Bold Prayers- Aligning Our Hearts with God's

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday March 2, 2025.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NIV

What do your prayers sound like? Are they whispered requests, hesitant hopes, or bold declarations of faith? We're diving into the heart of prayer, exploring how to move beyond the timid and into the territory of bold prayers. Not prayers born of our own ambition, but prayers that resonate with the very heartbeat of God. We're talking about aligning our hearts with His, so that our petitions become echoes of His perfect will.

We’re not just seeking bigger answers; we’re seeking a deeper connection. A connection that transforms our prayers from wishful thinking to powerful expressions of trust and surrender. To do this, we'll look at the raw honesty of Psalm 51, a testament to the kind of vulnerability and faith that paves the way for truly bold prayers. Today we will discover how to lay aside our fears and insecurities, and step into a prayer life that is both courageous and deeply aligned with God’s heart."

Psalms 51:1-10 NIV[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. [5] Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. [6] Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. [7] Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. [9] Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. [10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Text

Psalms 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Introduction

What do your prayers sound like? Are they whispered requests, hesitant hopes, or bold declarations of faith? Today, we're going to talk about how to move from timid to 'bold prayers.' Prayers that are aligned with God's will, not our own desires. I mean prayer that aligns our hearts with His, so that they really become echoes of His perfect will.

We are going to talk about prayer that seeks a deeper connection with God not that just seeks bigger answers. 

Prayer that seeks a connection that transforms our prayers from wishful thinking to powerful expressions of trust and surrender. 

We will discover how to lay aside our fears and insecurities, and step into a prayer life that is both courageous and deeply aligned with God’s heart.

I.We often hold back in prayer. 

Yes, we pray for safety, for comfort, and small blessings. But are we truly praying with the boldness God wants? The question is why do we hesitate?

Let me give you three possible reasons;

• One fear of Rejection: We worry that our requests are too big, too audacious. We’re afraid God will say no. 

But remember, God tells us to come boldly.  It's right here in

Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

• Number two. We limit God by our own limited understanding. 

Matthew 21:20-22 NIV [20] When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. [21] Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. [22] If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” 

Jesus emphasizes that faith, without doubt, can result in the accomplishment of  seemingly impossible things. God is capable of extraordinary things, and faith unlocks the potential for those things to manifest. 

Matthew 19:26 NIV…with God all things are possible.”

Jeremiah 32:17 NIV “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. 

This underscores the importance of approaching God with confident belief when we pray.

Remember these two things;

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for.

And 

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

• The first reason that we don’t pray bold prayers is the fear of rejection, we’re afraid God will say no.  The second reason is that we  limit God by our own limited understanding, and the third reason is that we feel unworthy. We feel we don't deserve God's blessings. 

This is where we need to understand God's grace. 

Like David in Psalm 51, which James read this morning, we must acknowledge our sin, but we must also embrace God's mercy.

II. Psalm 51 is not a timid prayer. It's a raw, honest outpouring of a heart desperate for God.

• First of all it is honest Confession

Psalms 51:1-4 NIV [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

David doesn't sugarcoat his sin. He lays it bare before God. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercies blot out my transgressions." Radical honesty is the foundation of bold prayer. We must acknowledge our need for God's forgiveness.

• Next we should ask that God transform our hearts.  

Psalms 51:10-12 NIV [10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. [11] Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

David's prayer is for deep, internal change. He desires a heart that is aligned  with God's heart. The ultimate goal of bold prayer is to be conformed to Jesus’ image.

Romans 8:29 NIV 29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

• When we pray bold prayers we praying for God's purpose in our lives and in the world 

How did Jesus begin the pattern prayer he taught His disciples and the prayer we pray together every Sunday?

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV…“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10]  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

David's prayer isn't just about himself. He wants to be used by God. When our hearts are aligned with God's heart, our prayers will reflect His desires..

Listen to  what David prayed.

Psalms 51:13-15 NIV [13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. [14] Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. [15] Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

III. When we align our hearts with God's heart, our prayers become powerful instruments of His will.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Prayers that are aligned with God's heart are not about getting what we want, but about asking for what God wants.

Psalms 37:4 NIV [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart

Asking for what God wants causes us to  shift our perspective from self-centered requests. God is ultimately in control. He knows what is best for us, even when we don't. Prayer that is aligned with God’s heart acknowledges His sovereignty and trusts His wisdom.

