LOOKING UNTO JESUS IN THE STORM

LOOKING UNTO JESUS IN THE STORM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 14:22-33

Key Verse: “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 46:1-3, John 16:33, Philippians 4:6-7

Description: This study reveals the importance of maintaining faith and focus upon Jesus during life’s storms, trials, and uncertainties.

INTRODUCTION

Matthew chapter 14 records the dramatic event of Jesus walking upon the sea during a violent storm. The disciples were terrified as strong winds battered their boat in the middle of the night. In the midst of the storm, Jesus came walking toward them upon the water.

Peter boldly stepped out of the boat and began walking toward Jesus. However, when he shifted his focus from Christ to the raging wind and waves, fear overwhelmed him, and he began to sink. Immediately, Peter cried out for help, and Jesus stretched forth His hand to save him.

This account teaches believers a powerful lesson about faith during difficult seasons of life. Storms are unavoidable, but spiritual victory depends upon where believers place their focus. Those who keep their eyes fixed upon Jesus can walk through storms with confidence, peace, and victory.

1. STORMS ARE A REAL PART OF LIFE

Even faithful believers encounter difficulties, challenges, and seasons of testing.

a) The disciples entered the storm while obeying Jesus’ instruction (Matthew 14:22-24)
Following Christ does not exempt believers from hardships or opposition. Sometimes storms arise even when people are walking in obedience to God’s will.

b) Life’s storms often bring fear, uncertainty, and emotional pressure (Matthew 14:26)
Challenges such as sickness, financial struggles, delays, disappointments, persecution, and family problems can test spiritual stability and confidence.

c) Storms reveal the condition and maturity of faith (James 1:2-3)
Difficult situations often expose hidden fears, weaknesses, doubts, and areas where believers need deeper trust in God.

d) God remains present even when circumstances appear overwhelming (Psalm 46:1)
The Lord does not abandon His children during seasons of trouble. His presence remains constant through every storm and difficulty.

Biblical Example:
Job endured severe trials and painful losses, yet God sustained him through the storm and eventually restored him greatly (Job 1:13-22; Job 42:10).

2. JESUS COMES TO HIS PEOPLE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

Christ reveals His presence and power during difficult times.

a) Jesus walked toward the disciples upon the sea (Matthew 14:25)
The very situation that frightened the disciples was under the authority of Christ. The storm could not hinder His ability to reach and help them.

b) Jesus spoke words of peace and assurance to calm their fears (Matthew 14:27)
Christ understands human fear and anxiety, and His presence brings comfort, courage, and reassurance to troubled hearts.

c) God often reveals Himself more deeply during trials (Psalm 34:18)
Seasons of hardship can produce greater intimacy, dependence, and revelation of God’s faithfulness.

d) No storm is greater than the power and authority of Christ (Jeremiah 32:27)
Situations that appear impossible to men remain fully under God’s control and ability.

Biblical Example:
God appeared to Paul during a violent storm at sea and assured him of divine preservation despite the danger around him (Acts 27:22-25).

3. BELIEVERS MUST KEEP THEIR FOCUS UPON JESUS

Faith remains strong when attention stays fixed upon Christ.

a) Peter walked successfully while looking at Jesus (Matthew 14:29)
As long as Peter focused upon Christ rather than the storm, he experienced supernatural victory over natural limitations.

b) Peter began sinking when he focused on the wind and waves (Matthew 14:30)
Fear entered when circumstances became greater in his mind than the power of God. Focusing excessively on problems weakens faith and confidence.

c) Believers are called to look unto Jesus continually (Hebrews 12:2)
Christ must remain the centre of the believer’s attention, trust, hope, and confidence regardless of surrounding conditions.

d) God grants peace to those whose minds remain fixed upon Him (Isaiah 26:3)
Spiritual stability and peace come through trusting God rather than becoming controlled by fear and anxiety.

Biblical Example:
Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah overcame overwhelming opposition by fixing their attention upon God instead of the enemy army (2 Chronicles 20:12-22).

4. JESUS RESTORES THOSE WHO CRY OUT TO HIM

God’s mercy remains available for struggling believers.

a) Peter cried out immediately when he began to sink (Matthew 14:30)
Instead of allowing fear to completely destroy him, Peter turned quickly to Christ for help and deliverance.

b) Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand to save Peter (Matthew 14:31)
The Lord responds with mercy, compassion, and rescue when believers sincerely call upon Him in weakness and distress.

c) Temporary failure does not mean permanent defeat (Proverbs 24:16)
Believers may stumble during difficult seasons, but God’s grace enables them to rise again and continue forward.

d) Christ uses storms to strengthen and mature faith (Romans 8:28)
Even painful experiences can become tools through which God produces spiritual growth, humility, and deeper dependence upon Him.

Biblical Example:
Jonah cried unto God from the belly of the fish, and the Lord mercifully delivered and restored him (Jonah 2:1-10).

CONCLUSION

Looking unto Jesus in the storm is essential for victorious Christian living. Storms may arise unexpectedly, but believers must remember that Christ remains present, powerful, and faithful in every situation.

Peter’s experience demonstrates that faith weakens when focus shifts from Jesus to surrounding problems. However, it also reveals Christ’s mercy toward those who cry out to Him sincerely.

Believers who keep their eyes fixed upon Jesus will find peace in the midst of storms, strength during trials, and victory over fear and impossibility.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed upon You in every storm of life in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every spirit of fear, anxiety, and discouragement from my heart in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen my faith during seasons of difficulty and uncertainty in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to trust Your power above every visible circumstance in Jesus name

5. Lord, speak peace into every storm surrounding my life and family in Jesus name

6. Father, let Your presence strengthen and sustain me continually in Jesus name

7. Lord, rescue me from every sinking situation and impossible condition in Jesus name

8. Father, use every trial to deepen my faith and spiritual maturity in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me never to lose confidence in Your faithfulness in Jesus name

10. Father, let my life continually testify of Your power, mercy, and deliverance in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every storm threatening your peace and stability shall bow before the power of Jesus Christ!

2. Fear, anxiety, and discouragement shall not overcome your faith!

3. The Lord shall uphold and strengthen you through every season of trial!

4. You shall walk victoriously above every wave of opposition and limitation!

5. God’s peace shall guard your heart and mind continually!

6. Every impossible situation confronting your destiny shall receive divine intervention!

7. The hand of the Lord shall rescue and preserve you from every sinking situation!

8. Your faith shall grow stronger and more mature through every challenge!

9. You shall continually experience the presence, power, and faithfulness of God!

10. Your life shall become a testimony of victory, deliverance, and supernatural preservation in Christ Jesus!