Leading Yourself in a Storm | Doug Wekenman | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Leading Yourself in a Storm

Red Rocks Church • Sep 30, 2025 • 48 min

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

Summary

In "Leading Yourself in a Storm," Pastor Doug Wekenman teaches that while we cannot control the world's chaos or culture's outrage, we are fully responsible for leading our own eyes, hearts, and steps. Looking at Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee, we see how easily fear takes over when we concentrate on the storm instead of fixating on Jesus. By guarding our hearts against bitterness, looking to Christ's sovereignty, and walking forward step by step, believers can remain grounded in grace and unity.

Themes

Self-LeadershipFaith in StormsGuarding the HeartSpiritual FocusChristian UnitySovereignty of God

Pastor's Points

1.

Fix your eyes on Jesus

2.

Don't let your heart be troubled

3.

Put one foot in front of the other

Key Points

1.
1. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
2.
2. Don't let your heart be troubled.
3.
3. Put one foot in front of the other.
4.
Even when God seems invisible in the middle of life's storms, He remains actively aware, praying for us and watching over us.
5.
God sometimes sends believers into storms not to crush them, but to strengthen their faith and refine their character.
6.
The hardest person to lead is yourself, especially when surrounding circumstances grow noisy, chaotic, and fearful.
7.
Distraction by political outrage and distant public scandals can keep believers from growing in personal virtue, character, and love.
8.
What enters through our eyes acts as a light for our body, making disciplined focus on Christ vital for maintaining spiritual health.

Sermon Moments

“The Screwtape Letters metaphor: Senior demon Screwtape coaches Wormwood to keep humans fixated on political arguments and distant faults so they are too distracted to cultivate personal virtue or inner peace.”

“The gym check-in story: Pastor Doug attempted to use a friend's QR code to enter a gym, but when recognized by an attendee, felt convicted by God to go back and honestly confess his lie.”

“Concentrating on the storm vs. Jesus: Peter went from concentrating on Jesus and considering the storm to concentrating on the storm and considering Jesus, causing him to sink.”

“Looking up at creation after 9/11: Doug's mother took her family to Daniel's Park on September 11th to look at the sunset and mountains, encouraging them to let creation declare God's sovereignty over tragic headlines.”

“Holding pain and joy in two hands: Believers have the emotional capacity to mourn deeply with those in pain while enjoying life and celebrating with others at the exact same time.”

“Jesus' immediate rescue: When Peter panicked and sank, he called out 'Lord, save me,' and Jesus immediately reached out to grab him without delay or lecture.”

“The rowdy boat of unity: The disciples' boat brought together people of vast differences—tax collectors and fishermen—who were unified in worshiping Jesus as the way, truth, and life.”

This Week

Go outside at night to look up at the stars or a sunset, letting God's creation remind you of His sovereignty over world news and chaos.

Take a intentional pause or fast from social media and comment sections when you feel anger, anxiety, or cynicism growing in your heart.

Pray Psalm 139:23-24 ("Search me, God, and know my heart") to inspect your own spirit before reacting, posting, or sharing about cultural events and public scandals.

Concentrate your focus on Jesus and the truths of Scripture rather than fixating on negative news headlines and public commentary.

Allow yourself to hold both grief and joy simultaneously—mourning with those who suffer while actively choosing to hold onto the strength of a cheerful heart.

Practice self-control over where you direct your eyes, choosing not to seek out videos of real-world violence or outrage that desensitize your conscience.

Call out directly to Jesus in moments when fear or anxiety makes you feel like you are sinking, trusting in His immediate reach and saving grace.

Remember This

To navigate life's storms successfully, believers must take ownership of themselves by keeping their eyes on Jesus, guarding their hearts against fear, and taking steady steps forward in faith.

A Challenge for You

"We are a rowdy church of imperfect people who can't keep quiet about Jesus... We believe Jesus is the answer and the church is the greatest evangelistic tool on the planet. So, maybe now more than ever, we are turning up the volume to make heaven more crowded."

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