Prayer is not a transaction where we demand things from God. It's a relationship where we seek to align our hearts with His. Genuine prayer is about transformation, not just getting what we want. God has a purpose for our lives and for the world and prayer that is aligned Him seeks to understand and participate in His purpose.

Instead of praying for specific outcomes, pray for God's guidance and wisdom; “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

 Instead of focusing on our own desires, we focus on God's kingdom and His glory.; “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

• Bold prayers require faith. 

We must trust that God is able to do what He promises.

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

• Bold prayers often require persistence. 

Don’t give up on praying for God's will to be done. Jesus gave us an example of persistence in a parable.  Let’s look at it. 

Luke 18:1-8 NIV [1] Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. [2] He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. [3] And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ [4]  “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, [5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” [6] And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. [7] And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [8] I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” 

While the parable emphasizes persistence, it also implies that we must trust in God's timing. God hears our prayers and will respond, though perhaps not always in the way or at the time we expect. Our persistent prayer is an act of faith.

IV. How do we cultivate the kind of prayer life where our prayers become bold prayers?

• Spend Time in God's Word: The Bible reveals God's heart and His will.

• Practice Honest Self-Reflection: Ask God to reveal any areas of your life that need His transformation.

• Step Out in Faith: Don't be afraid to pray for big things. God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 NIV[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  

• Pray with Others: Praying with fellow believers can strengthen our faith and encourage us to pray boldly.

• Practice Humility: Remember that bold prayers are not about our own power, but about God's power.

Zechariah 4:6 NIV [6] So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Conclusion

God is calling us to a deeper level of prayer. He wants us to move beyond timid requests and into the realm of bold prayers, prayers that are aligned with His heart. Let us embrace the honesty of Psalm 51, the confidence of 

Hebrews 4:16 NIV Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

and the faith of 

Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

Let us pray boldly, knowing that God hears us and is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Heavenly Father,

May your words take root in our hearts and transform us from the inside out. Lord, we long for our hearts to be aligned with yours. Forgive us for the times we've strayed, for the moments we've prioritized our own desires over your will. Help us to follow your commands with joy and conviction. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Faith: The Engine of Freedom (A Black History Month Sermon)

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday February 23, 2025.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(Galatians 5:1 NIV)

As we come to the end of Black History Month let’s talk about a powerful engine, an engine that drives us, that propels us forward, that liberates us from the shackles of doubt and despair. That engine is our faith. Not blind faith, not passive acceptance, but a vibrant, active faith that fuels our journey towards true freedom.

We live in a world that often tries to define freedom in purely material terms. Our world often equates freedom with material things: the freedom to buy, travel, and have our needs met. But real freedom, the kind that touches our souls, goes far beyond that. It's about being true to ourselves, pursuing our purpose, giving, and receiving love, and connecting with God.

James 1:19-27 NIV [19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. [26] Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. [27] Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Lift Every Voice and Sing  

For our special music today I selected “Lift Every Voice and Sing", a powerful and historically significant song often referred to as the "Black National Anthem." 

At the Women of Praise fellowship a couple of weeks ago Kimberly Miller told us that the origin of the song is a poem which was written by James Weldon Johnson who was a NAACP leader and educator.   He wrote the poem in "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. 

The music for the song was composed  by his brother John Rosamond Johnson.The song was first performed in public by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, where James Weldon Johnson was the principal.

The song was adopted by the NAACP as the "Negro National Anthem" in 1919 (later referred to as the "Black National Anthem").

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" became a powerful anthem during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and continues to be an important part of African American history and culture, sung at events, celebrations, and commemorations. It serves as a reminder of the past, a symbol of hope for the future, and a call for unity. It is a testament to the enduring power of music and poetry to capture the spirit of a people and their struggles, hopes, and dreams.

Introduction

Black History Month is not just about looking back at the past. It's also a time to reflect on the present and the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality. It's an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of African Americans and to amplify their voices and experiences.

This is not just a history for the African American community; it is an American history, a human history, a story of resilience, struggle, triumph, and the enduring power of faith.  Faith that liberates us from the shackles of doubt and despair.   

We live in a world that often tries to define freedom in purely material terms. Our world often equates freedom with material things: the freedom to buy, travel, and have our needs met. But real freedom goes far beyond that. It's pursuing our God  given and God directed  purpose.  It’s about giving and receiving love, about being true to ourselves, and connecting with God.

