Trusting Jesus Through Life's Storms and Challenges
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound lesson of trust and faith through the story of Peter walking on water, as recounted in Matthew 14:22-33. This narrative is not just about a miraculous event but a deep dive into the essence of faith, trust, and God's timing. We began by acknowledging the importance of worship and surrender, emphasizing that no matter what we go through, Jesus is always there to catch us when we fall.
We transitioned into discussing the unavoidable storms of life, drawing parallels between our personal struggles and the disciples' experience on the stormy sea. Jesus sent the disciples into the storm, not to harm them, but to teach them a lesson in trust and faith. This led us to the realization that God's timing is designed to teach us to trust Him, even when it seems He is late.
We delved into the concept of "fourth watch faith," the faith required to trust God in the darkest hours of our lives. We also discussed the dual nature of "what if" scenarios, encouraging us to focus on positive possibilities rather than negative fears.
Peter's bold step out of the boat was highlighted as an example of faith in action, but also a reminder that even when we falter, Jesus is there to catch us. We learned that the deepest things God speaks to us are often the simplest, and that big moves don't always prove great faith. True faith is trusting in God's authority and His word, even without detailed instructions.
Finally, we concluded with the understanding that grace and faith go hand in hand. Our faith is not in our ability to walk on water, but in knowing that Jesus will catch us when we fall. This story is a powerful reminder that we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trust in His timing, and have faith that He is always in control.
### Key Takeaways
1. Certain Storms Are Unavoidable: Life's storms are often unavoidable and not necessarily a result of our actions. These storms are opportunities for growth and learning. Jesus sent the disciples into the storm to teach them a lesson in trust and faith, showing that sometimes we must go through difficult situations to learn and grow. [29:10]
2. God's Timing Teaches Trust: God's timing is designed to teach us to trust Him. Jesus appeared to the disciples just before dawn, not to provide immediate relief, but to teach them a lesson in faith. This reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed, and that He is always watching over us. [31:53]
3. "What If" Works Both Ways: The "what if" scenarios in our minds can either paralyze us with fear or propel us forward in faith. Fear is just faith in the wrong "what if." We must focus on the positive possibilities and trust that God has a plan for us, even in the midst of our storms. [36:03]
4. The Deepest Things God Speaks Are the Simplest: God's instructions are often simple yet profound. Peter asked for a word, and Jesus simply said, "Come." This teaches us that we don't always need detailed plans; sometimes, a single word from God is enough to guide us. We must learn to trust in the simplicity of His commands. [39:12]
5. Grace and Faith Go Hand in Hand: Our faith is not in our ability to walk on water but in knowing that Jesus will catch us when we fall. Grace and faith are intertwined; we are saved by grace through faith. This story reminds us that even when we falter, God's grace is sufficient, and He is always there to catch us. [51:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:20] - Introduction and Announcements
[23:33] - The Importance of Communication with God
[24:51] - The Miracle of Walking on Water
[26:12] - Jesus Sends the Disciples into the Storm
[27:45] - Peter Walks on Water
[29:10] - Certain Storms Are Unavoidable
[30:27] - Praising God Through the Storm
[31:53] - God's Timing Teaches Trust
[33:17] - Fourth Watch Faith
[34:34] - The Dual Nature of "What If"
[36:03] - Fear is Faith in the Wrong "What If"
[39:12] - The Deepest Things God Speaks Are the Simplest
[42:45] - Faith and Obedience
[44:18] - Jesus Catches Peter
[45:41] - Little Faith vs. Great Faith
[48:23] - The Centurion's Great Faith
[51:33] - Grace and Faith Go Hand in Hand
[55:12] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
[56:29] - Invitation to Trust in Jesus
[01:00:06] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do immediately after sending the disciples into the boat? ([26:12])
2. How did the disciples initially react when they saw Jesus walking on the water? ([27:45])
3. What was Peter's request to Jesus when he saw Him on the water, and what was Jesus' response? ([27:45])
4. What happened to Peter when he noticed the wind and became afraid? ([27:45])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples into the storm instead of avoiding it? ([29:10])
2. How does the concept of "fourth watch faith" challenge our understanding of God's timing? ([31:53])
3. What does Peter's experience of walking on water and then sinking teach us about faith and doubt? ([27:45])
