Beautiful Freedom in Coordination with the Cogitating Ceviche
Presents
Do Not Fear the Wind: Finding Faith Amidst Chaos
By Calista F. Freiheit
Narration by Amazon Polly
Today's turbulence in the federal workforce mirrors the broader societal unrest we see unfolding. The rapid restructuring of agencies, uncertainties in leadership, and the dismantling of long-established programs have left many government employees anxious about their future. Reports of unauthorized access to sensitive databases and policy shifts with little warning only add to the instability. Beyond the halls of government, our communities are equally unsettled. Political polarization, social tension, and cultural division have created an environment of fear and doubt. This is not merely an administrative issue; it is a crisis of confidence that affects countless individuals' daily lives and well-being. Understandably, many feel lost, wondering what the future holds for their careers, families, and livelihoods.
Yet, it is in times like these that the words of Christ ring more clearly than ever: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). When Jesus walked on the water toward His disciples, they were battered by waves and struggling against the wind. They were terrified, believing they saw a ghost. Yet, in the midst of the storm, Christ’s presence brought reassurance, calling them to faith instead of fear.
Eager and bold, Peter stepped out of the boat onto the waves. For a moment, he walked on water, too, eyes fixed on Jesus. But as soon as he saw the wind, doubt crept in, and he began to sink. “Lord, save me!” he cried, and immediately, Jesus reached out His hand. In this moment, we see human frailty and divine grace in action. Peter’s experience mirrors our own struggles with faith. We begin with confidence, but we waver when uncertainty and hardship arise. When we focus on the chaos around us instead of the presence of Christ, we begin to sink into despair, just as Peter did.
This passage is not merely about Peter’s faith but about the human tendency to be overwhelmed by the storms of life. Today, the wind howls through our nation’s institutions, communities, and homes. Economic concerns, political instability, and a society at odds with itself make for a stormy sea indeed. But in the midst of it, we must remember: do not fear the wind.
Faith does not require the absence of storms. It requires keeping our focus on Christ in the midst of them. If we fix our eyes on Him rather than the waves around us, we will find the courage to stand firm. Our security does not lie in earthly governments, political parties, or shifting policies. It lies in the One who walks upon the water and still calms the storm. This does not mean ignoring worldly responsibilities but viewing them with the proper perspective. Governments will change, policies will be rewritten, and institutions will rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is unshakable.
Many in the federal workforce may be struggling with questions about their future. Will my agency survive this administration’s restructuring? Will my work continue to have meaning? These questions, though pressing, should not drive us to despair. Instead, they should remind us to place our trust where it truly belongs. Political and bureaucratic tides will rise and fall, but God remains steadfast. This does not mean disengagement from civic responsibilities but rather a recognition that earthly systems are limited and transient. Our identity should not be bound to a particular institution or job title but in our calling as followers of Christ.
Society as a whole would also do well to heed this lesson. Division and unrest are distractions meant to pull our focus away from what is eternal. Just as Peter faltered when he turned his eyes to the storm, so too do we lose our way when we focus on chaos instead of Christ. If we allow every political shift and cultural upheaval to shake us, we will find ourselves sinking beneath the weight of our worries. Instead, we must anchor ourselves in the eternal truths of Scripture, letting them guide our actions and responses. It is easy to be consumed by frustration, but faith demands that we remain steadfast and trust in God’s greater plan.
What, then, should we do? First, we must pray for wisdom and peace. Prayer should not be our last resort but our first action. Prayer is not just a plea for relief but a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty. Second, we should act where we can, standing firm in truth and righteousness without being swept away by fear. This means seeking solutions, engaging in constructive dialogue, and making decisions rooted in faith rather than panic. Finally, we must encourage one another, reminding our fellow believers that God is in control, even when the world seems out of it. In a culture of uncertainty, we must be the voice of stability and hope, showing others that trust in God is the only foundation that will not crumble.
Faith is an active choice. It does not mean ignoring our struggles but embracing them with the confidence that God is with us. Just as Peter walked on water when he trusted in Christ, so too can we navigate uncertain waters when we place our trust in Him. The storms may rage, but we are called to stand firm, not in our strength but in His.
There will always be storms. There will always be winds that shake the boat. But we are called to faith, not fear. Let us fix our eyes on Christ and take heart, knowing that though the world shifts, He never does. Even in the darkest of times, when everything seems uncertain, we can confidently know that God is sovereign. This truth should not only bring comfort but should also inspire boldness in our faith. It should empower us to step forward in courage, unshaken by the world's changing tides.
So, as we watch the changes unfold around us, let us remember one simple truth: do not fear the wind. Let us live in faith, act in courage, and trust that no matter how strong the storm is, the One who walks on water is with us always. He calls us to step out of the boat, to trust in His guidance, and to find peace in the assurance that He is greater than any storm we will ever face. Let us go forth boldly, knowing that He holds us in the palm of His hand, and we will never be lost in Him.
Thank you for your time today. Until next time, God Bless.
