Growing Through Storms | Philip Anthony Mitchell | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Growing Through Storms

Philip Anthony Mitchell

2819 Church • Apr 5, 2026 • 77 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell walks through Matthew 14:22–33, exploring why God allows believers to row directly into severe storms even when walking in His perfect will. Rather than rebuking the disciples for their fear, Jesus meets them on the water with His word and presence to build their faith. Ultimately, the trials we face are designed not to make us the hero of our own story, but to deepen our revelation and awe of Jesus Christ.

Themes

Growing Through TrialsGod's Will in HardshipHoly Solitude and PrayerDiscernment and AmbitionFaith over FearThe Deity of Christ

Pastor's Points

1.

The Lord led me here.

2.

The Lord is praying for me.

3.

The Lord will come to me.

4.

The Lord will grow me.

5.

The Lord will see you through.

Key Points

1.
The Lord led me here: God often allows or directs believers into storms while they are inside His perfect will.
2.
The Lord is praying for me: Jesus intercedes for His followers during times of trial and spiritual warfare.
3.
The Lord will come to me: Christ manifests His comforting presence and word to us when we feel overwhelmed.
4.
The Lord will grow me: Hardships and trials are designed by God to shape our character and mature our faith.
5.
The Lord will see you through: If God brought you into a trial, He promises to sustain you and bring you out on the other side.
6.
Discernment empowers believers to walk away from platforms and opportunities that fall outside of God's perfect will.
7.
Enduring faith flows out of a healthy rhythm of hard work and holy solitude in God's secret place.

Sermon Moments

“Jesus turned down a political crown because He knew the platform was outside of His Father's timing and will.”

“Not every open door is a God door, not every handshake is a God handshake, and not every opportunity is a God opportunity.”

“There is nothing virtuous about a hustle culture where we have no time for God's presence.”

“When Jesus walked on the sea, He was walking on the water and walking out the Word at the same time.”

“Fear is a normal human response to situations outside your control; God does not respond with a rebuke, but with His Word and presence.”

“Peter didn't get out of the boat until he heard the Lord say 'Come'—he stepped out on divine confirmation.”

“The Lord allows you to sink in your own strength to teach you that you cannot do this without Him.”

“The focus of the text is not Peter the water-walker; the hero of every single verse is Jesus.”

This Week

Exercise spiritual discernment by turning down opportunities or platforms that are outside of God's will.

Establish a consistent spiritual discipline of solitude to pray and sit in God's presence.

Refuse to turn back when facing adversity while obeying God; keep rowing forward in faith.

Run to God's Word and prayer for comfort when dealing with anxiety, rather than turning to unhealthy vices.

Pray short, honest, and fervent prayers like Peter when you feel overwhelmed by life's pressures.

Step out of your comfort zone whenever you hear the Lord give clear confirmation to 'Come.'

Recite the five storm truths whenever facing unexpected trials during the week.

Remember This

The true purpose of surviving life's storms is not to make ourselves heroes, but to grow in our awe, trust, and revelation of Jesus Christ.

A Challenge for You

Instead of staying in depression the next time you find yourself in a God-allowed trial, sit down and pull out these five truths: remember that the Lord led you here, is praying for you, will come to you, will grow you, and will see you through.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.