Introduction

Good morning, beloved! As we gather together in this sacred space, we are reminded of the unity and love that binds us, not just as a congregation, but as a family in Christ. Today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a profound study of Matthew 8:23-26. A passage that is as timely as it is timeless, as relevant as it is revelatory.

Let me read it to you:

"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."

Facing Life's Storms

Life is filled with a variety of experiences, some joyous and others challenging. It's not uncommon for us to encounter situations that feel like a storm, where the winds of adversity blow hard and the waves of difficulty seem to overwhelm us. These storms can take many forms - a sudden illness, the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, or even a global pandemic. It's in these moments that our faith is truly tested.

The disciples found themselves in a literal storm: They were on a boat being tossed about by the waves. They were seasoned fishermen, used to the unpredictability of the sea. Yet, this storm was so fierce that they feared for their lives. They were in a situation beyond their control, and it terrified them.

Our lives: We too face storms that are beyond our control. We may not be on a physical boat, but the feeling of being tossed about by circumstances beyond our control is something we can all relate to. It's in these moments that we feel our most vulnerable, our most human. We realize that despite our best efforts, there are things in life we simply cannot control.

The disciples' reaction to the storm is also telling: They were not passive observers. They did not sit back and accept their fate. They took action. They woke Jesus up, crying out for help. They recognized their need for divine intervention. This is a lesson for us. When we find ourselves in the midst of life's storms, we are not meant to face them alone. We are not expected to navigate the tumultuous seas of life without help. We have a Savior who is ready and willing to intervene on our behalf. But we must be willing to cry out to Him, to acknowledge our need for His help.

The disciples' cry for help was not a sign of weakness: It was a sign of faith. They knew that Jesus had the power to calm the storm. They had seen His miracles, witnessed His power. Their cry was a declaration of trust, a recognition that Jesus was their only hope. In our own storms, we too must learn to cry out to Jesus. To trust in His power and His love for us. To know that no matter how fierce the storm, He is with us. He hears our cries and He responds.

The storm also served another purpose: It revealed the true nature of the disciples' faith. When faced with the storm, their faith was found wanting. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith. This was not a condemnation, but a call to deeper faith. A call to trust in Him, even in the midst of the storm. In our own storms, our faith is also revealed. Do we trust in Jesus, or do we let fear overwhelm us? Do we cry out to Him, or do we try to navigate the storm on our own? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. These are the lessons we must learn from the storm.

In the end, the storm was calmed: Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, and there was peace. The disciples were saved, not by their own efforts, but by the power of Jesus. This is the hope we have in our own storms. That no matter how fierce the storm, no matter how hopeless the situation seems, Jesus has the power to calm the storm. He has the power to bring peace. He has the power to save us.

Finding Faith in the Fury

As we continue to reflect on the passage from Matthew, we find ourselves drawn to the disciples' reaction to the storm ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO