Faith in the Middle of the Storm | Robert Madu

Faith Is Spelled R-I-S-K

Scripture References

• Matthew 14

Overview

God would ask every believer to spell one word: faith. In Jesus’ classroom, “faith” is always spelled R-I-S-K. Walking through Matthew 14, the preacher shows that faith is not a personality trait or a comfort blanket; it is action that propels us into situations where only Jesus can sustain us. The revelation of who He is always follows the risk we take at His word—especially when storms hit and He seems absent.

Main Points

1. God’s Spelling Bee: Faith

• Childhood spelling-bee story sets the stage: if God hosted one, the required word would be “faith.”
• Faith is the oxygen of our relationship with God—non-negotiable for salvation, obedience, and pleasing Him.

2. Faith Demands Action

• Faith is more verb than noun; it unsettles comfort and insists on movement.
• Common mis-spells: S-A-F-E, C-A-L-M, P-E-A-C-E.

“Here’s how you spell faith: R-I-S-K.”

• Real faith may lead to quitting secure jobs, relocating, or enduring family misunderstanding.

3. Little Faith, Big Jesus

• Peter—impulsive and inconsistent—still walks on water, proving the issue is not size of faith but its object.
• If Jesus could use Peter’s “little faith,” there is hope for everyone listening.

4. Revelation Comes After the Risk

• Disciples followed before fully knowing Jesus’ power; understanding unfolded step by step.

• Illustration: Matthew’s imaginary notebook “What Jesus Can Do with Water” records turning water to wine, locating fish, finding tax money in a fish, and calming storms.

• Principle: God rarely offers a PowerPoint of the future; clarity follows obedience.

5. Storms of Obedience

• The Matthew 14 storm was entered by obeying Jesus, not rebelling.
• Being in the center of God’s will does not exempt us from contrary winds; it may lead us into them.

• Story: Previous storm—Jesus asleep on the boat—taught them His care; this storm teaches trust without visible presence.

6. Jesus Walks on What Threatens Us

• While disciples strain, Jesus watches—never taking His eyes off them—and strolls on the water.
• His pace shows authority; the situation is a revelation mission, not a rescue scramble.

“Take courage; it is I. Don’t be afraid.”

• His simple “It is I” assumes we recognize His voice from past encounters.
• What seems poised to sink us is already under His feet.

Key Truths

• Faith is indispensable; without it we cannot please God or walk with Him.
• Genuine faith always entails risk—stepping where outcomes are unseen.
• Obedience may lead straight into storms, yet Jesus’ gaze never leaves us.
• God unveils deeper revelation only after we act on the light already given.
• The power of faith rests not in its size but in the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

Response

• Step out of your safety zone into the specific risk God is prompting.
• Obey first; expect fuller revelation after you move.
• Recall past moments you recognized His voice and let that history fuel present courage.
• Replace fear-filled self-talk with Jesus’ words: “Take courage; it is I; don’t be afraid.”
• Keep advancing toward the “other side” even when headwinds rise.

Closing

Following Jesus means refusing to spell faith S-A-F-E. The same Savior who sends you into the boat will sustain you through the gale and reveal His supremacy over every wave.

“Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.”

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your word. Strengthen every listener You are calling to take a new step of faith. Grant courage to risk, trust to obey, and endurance to keep moving even when we cannot trace Your hand. Remind us that if You have sent us, You will sustain us—through Christ our Lord.