Trusting the One Who Calms the Storm
Pastor Tan Thai · May 1, 2020
Based on Matthew 14:22-33, this sermon explores the most important question of life: where do you place your trust, especially in life's storms? Through the image of Peter walking on water and sinking, the pastor reminds the congregation that faith in Jesus Christ is the only foundation that holds firm through every trial.
The sermon opens by posing the foundational question of life: on what does each person build their hope and existence? The pastor uses the illustrations of constructing a high-rise building that needs a solid foundation, and wearing a harness on a zip line, to show that not all foundations carry equal value. Many people build their lives on family, talent, or material success—like Moses in his first forty years—but Scripture calls believers to build on an eternal foundation.
The heart of the sermon centers on Matthew 14:22-33, recounting the great storm on the Sea of Galilee that the disciples encountered after Jesus sent them ahead to the other shore. The pastor identifies four sources of life's storms: one's own sin, other people's actions, external circumstances such as the covid-19 pandemic, and God's own hand either disciplining or refining believers. While the disciples struggled against the waves, Jesus saw them, interceded for them, and came to them walking on the water in the fourth watch of the night—the darkest and most terrifying hour.
The image of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water illustrates the wavering of faith. Peter was able to walk because of faith and Christ's command, but when he shifted his gaze from Jesus to the storm, he began to sink. At that very moment, Jesus immediately reached out and took hold of him. This story demonstrates that in life's greatest storms, God does not abandon us but remains present, prays for us, and stands ready to grasp the hand of the one who is sinking.
The pastor applies this message to the congregation living through the covid-19 pandemic, with millions losing jobs, loved ones, and futures they had labored to build. He notes that not everyone responds to trials in the same way: some emerge softer and stronger in faith, while others become bitter and blame God and others. Scripture teaches in Romans 5:3-5 that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not disappoint, because the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
The sermon closes with the story of Professor Papaderos and his small mirror that reflected light into dark places, illustrating that those who have been accompanied by God through the storm are equipped to reflect that same light of hope to others who are suffering. The final promise of Scripture in Revelation 21:4-5 is cited to remind the congregation that beyond all tears and losses in this life, there is an eternal homeland where God himself will wipe away every tear.