Tag: Faith Amid Adversity

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Marveling at God’s Word

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 8:22-25. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on August 18, 2024.

My first typhoon in Japan, Typhoon Talim, was unforgettable. A Category 4 storm with winds reaching 220 km/h, it hit shortly after I began my term as a missionary in September 2017. Preparing for it meant stocking up on supplies, closing my storm shutters, and canceling plans. When it finally arrived, I even stepped outside briefly to capture a video for Instagram. By the next day, only broken branches remained as evidence of the storm. Sheltered in a sturdy building in a country prepared for natural disasters, I wasn’t afraid.

This memory pales in comparison to the storm Jesus and His disciples faced in Luke 8:22-25. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a violent windstorm arose, threatening their small boat. The Sea of Galilee’s geography makes it prone to sudden, ferocious storms. Warm air rising from the water collides with cool air rushing down from surrounding hills, creating powerful winds that churn up waves as high as three meters. Even experienced fishermen like the disciples panicked.

While the disciples frantically bailed water, Jesus slept. In their terror, they woke Him, crying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (Luke 8:24, ESV). Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm immediately ceased. Then He turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Despite witnessing His miracles and authority, their faith faltered in the face of danger.

How often do we do the same? It’s easy to trust God when life is calm, but when storms hit—whether financial struggles, health crises, or personal losses—fear takes over. Yet Scripture reminds us of God’s constant presence. Joshua told the Israelites, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV). Like the disciples, we need reminders to trust God, especially during trials.

Faith is like a muscle; it grows through exercise. Jesus encourages even the smallest faith, saying, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20, ESV). Small, consistent steps make a difference. Daily habits like reading the Bible and praying strengthen our trust in God. Fellowship with other believers helps us bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2, ESV) and grow in community. Spiritual disciplines like fasting, memorizing Scripture, and deeper Bible study can further mature our faith.

After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples marveled, asking, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25, ESV). Psalm 135:6-7 answers, declaring that God commands the winds and rain. As we face life’s storms, we can trust that the same Jesus who calmed the sea is sovereign over our struggles. Our faith, though small, becomes unshakable when placed in Him.

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He is Greater: Naaman and the Servant Girl

Summary of my sermon, based on 2 Kings 5:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on September 17, 2023.

Last week, Pastor Robert preached from Philippians 1:27-30, emphasizing the importance of living in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, we continue to explore pertinent issues that challenge our Christian values in contemporary Western culture—Gender Ideology, Abortion, and Medical Aid in Dying. These issues are not just personal opinions but Gospel issues that test our faith in a world increasingly hostile to Christianity.

In today’s society, Gender Ideology, Abortion, and Medical Aid in Dying have become dominant cultural issues that stand in contrast to our Christian values. These challenges reflect a rejection of Yahweh, the God who created us male and female, knit us together in our mother’s wombs, and remains sovereign over all, including life and death. As Christians, we find ourselves in the midst of a cultural conflict where our beliefs are increasingly marginalized.

In a world filled with hostility towards our faith, the question arises: How do we remain faithful? This question seamlessly leads us to our scripture passage for today, 2 Kings 5, where we encounter the story of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, and a nameless Israelite servant girl. Their lives exemplify important lessons for us in times of adversity.

Commander of the Army of the King of Syria

Naaman, despite his prestigious position as the commander of the Syrian army, suffered from leprosy, a debilitating and highly contagious disease. This affliction was a humbling reminder that earthly status cannot shield us from suffering. In Naaman, we see that even the mighty can experience vulnerability and seek redemption.

The Israelite Servant Girl

The nameless Israelite servant girl, captured during a Syrian raid, displayed extraordinary faith and compassion. Instead of harboring resentment towards Naaman, she directed him to the Prophet in Samaria, knowing that he could heal Naaman’s leprosy. Her response serves as a remarkable example of forgiveness and love in the face of adversity.

As Christians facing hostility in the world, we are called to emulate the faith and forgiveness demonstrated by the Israelite servant girl. While it may be tempting to respond with anger and resentment, the Bible instructs us differently. In Jeremiah 29:7, we are encouraged to seek the welfare of the city where we reside and pray for its well-being. Jesus Himself teaches us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27–28).

Point to Christ

Our ultimate example of faith and forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is patient, desiring that all should reach repentance, and 1 Timothy 4:10 highlights that God is the Savior of all people, especially those who believe. As followers of Christ, our mission is to spread His message of love, redemption, and forgiveness, even in the face of hostility.

Jim Elliot, a passionate Christian missionary, exemplified the principles of faith and forgiveness. Alongside his companions, he sought to bring the message of Jesus to the Huaorani tribe in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. Tragically, they were martyred by the tribe, but their widows, including Elisabeth Elliot, chose a path of forgiveness.

Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint, instead of seeking revenge, chose to live among the Huaorani people. They learned their language and culture, ultimately introducing them to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The transformation that followed was profound, as former violent tribe members embraced forgiveness, love, and redemption through Christ.

In a world marked by hostility towards our faith, the stories of Naaman and Jim Elliot provide valuable lessons. We are called to respond to adversity with faith, forgiveness, and love. Just as the Israelite servant girl directed Naaman to healing, we are tasked with pointing others to the ultimate source of redemption—Jesus Christ. As we navigate the clash of values in our culture, may we remain faithful witnesses, living out our faith with grace and compassion, even when faced with hostility.