's decision to step out of the boat highlights the perils of deviating from God's plan. It serves as a cautionary tale that even well-intentioned actions can lead us into greater turmoil when they diverge from divine direction. This reminder helps us to scrutinize our motivations and align our decisions with God's will, understanding that our plans, however noble, must be subordinate to His. [01:15:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIBM_bL6S7w&t=4495s)
Proverbs 19:21 ESV: "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent decision where you might have stepped out of 'the boat' of God’s plan? How can you realign with His will?
Day 5: Restoration Through Divine Guidance
Even when we falter, as Peter did, Jesus is ready to rescue and restore us to His path. This key takeaway offers hope and reassurance that our missteps are not the end of our journey. God's readiness to redirect and guide us back to the right path underscores His endless mercy and the redemptive nature of His love. This understanding allows us to approach Him with confidence, seeking His guidance to correct our course whenever we stray. [01:32:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIBM_bL6S7w&t=5508s)
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt lost or off course. How did God guide you back, and what did you learn from that experience?
Quotes
"He tells them to get in the boat. The word boat in Greek is the word pluno. Pluno. It means a vessel designed to take you through the water to protect you on your journey to get you to the other side. It is a vessel designed. It is equipped to get you. And Jesus says, Disciplined followers, get in the vessel I have already authorized to take you where? To the other side." [59:39]
"God tells me every morning, with them four bypasses in your heart and five stints, you're going to make it. You're going to make it. You're going to get to the other side. You're going to accomplish what I've told you to do. You're going to make it. With whatever resources he has equipped you on the journey, you got everything you need in the boat. It's all in the boat." [01:00:28]
"He always calls us to do things that we don't think we can do. He called them, watch this now, he took care of the ending at the beginning. Before they even got in the boat, they said this boat don't take it to the other side. He spoke that which was not as if it was. Did you hear me? He told them what was going to be the end before they started on the journey." [01:02:36]
"Trust it. Trust it. Because when you step out, you begin to sink. You begin to feel problems you never should have felt. But don't you be no fool. Don't keep sinking. When the Savior's near. I said, don't you? Don't, don't. Just because you crazy like me, and I've done this. I got a whole bunch of stories I can tell you about when I stepped out of the water, onto the water." [01:29:45]
"Rest in the boat that he's put you in. As he puts you in a vessel, believe that that vessel can carry you through. It can take you to where you need to be. That it is able to take you to the other side. There was a man in 1920, Mr. Boland. He's the greatest tightrope walker ever. Ever. In the 1920s, he ran a line all the way across Niagara Falls and then he walked on the tightrope all over it." [01:45:36]
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