4. How does the story illustrate the relationship between grace and faith? ([51:33])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, even if His timing seemed delayed? ([31:53])
2. When faced with "what if" scenarios, do you tend to focus on negative fears or positive possibilities? How can you shift your mindset to trust in God's plan? ([36:03])
3. Think of a time when you felt like you were sinking, much like Peter. How did you experience Jesus' presence and help during that time? ([27:45])
4. How can you practice "fourth watch faith" in your current circumstances, trusting God even in the darkest hours? ([31:53])
5. What simple command from God are you currently struggling to obey? How can you take a step of faith to follow it? ([39:12])
6. How can you remind yourself daily that God's grace is sufficient and that He will catch you when you fall? ([51:33])
7. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction? ([56:29])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Life's Unavoidable Storms
Life's storms are often unavoidable and not necessarily a result of our actions. These storms are opportunities for growth and learning. Jesus sent the disciples into the storm to teach them a lesson in trust and faith, showing that sometimes we must go through difficult situations to learn and grow. When we face our own storms, we can remember that they are not meant to harm us but to help us develop a deeper trust in God. By embracing these challenges, we can grow stronger in our faith and more reliant on God's guidance.
In the story of Peter walking on water, the disciples were caught in a storm that tested their faith. Jesus sent them into the storm, not to abandon them, but to teach them a valuable lesson. This narrative reminds us that God is always with us, even in the midst of our most difficult trials. We can find comfort in knowing that our struggles are not in vain and that God uses them to shape us into the people He wants us to be. [29:10]
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 storm in your life. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, and what lessons might He be teaching you through it?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
God's timing is designed to teach us to trust Him. Jesus appeared to the disciples just before dawn, not to provide immediate relief, but to teach them a lesson in faith. This reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed, and that He is always watching over us. We often want immediate answers and solutions, but God's timing is always purposeful. He knows the best moment to intervene in our lives, and His delays are not denials but opportunities for us to grow in trust and patience.
In our darkest hours, we may feel that God is late or that He has forgotten us. However, the story of Jesus walking on water shows that He arrives at the perfect time, just when we need Him most. By trusting in God's timing, we can find peace and assurance that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. This trust allows us to wait patiently and confidently, knowing that God will act at the right moment. [31:53]
Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was late in answering your prayers. How did the situation resolve, and what did you learn about God's timing through that experience?
Day 3: Choosing Faith Over Fear in "What If" Scenarios
The "what if" scenarios in our minds can either paralyze us with fear or propel us forward in faith. Fear is just faith in the wrong "what if." We must focus on the positive possibilities and trust that God has a plan for us, even in the midst of our storms. Our minds are powerful, and the scenarios we imagine can significantly impact our actions and attitudes. By choosing to focus on positive "what if" scenarios, we can cultivate a mindset of faith and hope rather than fear and doubt.
Peter's bold step out of the boat is a perfect example of choosing faith over fear. He focused on the possibility of walking on water with Jesus rather than the fear of sinking. This story encourages us to shift our perspective and trust in God's power and goodness. When we face uncertain situations, we can choose to believe that God will work things out for our good, rather than succumbing to fear and anxiety. [36:03]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Identify a "what if" scenario that has been causing you fear. How can you reframe it into a positive possibility and trust God with the outcome?
Day 4: Trusting in the Simplicity of God's Commands
God's instructions are often simple yet profound. Peter asked for a word, and Jesus simply said, "Come." This teaches us that we don't always need detailed plans; sometimes, a single word from God is enough to guide us. We must learn to trust in the simplicity of His commands. God's guidance may not always come with elaborate explanations or detailed steps, but His simple instructions are powerful and sufficient.
