Finding Hope in the Storm

Jesus never promised us a storm free life

‍
Matthew 14:22-24
22  Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he
dismissed the crowds.  23  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening
came, he was there alone,  24  but the boat by this time was a long way [a]  from the land, [ b ]  beaten by the waves, for the wind was against
them.

‍

Fear distracts us from focusing on Jesus

‍
Matthew 14:25-30
25  And in the fourth watch of the night [a]  he came to them, walking on the sea.  26  But when the disciples saw him
walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.  27  But immediately Jesus spoke to them,
saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28  And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  29  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the
boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.  30  But when he saw the wind, [ b ]  he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried
out, “Lord, save me.”

‍

Sometimes it takes a storm to recognize who Jesus really is

‍
Matthew 14:31-33
31  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did
you doubt?”  32  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  33  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the
Son of God.”

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

‍