2025.04.06 | When the Storm Feels Bigger Than Your Savior

I’ve been through some storms. Not literal ones, though we’ve had our fair share of those here in the PNW, but life storms. The kind that leaves you wide-eyed at 3 a.m., wondering how it all got so complicated.

This week at Hope, we continued our journey through the Gospel of Matthew and looked at the moment Jesus walked on water toward His disciples, who were stuck in the middle of a lake during a storm. Something about that story hit home in a fresh way.

The pastor said, “Only Jesus could do this... and He did it for us.”

That line stayed with me.

I’ve been through situations where I honestly didn’t think Jesus would show up... whether it was a broken relationship, a job loss, or watching someone I love struggle with depression. In those moments, I felt like the disciples: paddling hard, getting nowhere, and then completely terrified when something unexpected appeared.

Jesus walked into the storm
But Jesus came toward them.

He didn’t wait until they had their act together.

He didn’t yell from the shore.

He came into the chaos.

Maybe that’s what I needed to remember most:

Jesus doesn’t just wait on the other side of my storm… He steps into it. With me. For me.

He told the disciples, “Take heart. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Those words are still true today.

So here’s what I’ve been reflecting on:

• Where am I trying to fight the storm alone instead of looking for Jesus?
• How might Jesus already be near, even if I don’t recognize Him right away?
• What would it look like to actually “take heart” in this season?

If you missed the sermon, it’s one I think you’ll want to go back and watch.

Watch the full message on our YouTube channel here.