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AfterThoughts: November 16, 2025

November 16, 2025
Between The Storm And The Shore
John 6:16–21

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series from the Gospel of John. In these verses, he expanded on two points:

  • The center of God’s will is often in the eye of the storm.
  • The nearness of Jesus always shortens the distance between fear and faith.

GOING DEEPER:

  • After the feeding of the 5000 (plus), Jesus went away to the mountain to be alone, and sent His disciples ahead to Capernaum in the boat (Mark 6:45). A storm came on them even as they were being obedient to God’s command. Pastor David shared that the center of God’s will is often in the eye of the storm. Jesus sent the disciples into the eye of the storm so that they could behold His power in a way that calm seas would never reveal. How have you experienced this truth?
     
  • So many people live with a transactional view of God. They believe if you go to church, serve others in Jesus’ name and be obedient that God will grant you some type of preferential treatment. However, the Bible consistently runs counter to that idea (Matthew 5:45). Do not assume that behind every hardship there is some failure of faith. What storm in your life is driving you to a transactional view of God? How can you depend on the truth of Scripture daily to counter the lie that difficulty in your life means you have wandered off course or that blessing in your life is always the reward for your obedience?
     
  • Following Jesus revealing Himself as the “I Am”, Jesus and the disciples reached their destination (John 6:21). The sea that symbolized danger and death was under Jesus’ feet, and the message was undeniable: while rowing harder is not the answer, inviting Jesus into the boat brings us safely to our destination. How can you more fully embrace Jesus as the great “I Am” into your life this week? In what practical ways can you see the winds in your life bending to the voice of Jesus through His word and through His Spirit?
     
  • Pastor David shared that the nearness of Jesus always shortens the distance between fear and faith. This is not just a statement of geography; it is a statement about His grace and Spirit at work in us. He may not give you calm seas, but He offers you His presence and power in the middle of them. He may not remove the struggle, but He will always redeem it. How do you need to change your schedule this week to make more time for reflection and prayer on the sufficiency of Jesus to meet the needs you have in the current storm you are facing?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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