Faith Over Fear: Trusting Jesus in Life's Storms
We all have those moments. You're rushing through your day, patting down your pockets, and realize your wallet is missing. Panic sets in. Did I drop it? Did someone take it? Thoughts spiral out of control, reasoning goes out the window, and fear takes over. Suddenly, you’re convinced your entire identity might be stolen.
While a lost wallet might be trivial, it captures a universal truth: fear is part of life. It’s a normal, automatic response designed to protect us. God created us to feel fear for certain situations—like when a car is racing toward us. But too often, fear gets the better of us. Whether it’s a cockroach scuttling across the floor or the uncertainty of a medical diagnosis, fear can consume our thoughts.
For some, fear isn’t just occasional; it’s daily. Financial worries, relationship struggles, health crises—these storms in life threaten to drown us. That raises the key question: When fear comes our way, what do we do with it?
In John 6:16–21, the disciples found themselves in a literal storm, fighting against wind and waves. Their situation mirrors the spiritual and emotional storms we face today. Let’s explore how their experience teaches us to live with faith over fear—anchoring ourselves in the presence of Jesus.
1. Storms Will Come, But We’re Never Alone
The disciples were simply going about their day. After feeding the 5,000, Jesus sent them ahead in a boat while He stayed behind to pray. It was evening, and as they rowed across the sea, a storm arose. The wind howled, the waves crashed, and the disciples struggled in the darkness.
Life often feels this way, doesn’t it? One moment, everything is normal; the next, you’re hit with unexpected news—a job loss, a loved one’s illness, or a broken relationship. Fear takes hold, and it feels like Jesus is nowhere to be found.
John makes an important observation in this story: “It was dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them” (v. 17). The darkness symbolizes more than just the night; it represents the despair and fear that comes when we feel alone in our struggles.
But here’s the good news: Jesus was on His way. Though the disciples couldn’t see Him, He had not abandoned them. And the same is true for us.
In life’s darkest moments, it’s easy to believe we’re alone. Fear whispers lies, convincing us that no one sees, cares, or understands. But Jesus promises otherwise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Even when we can’t feel His presence, He is working behind the scenes, drawing near to bring comfort and peace.
2. Fear Often Blinds Us to Jesus’ Power and Presence
When Jesus finally appeared, walking on the water, the disciples didn’t recognize Him. Instead, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost.
It’s an odd reaction, isn’t it? You’d think seeing Jesus in their moment of crisis would bring instant relief. But fear often distorts our vision. The storms of life can make it hard to recognize Jesus for who He truly is—our Savior, our refuge, and the one who calms our fears.
The disciples’ fear wasn’t just about the storm; it was also about their limited understanding of Jesus. They had seen Him feed thousands, but they couldn’t fathom His power over the sea and sky.
We’re often the same. In our fear, we forget that the God who created the universe is the same God who walks beside us. We focus on the storm instead of the Savior.
But Jesus doesn’t leave us in our fear. He speaks directly to it: “It is I; do not be afraid” (v. 20). In Greek, this phrase can also be translated as “I Am,” echoing God’s declaration to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
By saying “I Am,” Jesus reminds the disciples—and us—that He is the eternal, unchanging God. The one who split the Red Sea, conquered sin and death, and holds all creation in His hands. When He says, “Do not be afraid,” it’s not a hollow command; it’s a promise rooted in His power and presence.
3. Faith Grows When We Welcome Jesus Into Our Storms
After Jesus declared His presence, something remarkable happened. The disciples’ fear turned to gladness as they welcomed Him into the boat. John notes that immediately, “the boat was at the land to which they were going” (v. 21).
This detail is significant. The disciples didn’t have to keep battling the storm on their own; they simply needed to invite Jesus in.
Notice that John doesn’t focus on Jesus calming the storm (as other Gospel accounts do). Instead, he emphasizes Jesus’ presence. Why? Because the ultimate promise of the Gospel isn’t that life will be storm-free, but that we are never alone in the storm.
When we face fear, the first step isn’t to fight harder or numb ourselves with distractions. It’s to turn to Jesus—to acknowledge His presence and trust His ability to see us through.
Living With Faith Over Fear
So, what do we do with our fears? How do we navigate life’s storms without being consumed by anxiety?
Remember that Jesus is with you. Even when it feels dark and lonely, He is near. His presence is your anchor.
Rest in His unchanging love. Your fear doesn’t diminish His care for you. He is the Great I Am—unchanging, faithful, and trustworthy.
Invite Him into your storm. Don’t try to weather it alone. When you welcome Jesus into your fears, He provides peace that surpasses understanding.
Trust His power. If Jesus can conquer sin and death, there is no storm too great for Him. Whatever you’re facing, He is greater.
Life’s storms will come, but they don’t have to defeat us. With Jesus in the boat, we can face our fears with confidence, knowing that the one who walks on water walks with us. When the winds rage and the waves crash, let His voice calm your heart: “I Am. Do not be afraid.”
