Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#27]
AWAKENING FAITH
Luke 8:19-25
Introduction:
Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, we remember how important faith, trust, and guidance are in our lives. Just like a father’s love can help his children feel strong and confident, our Heavenly Father wants to awaken a lively faith in each of us. In our text, we read about a time when Jesus and His Disciples faced a big storm on the sea. This story shows us how trusting in God's power and presence can help us through difficult times. It makes us think about how our faith can be stirred up and made stronger, especially when we feel overwhelmed or scared.
On this special day for fathers, we are reminded that having faith is not just a 1 time thing. It’s a journey that keeps growing as we trust in God's promises. Just as a father’s love encourages us to face life's storms with courage, our Heavenly Father calls us to trust Him more each day. Today, let’s open our hearts to renewed faith- Faith that gives us peace, courage, and confidence even when life gets tough. Remember, Jesus, our true Father, is always with us, ready to calm our fears and help us get through whatever storms come our way.
Luke 8:19-21
The storms of life…
1. Test our priorities and relationships.
The storms of life serve as divine tests that reveal the true state of our hearts- Our priorities and relationships. Jesus emphasizes that those who hear His Word and do it are His true family, highlighting the importance of spiritual bonds rooted in obedience and faith. When trials come, they often shake our earthly priorities, exposing whether we have truly committed ourselves to God's Kingdom or are still clinging to worldly attachments. Practically, this means we must examine our daily choices and allegiances, ensuring that our relationships and priorities are aligned with Christ’s teachings. In times of hardship, our response can either reaffirm our faith or reveal areas where we need to surrender more fully to God's will, thus strengthening our spiritual foundation.
Applying this to daily life involves intentionally prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else, especially during difficult seasons. When storms threaten to overwhelm us, we are called to rely on our faith in God's sovereignty and love, which helps us maintain perspective and integrity. Practically, this may involve dedicating intentional time for prayer, Scripture, and community with believers, so that when challenges arise, we are rooted in God's Word and truth. Moreover, it encourages us to nurture genuine relationships within the body of Christ, fostering accountability and mutual support. Through these practices, our faith is awakened and strengthened, enabling us to withstand life's storms with unwavering trust in God's plan and purpose.
Luke 8:22-25
The storms of life…
2. Challenge our understanding of Jesus’ authority and presence.
The storms of life serve as a profound reminder of Jesus’ divine authority and His unwavering presence amid chaos. The Disciples’ fear and Jesus’ calmness highlight that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, Jesus remains in control, asserting His sovereignty over nature itself. This challenges believers to reconsider their understanding of Jesus’ authority- Not merely as a compassionate healer or teacher, but as the sovereign Lord who commands the wind and waves. Practically, this calls us to trust in His divine power during our own storms, recognizing that His presence is not limited by our fears or the severity of our trials. Embracing this truth can deepen our faith, encouraging us to surrender our anxieties and acknowledge Jesus as the ultimate authority who sustains us through life’s fiercest tempests.
Furthermore, the passage invites believers to reflect on the practical implications of Jesus’ presence in times of trouble. His question to the Disciples, “Where is your faith?” challenges us to examine our own level of trust in His power and presence, especially when life feels tumultuous. In practical terms, this means cultivating a faith that actively leans on Jesus during difficulties, trusting that His authority extends over every aspect of our lives. It encourages us to develop a posture of dependence on His sovereignty, knowing that His presence is a stabilizing force amid life’s storms. Consequently, this application fosters resilience and hope, inspiring us to face adversity with confidence that Jesus is with us, calming our fears and guiding us toward spiritual awakening and growth in faith.
Luke 8:23-24
The storms of life…
3. Expose our fears and deepen our dependence on Christ.
When Jesus’ Disciples faced the raging storm, their fear exposed their limited understanding of His sovereignty and power. The storm serves as a mirror for our own lives, revealing the fears that often overwhelm us- Whether it be uncertainty, loss, or failure. Recognizing these fears is a crucial step in spiritual growth, as it forces us to confront our dependence on worldly securities and our own strength. Practically, this calls us to intentionally bring our fears before Christ in prayer, acknowledging our vulnerability and trusting in His control over the chaos. As we do so, we deepen our reliance on Him, understanding that true peace comes not from external circumstances but from a steadfast trust in His authority and presence amid life’s storms.
Theologically, this passage underscores the sovereignty of Christ over all creation, affirming that no storm is beyond His power. It challenges believers to see their fears as opportunities to deepen faith, trusting that Christ’s presence is sufficient to calm the storms within and around us. Practically, this means cultivating a habit of turning to Jesus in prayer during trials, rather than succumbing to panic or despair. By exposing our fears and leaning on Christ’s promises, we are shaped into resilient believers who are less driven by anxiety and more anchored in His love and sovereignty. This spiritual posture enables us to navigate life’s upheavals with confidence, knowing that Christ’s power and care are always greater than any storm we face.
Luke 8:25
The storms of life…
4. Lead us to a renewed acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority.
The storms of life serve as profound catalysts that beckon believers to a renewed acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine authority. When the Disciples question, “Who then is this?” amid the tumult, it highlights how life's upheavals strip away superficial faith and compel us to confront the true nature of Jesus as the Lord over all creation, including the chaos we face. Practically, this calls believers to reflect on their own experiences of hardship, recognizing that these storms are opportunities to deepen their trust in Jesus’ sovereignty. Instead of succumbing to fear, we are invited to see these challenges as divine invitations to reaffirm our faith in His power to calm the storms, (both external and internal) thus fostering a more intimate and unwavering trust in His authority.
Theologically, acknowledging Jesus’ authority amid life’s storms affirms His divinity and His role as the sovereign ruler over every aspect of creation. It reminds us that no tempest is beyond His control and that His presence is intended to bring peace in the midst of chaos. Practically, this understanding encourages believers to respond to life's difficulties with prayer, worship, and a renewed commitment to trust Jesus as the ultimate authority. By doing so, we can experience His peace that surpasses understanding, and our lives can become testimonies of His power and sovereignty. As we grow in recognizing Jesus’ authority, we are better equipped to navigate the storms with faith, knowing that He is in control, and His authority ultimately leads us to spiritual growth and deeper dependence on Him.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the story of Jesus calming the storm, we are reminded that in the midst of life's storms, (whether they be trials, fears, or uncertainties) our Savior is always present. His authority over nature reveals His divine power, but more importantly, His care and desire to bring peace to our troubled hearts. Just as the disciples found reassurance in Jesus’ command and His presence, we are called to awaken our faith, trusting that Christ is with us even when the storm rages around us. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the confidence that Jesus is greater than any storm, and with Him, we can find calm and security.
Today, I urge you to respond to this invitation. If you feel overwhelmed by life's storms and realize the need to awaken your faith anew, come forward and surrender your fears to Jesus. Let Him calm your heart and renew your trust in His power and love. Whether you are seeking salvation, a renewed commitment, or simply longing for peace, the altar is open. Don’t wait- Step out in faith, and let Jesus awaken a fresh wave of hope and trust within you. His peace is available today- Trust Him, and experience the awakening of your faith.
