The Foundation of Life – In the Midst of the Storm
Pastor Tan Thai · May 27, 2019
This sermon, based on Matthew 14:22-33 — the account of Jesus walking on water — addresses the most important question in life: where do we place our hope and trust during life's storms? The pastor emphasizes that God always sees, intercedes, and is present with His people in the midst of the storm, and that faith in Him is the only unshakeable foundation.
The sermon opens with the central question: where do we place our hope and trust in life, especially during life's storms? The pastor argues that everyone must choose a foundation for their life, and what we rely on will determine our values and sense of hope. Many people place their trust in their own strength, intelligence, beauty, or wealth, but Scripture points to a foundation far more secure than anything a person can provide for themselves.
The middle section of the sermon analyzes the context of the miracle of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33). The pastor notes that Jesus knew the storm was coming yet still sent the disciples out on the water — not to punish them, but so they might experience God's power and providence firsthand. Jesus was interceding for His disciples even as they struggled against the waves (Romans 8:34, Luke 22:31-32), and He saw their difficulty clearly from the shore (Mark 6:47-48). The pastor identifies three types of life storms: those caused by one's own sin, those caused by external circumstances, and those permitted by God for correction or growth. He cautions the congregation not to rush to judge the cause when they see others suffering, citing the example of Job's three friends and Psalm 34:18-20.
The sermon pays special attention to Peter's experience of stepping out of the boat and walking on the water. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and allowed fear to overwhelm him, he began to sink and cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Jesus immediately reached out His hand to catch him. This image illustrates that faith does not mean the absence of fear or doubt, but rather turning one's eyes back to Christ and calling on Him even while sinking (Hebrews 11:6). The pastor also shares personal accounts of illness and surgeries to illustrate that some storms must be walked through alone — yet God always accompanies His people.
The concluding section directs the congregation toward the certain hope found in God. The pastor cites Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 5:9-10, and Revelation 21:4-5 to affirm that life's storms are not meaningless, since suffering produces perseverance, then character, and ultimately hope. The believer's hope is not to avoid every storm, but to have the One who walks alongside, guides every step, and promises an eternal home. The sermon closes with the aspiration that each person experiencing a storm will encounter the presence and incomparable power of God, so that their faith grows deeper and stronger through it.