Our text for today is

Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The kind of freedom I’m talking about was bought by the blood of Jesus.  It is a freedom powered by faith.

Now our faith is not just believing in something, but believing so deeply in the love of God and His promises that it shapes our actions, our choices, and our very being.

Just think of a powerful engine. It doesn't run on its own. It needs fuel, it needs a spark, it needs constant maintenance. Faith is the fuel that powers our spirit. It's the spark that ignites our courage. It keeps us moving forward, even when the road is rough and the journey seems impossible. Our faith is a living, breathing thing.

When we have faith, we are free from the oppression of fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of what others might think. 

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Here’s what it says in

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Faith in God’s love and His promises says  to us, "You are capable. You are loved. You are not alone." Faith in God’s love and His promises  gives us the strength to step outside our comfort zones, to take risks, to pursue our dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Faith in God’s love and His promises is a powerful force that breaks the chains of doubt. Doubt can cripple us, holding us captive in negativity and self-defeating patterns. 

Faith in God's unwavering love and promises transforms our lives by revealing our tremendous value in His sight. 

Genesis 1:27 NIV So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Matthew 6:26 NIV Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

This emphasizes God's love for us compared to His other creations. Faith in God’s love and His promises give us unshakeable confidence that comes from trusting in God's power and presence in our lives. Faith in God's unwavering love and promises enables us to rise above adversity. 

This is the confidence that Paul talked about in his letter to the Philippians church, which was written while he was in prison by the way

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

That’s the confidence we can have when we have faith in God, when we believe in God’s promises and tust in His love for His children.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

Faith in God’s love and His promises empowers us to believe in ourselves, to believe in our potential, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future.

I know that life will inevitably throw challenges our way. We will face setbacks, we will experience loss, we will encounter moments of darkness. But faith in God and His love and promises is the light that guides us through these dark times. 

Psalms 27:1 NIV The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Even in the midst of suffering, hope remains. Even when we feel broken, we are not beyond repair. 

Romans 8:29-39 NIV [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God had a plan from the very beginning of time. He knew who would believe in Jesus and decided beforehand that they would become like Jesus. This means they would share in Jesus' glory and become part of God's family.

God showed the ultimate proof of His love by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus, for us. If He did that, surely He will give us everything else we need.

So if God is on our side, who can possibly defeat us? Nothing can separate us from Christ's love. Not hardship, suffering, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death itself. Even though we might face difficult times, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. 

We can be absolutely convinced that nothing—not life or death, angels or demons, the present or the future, any spiritual power, no height or depth, or anything else in all creation—can ever separate us from God's love that we have through Jesus.

God's love is unwavering and His plan for us is secure. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are forgiven, protected, and eternally loved. Nothing can change that.

Our faith however, is not a passive thing. It's not something we simply have. It's something we cultivate. It's something we nurture. It's something we put into action. 

Just like an engine needs regular maintenance, our faith needs constant care. We nurture our faith through prayer, reading and studying the Word of God the Bible, through fellowship with other believers, and through acts of service.

Just like an engine is meant to move us forward, faith moves us forward toward a life of purpose and meaning. It inspires us to make a difference in the world, to contribute to something larger than ourselves, to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Let’s embrace the power of faith. Let’s ignite the engine of freedom within us. Let’s break free from the shackles of fear, doubt, and despair. Let’s move out with courage, with hope, and with unwavering belief in God and His power. Let’s live lives of true and lasting freedom fueled by our faith in God’s love and His promises. 

As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

You can't have a relationship with someone you don't believe exists. Simply going through the motions of religion or performing good deeds isn't enough. God wants genuine faith, a heartfelt belief and trust in Him. 

God isn't distant or uncaring. He's actively involved and responsive to those who truly seek Him.  His reward isn't necessarily material wealth or worldly success, but rather peace, purpose, guidance, a deeper relationship with Him, and ultimately, eternal life. Now that’s true freedom.

Prayer

God, we thank you for the reminder of your unwavering love and the power of faith. As we come to the end  of Black History Month, we recognize the strength and resilience of those who have faced adversity, and we acknowledge the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. We ask that you ignite within each of us a vibrant faith, a faith that fuels our actions, choices, and very being. Help us to cultivate this faith through prayer, study of your Word, and fellowship with one another. Free us from the shackles of fear, doubt, and despair, and empower us to live lives of true and lasting freedom, fueled by our belief in your promises. May we be a light in the world, contributing to something larger than ourselves, and leaving the world a better place. We thank you for your love, your grace, and your presence in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Faith through Life's Storms

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday February 16, 2025.