In our walk with God, we may find ourselves seeking complex answers or detailed plans for our lives. However, the story of Peter walking on water reminds us that sometimes, all we need is a simple word from God. By trusting in the simplicity of His commands, we can take bold steps of faith, knowing that He will guide us and provide for us along the way. This trust in God's simple yet profound instructions can lead to incredible experiences and growth in our faith. [39:12]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: Think of a simple command or word from God that you have received. How can you act on it today, trusting in its simplicity and power?
Day 5: The Interconnection of Grace and Faith
Our faith is not in our ability to walk on water but in knowing that Jesus will catch us when we fall. Grace and faith are intertwined; we are saved by grace through faith. This story reminds us that even when we falter, God's grace is sufficient, and He is always there to catch us. Our faith is not about our own strength or abilities but about trusting in God's grace and His promise to be with us.
Peter's experience of walking on water and then sinking illustrates the beautiful interplay between grace and faith. When Peter began to sink, Jesus immediately reached out and caught him, demonstrating that God's grace is always available to us, even when our faith wavers. This story encourages us to rely on God's grace and to have faith that He will always be there to support us, no matter how many times we stumble. [51:33]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt you were sinking in life. How did you experience God's grace and support during that time, and how can you rely on His grace in your current circumstances?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "To survive the storm is an absolute miracle. To survive abuse is a miracle. To survive cancer is a miracle. So all these things that we're doing is a miracle. And so the thing is, I think that when we're going through a storm, we're so worried about getting to the other side that we're not learning throughout the storm what God wants to show us through those storms." [30:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's timing is designed to teach you to trust. The Bible says he revealed himself just before dawn. If the goal was for him to comfort the disciples, then he's late. If the goal was for him to teach them a lesson, then he's right on time." [31:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Fear is just faith in the wrong what if. Because a lot of times I think we are more afraid of what if faith in the positive as opposed to our, we totally go negative very quickly. What if? And we think of the worst that could possibly happen. Instead of thinking, you know, what if? Because, you know, what if we fail? What if you don't? What if you succeed?" [36:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you realize you're not enough, realize that God put it in you. He put it inside you. When he says, come, you have to come. I wouldn't be up here preaching if he didn't tell me to preach. I wouldn't do a lot of the things, especially here at the church, if God hadn't put it inside me to do. And I'm so thankful for that." [41:02] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My faith is not in my faith. My faith is in the grace of God. I hear him saying the same thing he did to Peter as he says to me, as he says to you, come, come, come." [56:29] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Certain storms are unavoidable. Maybe it's not because of something you even did, but you have to go through it in order to do it. You have to work through your situation. And so you have to deal with things that you encounter in your life. And it could be a physical storm. It could be a physical storm. It could be a physical storm. It could be a mental storm. It could be a psychological storm." [29:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The deepest things God speaks will also be the simplest. I think sometimes we've confused deep with confusing. Sometimes we confuse deep with confusing. Some of the deepest words that I think I've ever heard, and I've spoke on this several times, and I say that I've said to people God's never spoken to me. It's because I've, and I think that's not true." [39:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Big moves don't always prove great faith. Preaching somewhere, I know you're, you're walking on water, but you're doing little steps, getting all fancy up here. And he, that's great faith. That's great. But he said, I don't even need you to come. I don't even need you to come. The command is the confirmation. The command is enough to confirm what you should do. That's great faith." [49:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Grace and faith go hand in hand. And if you don't believe that he's close enough to catch you when you fall, you're going to always stumble. You're going to always stumble. Peter's faith was not in his feet, but knowing that God was, Jesus was going to catch him when he fell. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know if I can get through the storm. I know I can't walk on water, but I have great grace and I have a big God." [53:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's important to know what to walk towards, but it's also important to know what to ignore and walk away from as important as to know what to walk from. Some of you in here today, are walking towards what you're supposed to, but you're not ignoring the things that you shouldn't." [55:12] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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