We are fearful people. I am reminded of this on a daily basis. As a dad, it is fairly easy to calm the fears of our children, especially when it includes monsters in the basement or dragons in the laundry room. Nearly every night, I find myself recounting the promises of God and reassuring my girls that God is with them, even in the darkness. But the fact of the matter is, I fear as well. These same promises I must rehearse myself as I walk through life and battle the doubt that leads to fear—fear about health, fear about safety, fear about failure, fear about the future, etc. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus continues to reveal the reality of his identity as both God and man. Luke records the actions of Jesus that confront our doubts and fears in many different ways. In chapter eight, we find Jesus asleep in a boat while his disciples navigate across the sea of Galilee. We know the story well. As the ship became overwhelmed by the waves as a result of an unsuspecting storm, the faith of the disciples became overwhelmed by fear of perishing. Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for crying out to him, but rather asks them a simple question, “Where is your faith?” They had seen countless miracles performed before their own eyes but never a miracle that directly impacted them. Jesus uses this storm to teach a valuable lesson—trust Christ even when your life is at stake and everything is on the line. Give your fears over to him. Rest in the power of his might and stop leaning on your own understanding. Peter would later write, to cast all your anxiety on Him, knowing that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Paul expressed his confident trust in the Lord’s care when he wrote triumphantly, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). God is with you even if your storm is a result of disobedience (Jonah) or obedience (the disciples). Look to Jesus and trust. –Pastor Nate
9AM: Missions Growth–Later Missions Efforts
10AM: Pastor Nate–A Disciple Who Fears–Luke 8:22-39 (sermon notes)
6:00PM: Evening Gathering at the Martins’
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