Faith Guides Us

When the Storms of Life Arise: A Faith That Holds

Bible Passage: Matthew 8:23–27

Introduction

Where do you turn to when life gets overwhelming? What is your hope for the future of your family? You know we all will normally say, in response to such a question in church, “well Jesus of course”. But let me ask you this morning, is it really true? Be honest with yourself this morning. Are you genuinely trusting Jesus for your next meal or are you resting securely in the arms of your bank balance? It’s easy and trite to say we trust in Jesus for everything, I do it too. But when the rubber meets the road and the stock market starts to waiver and overnight that 401K balance drops drastically, you will find out where your faith really lies. When the healthy body you’ve always had starts to turn on you, you will discover whether your faith is really fully leaning on Him or not. After all He’s promised the righteous will never be left begging for bread and those who trust Him will always be held by Him.

Ask Job how easy that was to cling to when the storms really started to rage. Job did a decent job of it, but read through the whole story not just the first few chapters. Even he eventually started to waiver a little as his friends came to provide him comfort and were really really bad at it. Blaming him for his lack of faith and casting doubt on his commitment to the Lord. Just wait you will hear it from some well meaning Christian friend to “just trust Jesus and this will all get better.” They just omit the fact that yes getting better may mean you learn to live with the thorn in your side rather than having it removed and cast aside.

1. Stormy Seas and Sleeping Savior

Matthew 8:23–25 “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’”

Know Where You Are

Disciples followed him into the boat

Boat set out to cross the sea

Knew they were in midst of a Storm

Recognize the Circumstances

Great storm raging

They were in a small boat

Jesus was busy sleeping

Find Faith to Forge a New Path

Went searching for Jesus

Cried out to Him in need

Had faith He could save them

When you find yourself in the midst of a raging storm, what do you do? When the doctor calls with a diagnosis you didn’t want to hear or the authorities show up at your door with news you don’t want to ever hear or when the love of your life sticks a knife in your back and begins to turn and walk away, what do you do? The disciples saw where they were, understood that they were in serious trouble and turned to the one who will always give us hope. This particular version of this story leaves out a little bit of the color that others deliver. It’s not as if the disciples saw what was going on and said, “oh ok, we’re good, Jesus is with us. He will save us.” Even Matthew points out that they were afraid. Others point out that they were more like “hey what are you doing sleeping, get up before we all drown and die.” Remember this and when it’s your turn allow the knowledge that Jesus will not abandon you to bolster your spirit and strengthen your resolve to come to Jesus and be saved.

2. Faith Overcomes Fear

Matthew 8:26 “And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ “Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Faith Key to Overcoming

Why is Faith failing you?

Faith is too small

Overcome by Fear

Faith Too Small

Focused on Wrong Thing

Distracts from True Source

Turn to One Who’s Worthy

Overcome by Turning to Jesus

He wakes up and stands up

Rebukes the wind and sea

Calm descends on all

Our faith is the key to our salvation. Without faith it is impossible to please God. But with faith we can move mountains. We know intellectually that faith is the key to our overcoming in any circumstance. Putting that faith into practice is an altogether different story. Don’t be surprised when your faith wavers. Don’t be shocked when you have trouble holding on to the promises of Jesus. The disciples had him right there in front of them and at times still got afraid and feared things we’re not meant to fear. Just remember to keep turning towards Jesus. Remember to go searching for Him when you feel adrift. Take stock of where you are in your spiritual life and then run to Jesus!

3. Sovereign Savior, Sovereign Peace

Matthew 8:27 “And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”

Disciples Marveled

Marveled at calming of storm

Surprised by power of Jesus

Shocked to see the storm cease

What Sort of Man?

Didn’t recognize Jesus Deity

Fooled by simplicity of Jesus as a man

Shocked to see nature obey

Realizing the Truth of Jesus

He’s not just a man

Power to control the elements

Deserves to be honored

When we see God as He truly is, it is awe inspiring. When you pray and watch Him move to change things in your life or the lives of those you love, it gives us hope and comfort. Those moments are what we need to hold onto most when we feel ourselves starting to waver. Right them down so when you struggle you can go back to them and be refreshed. Keep a diary of your prayers and don’t forget to open it and see what God has done for you. I promise you He will fill it with answers you wouldn’t have believed if you weren’t there to see them for yourself. All of it of course will come as the result of your willingness to place your faith and trust in Him alone.