Some of us carry burdens heavy as stones, others feel the winds of change whipping around us, and still others weather storms we thought would surely break us. Life, as we all know, isn't a calm, predictable sea. It's often a tempest, a series of waves crashing against the fragile boat of our hopes and dreams. We face trials – illness, loss, disappointment, fear – and sometimes, it feels like we're being tossed about with no land in sight. But even in the midst of the fiercest storm, there's an anchor that can hold us steady, a light that can guide us through the darkness. That anchor, that light, is faith. Today, we'll explore what it means to have faith through life's storms, how it can sustain us when the waves threaten to overwhelm us, and how it can ultimately lead us to a place of peace and strength.

Matthew 8:14-27 NIV [14] When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. [15] He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. [16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”  [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” [20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [21] Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”  [23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” [26] 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. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” 

Sermon

Let's be real today, some of us are carrying some heavy stuff – like, seriously heavy. Some of us  might feel like life's throwing some curveballs, and some of us have been through storms that felt like they'd knock us flat. Life isn't exactly smooth sailing, right?. 

We all go through tough times – sickness, losing people we love, disappointments, fear – and sometimes it feels like we're just getting tossed around out there with no end in sight. But even when the storm's at its worst, there's something or better yet someone, that can keep us grounded, something or better yet someone, that can show us the way through the dark. That something is faith and that someone is God, His love, His word and His promises. So today, we're going to talk about what it means to have faith in God, when life gets stormy, how it can give us hope when we feel like we're drowning, and how it can bring us to a place of peace and strength.

Text

Matthew 8:26 NIV [26] 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.

In the passage that James read we see the disciples in a dire situation, facing a powerful storm. Their fear and desperation are evident, yet Jesus remains calm and unshaken. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the most tumultuous times, our faith in God can bring us peace and assurance.

Luke and Mark also write about this event which shows how important it is in demonstrating the power of Jesus.  In Luke it is at 8:22-25 and in Mark it is at Mark 4:35-41.

We all face tough times. Today, I want to share how strengthening our faith can help us weather those storms. It's about finding an anchor in the midst of disappointment, worry, anxiety, and fear – an anchor that keeps us grounded. These trials, these storms, are not meant to destroy us, but to refine us, to build our resilience.

Let’s look at what happened before the storm:

Matthew 8:1-3 NIV [1] When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. [2] A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [3] Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 

Here Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating his compassion and power over sickness and disease. Highlighting Jesus's ability to restore and cleanse.

Matthew 8:5-13 NIV [5] When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. [6] “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” [7] Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” [8] The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [10] When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. [11] I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. [12] But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [13] Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. 

Here Jesus heals the servant of a Roman centurion who demonstrates great faith in Jesus's ability to heal from a distance. This emphasizes the power of faith and the reach of Jesus’ authority beyond that of Jews only. 

Then Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law from a fever, showing his care for his followers.

Matthew 8:14-15 NIV [14] When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. [15] He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

Then Matthew writes.

Matthew 8:16-17 NIV [16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” 

Next Jesus talks about the cost of following Him

Matthew 8:18-22 NIV [18] When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. [19] Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” [20] Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [21] Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” 

Just before they set out to cross the Sea of Galilee Jesus discusses the challenges of following him. He tells a scribe that following him may mean having no place to lay his head, and he tells another potential follower that discipleship must take priority even over family obligations. 

So, we see that the storm on the Sea of Galilee follows a series of events where Jesus demonstrates his authority over disease, distance, and even the expectations of those who want to follow him. Then He and His disciples get into a boat to go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

Now, The Sea of Galilee is known for sudden and violent storms. It is located in a depression, surrounded by hills. This makes it susceptible to strong winds that can suddenly whip down from the hillsides, creating turbulent conditions on the water.

The sea is also below sea level, which can lead to warm air rising and meeting cooler air descending from the hills. This clash of air masses can create unstable atmospheric conditions and trigger storms.

These factors combine to make the Sea of Galilee a place where storms can come up quickly and unexpectedly, posing a challenge to those who sail and travel on it. One of those storms pops up in the scripture we read this morning. 

