Storms 4/12/17

Storms 4/12/17

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? In this episode, Pastor Lance Johnson speaks straight to people who feel blindsided by life's storms, even after committing themselves to follow God. Drawing on biblical accounts of Jesus and the disciples in deadly tempests, he talks about how fear, doubt and a sense that "God doesn't care" can creep in when everything seems to be falling apart.

Lance describes two storm stories from Scripture: one where Jesus is asleep in the boat while it fills with water, and another where he walks on the sea towards the disciples. In both scenes, the disciples feel abandoned and terrified, convinced they'll lose their lives and their dreams. Lance highlights their desperate question, "Do you not care that we're perishing?", and shows how many people today ask the same thing when facing addiction, financial pressure, broken relationships or health crises.

You'll hear him explain why Jesus rebuked the disciples' lack of faith: not because the storm was their fault, but because they doubted his love and presence. Lance stresses that "he does care about you" and that trusting God's character in the worst moments is where real spiritual growth happens. Peter walking on water becomes a picture of stepping into "unstable situations" with eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on emotions and fear.

Even when faith wobbles, Lance insists that God still rescues, pointing out that "sometimes it looks like that our faith is failing... but yet God still heard their cry." The message is aimed at anyone in recovery or deep struggle who needs reassurance that their storm is not evidence of God's absence, but a place where faith is strengthened and matured.

If you're facing your own storms and wondering whether God still sees you, this episode invites you to hold on to the belief that "if God is for us, nobody can be against us" and to trust that you can walk through what others might drown in.