God’s Children in the Storms of Life (Hwy 33)

John 6:16-21 / Matthew 14:22-33  When we’re in the middle of a storm, we can trust that Jesus will meet with us and be with us. He sees your life, he sees the storm, and he will be with you through it all.  General – Time allotment: 10-15 minutes for one or two of these questions.  ● Go around and share a highlight and a low light since you last met.  ● What stood out to you in the sermon?  ● What was one thing in the sermon that was challenging?  ● What was one thing in the sermon that was encouraging?  ● What do you want to be different this week in your life?  Sermon Specific  1) Jesus saw the storm that the disciples were in, and he sees the storm that you’re in. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus sees you during the storms of your life? Why do we sometimes find it difficult to believe that Jesus is with us during our storms?  2) Jesus asked the disciples to get into the boat, though he knew that the storm was coming. There are times when we clearly hear from God to take a step of faith, but then we find ourselves in a storm because of that decision. Have you experienced this before? Why do you think God calls us into difficult seasons and situations? Why does obedience to God’s calling on our lives often lead to difficulty?  3) Oftentimes, God seems to wait until the last moment, to “pull through” for us. He does this so that we learn to trust him - trust that he’s with us, trust that he will provide for us, trust that he knows best for us. Have you experienced a time when God provided at the last moment? Or has there been a time when you’ve trusted the Lord, even when it didn’t make sense, even when you’re hurting, and he came through for you?  4) Jesus saw the disciples in the darkness. Whatever darkness you’re in, Jesus sees you, and, as Psalm 139 tells us, there is no place that we could go where God isn’t with us. If you’re comfortable, share a time when Jesus met you in your darkness, and how he comforted you or “shone his light” in your situation. 5) “The more we focus on Jesus, the more our story changes.” Our story changes, because Jesus has the power and love to meet us and redeem the hardest moments of our lives. How can you focus on Jesus more during your season of life? How can you and your community focus on Jesus together