In the Storm: The Foundation of Life
Pastor Tan Thai · Sep 3, 2016
This sermon based on Matthew 14:22-33 explores the most important question in life: where do we place our foundation and hope, especially in life's storms? Through the account of Jesus walking on water and Peter sinking, the sermon calls listeners to place their full trust in Jesus Christ, who is always present, intercedes for us, and comes to us in our darkest storms.
This sermon was delivered at Camp Glorieta on Sunday, September 4, 2016, based on Matthew 14:22-33. The pastor poses the central question: where does each person place the foundation and hope of their life? He uses the illustrations of a building's foundation and a zip line to show that what we rely on is the foundation that determines the value and security of our entire life, especially during what he calls "the storms of life."
The second section focuses on God's presence in the storm. The pastor explains the geographical context of the Sea of Galilee, where sudden storms frequently arose in the evening due to temperature differences between the surrounding mountains and the water's surface. He emphasizes that Jesus himself sent the disciples into the boat, knew the storm was coming, and was praying for them on the mountain while they struggled against the waves — drawing from Romans 8:34 and Luke 22:31-32. This affirms that no storm in a believer's life is unknown or unseen by God.
The third section analyzes Peter's experience of walking on water. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves, he began to sink — a vivid picture of what happens when faith is shaken by fear. Yet Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. The pastor uses the "footprints in the sand" image to illustrate Christ's unceasing companionship, and quotes Hebrews 11:6 to remind listeners that faith is the essential condition for drawing near to God and receiving His help.
The sermon closes with practical application, addressing those who may be going through storms in their lives — illness, failure, difficulties in church or relationships — reminding them that God sees, knows, and cares for them. The pastor quotes the Vietnamese hymn "Đồng Hành" (Walking Together) to describe that the hope of a follower of Christ is not to avoid storms, but to have One who always walks alongside, guides, and shares the burden. The sermon concludes with Romans 8:28 and Revelation 21:4-5, pointing listeners toward the ultimate hope of an eternal home where God will wipe away every tear.