The document discusses having faith during difficult times based on the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm. It notes that storms can come unexpectedly in life, like problems rising up suddenly. The disciples were afraid during the storm in the story, but Jesus remained calm and asleep, depicting how Christians should react to problems - making efforts to solve them but also praying and having faith that God is in control. Having faith means being sure of what we hope for even if we can't see it and knowing that no storm is too strong for God to handle. The document encourages having faith like Jesus during life's storms rather than giving in to fear.

1. FAITH
DURING
DIFFICULT
TIMES
Gillian Martin
Captivating Solutions Consultancy

2. Matthew 8 verses 23-27 and Hebrews 11 verses
1-2 (NIV)

3. Many of us know the story of Jesus calming the
storm, from as far back as when we were
children

4. Sometimes, being so familiar with a story causes
us to overlook the minor details

5. However, what lies beneath minor details in the
bible are some powerful points that can be
quite helpful during times of difficulty

6. Verse 24 of Matthew 8 states: “Without
warning, a furious storm came…”

7. How many times do storms seem to overtake
our lives “without warning”?

8. We are going about our usual lives, everything
seems normal and then, suddenly, one single
incident occurs within fractions of a second
and that one single event can threaten to
change our lives forever

9. Has that ever happened to you?

10. One single word, action or deed could have a
devastating effect on you

11. Later in the same verse, we see where the
waves were so strong that they rose above the
boat

12. That must have been a frightening experience!

13. Can you imagine what the disciples were saying
or thinking at that point in time?

14. If “doubting” Thomas was onboard he surely
must have been more doubtful than ever

15. The same thing happens in our daily lives today

16. The waves represent our problems and the boat
is our comfort zone

17. When the storms of life hit us, we feel as if our
problems are rising higher and higher and
they pose a threat to our security

18. We become terrified

19. We begin to doubt

20. However, being doubtful and afraid is not what
Jesus expects of us

21. Instead, as Christians, we must always aspire to
be like Christ

22. What was Jesus doing during the storm?

23. He was fast asleep

24. He was calm

25. This depicts how we must react to problems in
our lives

26. While we must make efforts to think through
the problems, analyze possible solutions and
work toward solving the problem, we must
also pray

27. Once we are praying about the situation, there
is no reason to worry

28. Our ability to be calm during a storm can only
come from having faith in God and being
un-intimidated by gushing winds and waves

29. Our ability to be calm comes from knowing that
there is no storm that will approach us that is
so strong that Jesus cannot rebuke the winds
and waves

30. Even in the most furious storms, we are
commissioned to focus on God instead of
what we see around us

31. Faith works in opposition to sight

32. Hebrews 11 verse 1 reminds us that, “Now faith
is being sure of what we hope for and certain
of what we do not see”

33. Without faith, we see a storm but with faith we
see an opportunity for God to take charge in
our lives and remind us that there is no
problem that He cannot remove

34. How will you react to a storm in your life?

35. Will you be like the disciples were and fear that
you will drown in your problems?

36. No! Instead, hold firmly to Christ and state:

37. “We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love”
Priscilla Owens (1829-99)

38. Built for Success
• When something is built on God, it is:
Built strong
Built solid
Built sure
Built secure
Built for success
All honour be to the Lord Jesus Christ , the
source of faith during difficult times

39. Captivating Solutions Consultancy Introduces a
Series of Presentations: “Getting to Know God”
Some of the presentations in this series are:
• God, the Miracle Worker:
“Beyond Your Dreams – Beyond Your
Imagination”
• God, the Problem Solver:
“God the Problem Solver – No Problem!”
• God, the Protector:
“Protected by the Danger-proof God”
• God, the Provider: “The Avalanche”

40. Captivating Solutions Consultancy Introduces a
Series of Presentations: “Getting to Know God”
(cont’d)
• God, the Restorer:
“Back – Bigger, Better & Brand New”
• God, the Friend:
“My God – My Best Friend Forever”
• God, the Warrior: “The Winner Takes It All”
• God, the Keeper: “God the Endless Keeper”
• God, the Way Maker:
“One Way In, One Way Out”

41. Captivating Solutions Consultancy Introduces a
Series of Presentations: “Getting to Know God”
(cont’d)
• God’s Love: “More Than Life”
• God’s Power: “Power Over All”
• God’s Promises: “The Anchor Holds”
• God’s Timing: “On Time. On Track. On Target.”
• God’s Work: “Star Performance
• God’s Attitude:
“All the Way. All Out. All About Us.”