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Trusting Jesus in Difficult Times

JESUS MAY LEAD ME THROUGH THINGS THAT I WANT TO AVOID

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. MATTHEW 14:22-23 NLT

Sometimes you have to go through a storm to become the person God has called you to be.

JESUS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED HIM THE MOST

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” MATTHEW 14:24-27 NLT

Three truths to remember when you feel like you’re drowning:

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” DEUTERONOMY 31:6 ESV

JESUS WANTS TO TEACH ME HOW TO RISE ABOVE THE STORM

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. MATTHEW 14:28-30 NLT

MY STORM IS NEVER MORE POWERFUL THAN JESUS

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. MATTHEW 14:31-33 NLT

JESUS LEADS ME THROUGH STORMS SO I CAN HELP OTHERS THROUGH THEIRS

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. MATTHEW 14:34-36 NLT

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: When have you been in a storm-like situation that felt overwhelming or out of control? What helped you get through it?
  2. START HERE: How do you typically respond when God leads you into something you’d rather avoid?
  3. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:22-26 (NLT). Jesus sent his disciples into the boat knowing a storm was coming. How could storms help you become the person God has called you to be?
  4. KEEP GOING: What might Jesus be teaching you right now through something difficult, uncomfortable, or terrifying?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:27 (NLT). Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” Which of these truths do you find hardest to hold onto? Why?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:28-30 (NLT). Peter started out with great faith, but began to sink when he focused on the wind and the waves. What in your daily life pulls your focus away from Jesus?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:30-32 (NLT). Has there been a time when you’ve called out to God like Peter did? What did you learn about Jesus and yourself through that experience?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:32-33 (NLT). Notice the disciple’s response was to worship Jesus. Why does worship play an important role in building faith during tough times?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What’s one step of faith you could take this week to focus on and trust Jesus more fully in a storm?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Jesus led His disciples through storms so they could help others. Who in your life needs encouragement or prayer as they go through a storm?