A Crisis of Faith

Sometimes storms simply come out of nowhere. No matter how much we plan, prepare or protect what we love, storms are unpredictable and sometimes devastating. They clear away all the false beliefs we cling to, useless possessions that define us, or priorities that are powerless to give life real meaning or significance.  Storms reveal that life is fragile, fleeting and filled with choices. In the end, storms reveal what we really value, what we believe in and what we worship. What you really afraid to lose is what you value most. What causes you worry controls your heart. Storms reveals their presence wrapped in the disguise of necessity. This week we look at a passage where the disciples, good strong fishermen, take a short cut across the Sea of Galilee and are surprised by a storm sweeping off the surrounding mountains that threatens to capsize their boat. How could they not have seen it coming, not been prepared, not know how to deal with it?  Sound familiar? It should. Sounds like millions of people who are struggling with their own storms just as devastating, frightening and unexpected as theirs. When faced with the unexpected, ask yourself these three questions:

(1) What's really rocking your boat?

You may be surprised that it isn't always the wind, waves or the rain. If you dig a bit deeper you may find fear of loneliness, failure or loss of control. If you read the Gospel of Matthew 8:24-27 you find the disciples wake Jesus and complain he must not care about them after all. Was the Devil right after all when he convinced Eve that God was holding out in her by denying her special knowledge from the Tree in the Garden? Were Jesus' promises for real when storms threaten your life and your future? What are your core beliefs anyway? Where do you place your trust, in God or in your own cleverness and plans?

2. What core belief is being challenged?  

Most of the time we assume life should be smooth sailing on calm waters, but if we're really honest with ourselves we realize that just isn't true. Do we depend on our own cleverness by creating systems and processes and insurance policies that are suppose to protect us from the unexpected. We deluded ourselves into thinking we're in control.  Storms then become a dose of harsh reality. We are all dying, you know and I know it, but we prefer to live in denial. I don't mean to be morbid but if we keep the end in mind, the present takes on a whole new perspective. We are not in control, our possessions cannot save us, life hurts, and people die. That's reality. But there is also a deeper story worth interjecting here, God love, Jesus saves and the Spirit inspires. Chew on that for awhile.

3. What truth is being born? 

In the face of our weakness we see the world with greater clarity and our worldview must change. Some will choose to move on and consider life where they are not at the center of all things and in the process find the Kingdom of God. Others, however, will try to build bigger shelters, stronger fortresses and more elaborate control systems for an uncontrollable world. Like a hamster on wheel they spend their life going no where, not learning anything that is true and constantly living in fear of the next storm. Which is always on the horizon. When Jesus wakes up, I'm amazed at his response. He's not at all concerned about the storm but see their anxiety as a faith issue. Jesus trusts in God's plan more than the storm's fury which of course explains why he was asleep. What do you see, God's plan or the swirling chaos that says look at me first? Do you believe  in God, in God's love and in God's plan? Then what are you worried about? Worship 7.8.12 Outta the Blue Sermon Notes 07.08.12 Outta the Blue Outta the Blue 7.8.12E  --Audio File from the early service Outta the Blue 7.8.12L --Audio File from the late service