The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, were terrified. So this must have been an especially violent storm.  While this storm was raging and the boat was being tossed around, where was Jesus? He was Asleep! 

Mark 4:38 NIV says that Jesus was asleep in the stern sleeping on a cushion.  I wondered why Mark was so specific about Jesus sleeping in the stern of the ship here’s what I learned.

In ancient seafaring, the stern was where the rudder was located, it was the place from which the ship was steered. It was the area of the ship associated with control and navigation. So, the fact that Jesus was asleep in the stern, seemingly unconcerned while the storm raged, emphasizes his ultimate control even in the middle of  chaos. It suggests that even when things seem out of control, he is still in charge.

The disciples panicked and woke Him up saying  “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus, who is always calm even in the middle of chaos, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was completely calm. 

Then he turned to his disciples, who I am sure were still shaking, with fear, and asked a simple yet profound question: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

Let’s read the text again

Matthew 8:26 NIV [26] 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.

Remember now this was after seeing all the things that happened before the storm. 

This isn’t just about Jesus calming a literal storm. We can look at it as a metaphor for the storms we face in our lives. It reminds us that even when we feel like we’re drowning, even when we feel like God is absent or asleep at the wheel, He is there. He is always there. 

As Psalm 23:4 reminds us, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,2 they comfort me."

The disciples' fear wasn't just about the storm; it was about their faith. They had seen Jesus perform miracles, we just talked about some of them, they had heard his teachings, yet in the face of the storm, their faith faltered. They forgot who was in the boat with them. They forgot the promise found in Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."3

How often does our own faith take a hit and we weaken? We face a challenge, a hardship, and we forget all the times God has been there for us before. We forget the promises He has made. We let fear take over, and our faith weakens in the storm.

So how do we strengthen our faith in the midst of a storm?

• Talk to God. Share your fears, your doubts, your anger. He can handle it. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "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."
  
  

• We strengthen our faith with Scripture: Immerse yourself in God's word. Romans 15:4 tells us, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
  
  

When we immerse ourselves in scripture we can find comfort and strength in the stories of those who have faced trials and tribulations and found God’s grace to be sufficient. 

Here are a few examples:

• Joseph read his story in Genesis 37-50. Joseph faced betrayal by his brothers, false accusations, and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, God's presence was with him. Joseph's story shows how God can work even through difficult circumstances to bring about good. Joseph rose to a position of power and was able to save his family and the surrounding nations from famine. 

• David (Various Psalms and 1 & 2 Samuel): David's life was filled with trials, from fleeing from King Saul to facing personal failures. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, are filled with cries for help, expressions of trust in God, and celebrations of God's deliverance. David's life shows us that even when we make mistakes, God's grace can still be with us.

• Job (Book of Job): Job's story is a profound exploration of suffering and faith. He lost everything he had, yet he maintained his faith in God. 

While we might not understand why suffering happens, Job's story reminds us that God is sovereign and that even in the midst of immense pain, we can choose to trust in Him. 

• Paul The Apostle Paul's life was marked by persecution, imprisonment, and physical suffering. Yet, he constantly spoke of the sufficiency of God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul describes a "thorn in the flesh" and how God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul's experience teaches us that God's grace empowers us to endure and even thrive in the midst of our weaknesses. Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength," is another powerful statement of reliance on God's grace.

• We strengthen our faith by leaning on your brothers and sisters in Christ. Sharing our burdens, supporting each other, and praying for one another. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• Even in the midst of the storm, try to find things to be grateful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Focusing on the good can shift our perspective and remind us of God's blessings.

The storms of life will come. We cannot avoid them. But we can choose how we face them. We can choose fear and despair, or we can choose faith. 

• Faith that God is with us, even in the midst of the storm. 

• Faith that He will see us through. 

• Faith that even when the waves crash around us, we will not be overwhelmed. As Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to9 his purpose."

As we navigate the storms of life, let us remember that our faith in God is our anchor. As it says in

Psalms 46:1 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

We can hold steadfast to our faith, trusting that God will see us through every storm.  Learn to trust in the power of Jesus, to recognize His presence in our lives, and to nurture our faith so that it becomes strong enough to weather any storm.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledging Your power and presence in our lives. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to trust in You through all of life's storms. Grant us peace, courage, and wisdom to navigate the challenges we face. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.