Faith In The Storm: Trusting God Amidst Chaos And Conflict

Matthew 24:6-8

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” — Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV)

Introduction

This week has been filled with headlines that remind us of how fragile life is. From a devastating floods that have claimed many lives, to the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, not to mention Israel and Iran, it seems the world is gripped by chaos and conflict. With all of this going on It’s natural to ask, “Where is God in all of this?” and “How should we, as believers, respond?”

Let’s look at three things today:

The Reality of Suffering in a Broken World

Finding Peace in the Storm

Our Role as the Light of Christ in Times of Crisis

1. The Reality of Suffering in a Broken World

The Reality is believers are not strangers to suffering. The Bible is full of accounts of wars, natural disasters, and personal suffering of people. Scripture never promises us a life free from pain or conflict. As a matter of fact, Jesus warned us that we would face trials in a fallen world. He said in this world you will have troubles… But I have overcome the world

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Floods & Destruction: Are just Creation Groaning

Romans 8:22 tells us that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Just because we have Floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters doesn’t mean that God has abandoned the world, it’s just means that we live in a world that is deeply affected by sin and brokenness. Even during these devasting things we can still find God at work.

Conflict Between Nations: It’s just Prophecy fulfilling

The wars, and the ongoing conflicts between nations... Let me point you in direction of the prophecy found in Matthew 24: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” All of these conflicts are part of the brokenness caused by our own human sin and pride. Jesus told us that these things were coming … He told us how it was going to be… not to scare us, but to remind us that the world is moving toward a greater story— a better story… I think He wanted us to know that the World was moving towards God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

When we see suffering, when we see war in the world, we have got to remember that this is not the end. The brokenness we see around us is not permanent, it’s not going to last forever. All this brokenness and suffering around us points to the need of a Savior and the hope we have in Christ, who one day will make all things new.

2. Finding Peace in the Storm

In times of crisis, whether it’s a natural disaster or a conflict, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, as Christians, we are called to respond differently—not with fear, but with faith. Remember in Mark 4: 35-41 when Jesus calmed the storm and reassured His disciples in the midst of chaos

The disciples found themselves in a violent storm, and were terrified for their lives. In their fear, they cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus responded… He rebuked the wind and the waves, and brought peace to the chaos.

Sometimes we find ourselves in storms, whether literal (like a flood or tornado) or figuratively. And much like the disciples, we may wonder if God even cares. But we must remember: God doesn’t leave us in the storm… God is with us in the storm. He may not always calm the storm immediately, but He promises to be with us through it… He’s going to be with you through the struggles, He’s going to be with you through the trials…

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When the storms of life hit—whether it’s war or natural disasters—we are called to pray, we are called to trust, and experience the peace that only God can provide. His peace doesn’t depend on our circumstances… His peace comes from His presence.