Faith in the Storm

Sermon by Rev. Lisa Faber Ginggen | August 9th 2026

https://youtu.be/0VqQ39HPK6w

What happens to our faith when fear takes over?

Reflecting on the story of Jesus walking on water, The Rev. Lisa Faber Ginggen explores the relationship between God’s presence, fear, faith, and doubt—with a little help from Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.

As the disciples are caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, we can find ourselves facing moments when God seems absent. Fear can make it difficult to recognize what is directly in front of us, just as the disciples initially fail to recognize Jesus walking toward them on the water.

Peter, too, experiences both faith and doubt. He has enough faith to step out of the boat, yet when his attention turns to the wind and the storm around him, fear takes hold, and he begins to sink. His response is a simple prayer: “Lord, save me!” And immediately, Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him.

Our faith may give way to doubt, and our doubt may give way to faith. Neither means that God has left us. In the stormier moments of life, we are invited to remember the name at the heart of our community: Emmanuel, God is with us.

May we hear Christ’s words—“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid”—and recognize God’s outstretched hand reaching toward us in love.

Readings: Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 | Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b | Romans 10:5–15 | Matthew 14:22–33