Skip to main content
UploadLanguage (EN)Support
BusinessMobileSocial MediaMarketingTechnologyArt & PhotosCareerDesignEducationPresentations & Public SpeakingGovernment & NonprofitHealthcareInternetLawLeadership & ManagementAutomotiveEngineeringSoftwareRecruiting & HRRetailSalesServicesScienceSmall Business & EntrepreneurshipFoodEnvironmentEconomy & FinanceData & AnalyticsInvestor RelationsSportsSpiritualNews & PoliticsTravelSelf ImprovementReal EstateEntertainment & HumorHealth & MedicineDevices & HardwareLifestyle
GM
Uploaded byGillian Martin
PPTX, PDF8,721 views

Faith During Difficult Times

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.

Spiritual◦
Downloaded 271 times
FAITH DURING DIFFICULT TIMES Gillian Martin Captivating Solutions Consultancy
Matthew 8 verses 23-27 and Hebrews 11 verses 1-2 (NIV)
Many of us know the story of Jesus calming the storm, from as far back as when we were children
Sometimes, being so familiar with a story causes us to overlook the minor details
However, what lies beneath minor details in the bible are some powerful points that can be quite helpful during times of difficulty
Verse 24 of Matthew 8 states: “Without warning, a furious storm came…”
How many times do storms seem to overtake our lives “without warning”?
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
Has that ever happened to you?
One single word, action or deed could have a devastating effect on you
Later in the same verse, we see where the waves were so strong that they rose above the boat
That must have been a frightening experience!
Can you imagine what the disciples were saying or thinking at that point in time?
If “doubting” Thomas was onboard he surely must have been more doubtful than ever
The same thing happens in our daily lives today
The waves represent our problems and the boat is our comfort zone
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
We become terrified
We begin to doubt
However, being doubtful and afraid is not what Jesus expects of us
Instead, as Christians, we must always aspire to be like Christ
What was Jesus doing during the storm?
He was fast asleep
He was calm
This depicts how we must react to problems in our lives
While we must make efforts to think through the problems, analyze possible solutions and work toward solving the problem, we must also pray
Once we are praying about the situation, there is no reason to worry
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
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
Even in the most furious storms, we are commissioned to focus on God instead of what we see around us
Faith works in opposition to sight
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”
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
How will you react to a storm in your life?
Will you be like the disciples were and fear that you will drown in your problems?
No! Instead, hold firmly to Christ and state:
“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)
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
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”
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”
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.”