Staying Still in Life’s Storms: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
- Jeremy Faivre
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Crosswalkers Bible Lesson: 3/29 Meetup
Life brings storms—trials, challenges, and moments of uncertainty that shake our faith. However, the Bible teaches us that when we focus on Jesus and trust in God’s power, we can stand firm even in the middle of chaos. Today, we will explore how we can remain still and trust in God during our storms, using the stories of Peter walking on water and the Israelites at the Red Sea as examples.
I. Peter Walks on Water – Trusting Jesus in the Storm
Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat while He went to pray. That night, a storm arose, and the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter, filled with faith, asked Jesus to call him out onto the water. Jesus said, “Come.” Peter stepped out and began walking on water, but when he saw the wind and waves, he became afraid and started to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” and immediately, Jesus reached out and pulled him up, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Key Lessons from Peter’s Experience
1. Jesus Calls Us to Step Out in Faith – Peter was doing the impossible because he trusted Jesus. Likewise, God may call us to do something that seems beyond our abilities.
2. Distractions Can Make Us Sink – Peter was fine when he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when he focused on the storm, he sank. In our lives, when we focus on our problems instead of Jesus, we begin to fear, doubt, and struggle.
3. Jesus is Always There to Catch Us – Even when Peter failed, Jesus didn’t let him drown. God’s grace is always present, even when our faith wavers.
How Can We Stay Focused on Jesus in Our Storms?
• Prayer and Worship – In times of trouble, worship shifts our focus from problems to God’s power.
• Reading the Word – Scripture reminds us of God’s faithfulness.
• Surrounding Ourselves with Faithful Believers – Community keeps us accountable and encouraged.
• Surrendering Our Worries – Instead of dwelling on fears, give them to God (Philippians 4:6-7).
II. The Israelites and the Red Sea – Trusting God’s Timing
Scripture: Exodus 14:13-31
After being freed from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s pursuing army. They were terrified and cried out to Moses. But Moses told them:
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.” (Exodus 14:13)
God then parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. When the Egyptians pursued them, the waters returned and destroyed the enemy army.
Key Lessons from the Red Sea Miracle
1. God’s Timing Requires Us to Be Still – The Israelites had to wait on God’s deliverance instead of trying to fix the situation themselves.
2. Fear is Not from God – They were afraid, but God showed them He was in control.
3. God Can Make a Way Where There Seems to Be No Way – Just as God parted the sea, He can remove obstacles in our lives.
How Can We Be Still and Let God Be God?
• Stop Trying to Control Everything – Relinquish your control and trust that God knows best.
• Wait on God’s Timing – Sometimes we must stand still before seeing the breakthrough.
• Remember God’s Past Faithfulness – Reflecting on what God has already done strengthens our faith.
III. Reflection & Discussion Questions
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. What do you think Peter felt when he first walked on water? What changed when he began sinking?
2. How do we allow the “waves” of life to distract us from trusting Jesus?
3. Why do you think Jesus still saved Peter even though he doubted?
4. What does “being still” before God mean to you in difficult times?
5. How did the Israelites’ fear compare to Peter’s fear? How did God respond to both?
Personal Reflection Questions
1. What storm am I currently facing? How am I handling it?
2. Am I focusing more on my problems or on Jesus?
3. Have I ever felt trapped like the Israelites at the Red Sea? How did God show up?
4. What can I do differently this week to trust God more in my struggles?
Conclusion: Trust in the Lord and Be Still
Both Peter’s story and the parting of the Red Sea show us that God is in control. Storms will come, but if we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust His timing, we will not sink. When we try to fight battles on our own, we may feel overwhelmed, but when we surrender to God, He will make a way.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to shift our focus from the storm to the Savior. Instead of worrying, let’s stand firm in faith and trust in God’s perfect plan.
What is one way you will choose to trust Jesus in your storm this week?
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