The Equipped Podcast

The Equipped Podcast


Navigating Life's Waves Trusting God's Presence

September 19, 2025

In this episode, titled "Navigating Life's Waves Trusting God's Presence," the hosts discuss the metaphor of storms and boats in relation to faith and discipleship.

The episode begins with an introduction by the announcer, setting the stage for a conversation about how followers of Christ should respond in challenging times. Teresa then presents a question regarding the connection between the disciples, boats, and storms, referencing Val's previous comments about these topics.

Val explains that the disciples' reluctance to be on the water signifies their fear of life's challenges, as the boat symbolizes safety while the storm represents difficulties. She discusses how every time Jesus instructed them to get into a boat, something significant happened, often related to a storm, illustrating a teaching moment for the disciples.

Teresa poses a follow-up question about Peter walking on water, which Val elaborates on, highlighting that Peter's initial courage waned when he focused on the waves instead of Jesus. This serves as a lesson about keeping faith in the face of adversity.

Michael chimes in, mentioning that praise during storms might be important, with Val adding a deeper layer of meaning regarding growth through pressure and challenges. The conversation then shifts to another story of Jesus sleeping in a boat during a storm, illustrating how peace within oneself allows for calm in chaotic situations. Val emphasizes that the disciples lacked faith despite having Jesus with them, highlighting the power they could wield if they truly believed.

Teresa shares a humorous story about a time when Michael commanded the storms to stop as they walked in heavy winds, framing it within the context of faith and obedience to God's commands.

The trio discusses the call for believers to step out of their comfort zones (the boat) amidst the darkening world and the necessity of trusting God's presence. Val emphasizes the importance of collaboration with God, explaining that He often requires individuals to take action in their faith journey.

As the episode progresses, the hosts reflect on their personal experiences of faith during storms, learning to trust God, and the significance of communicating with Him about one's struggles. They remind listeners that God welcomes their concerns but encourages a posture of trust rather than complaining.

Finally, they conclude the episode with a reminder of the necessity to remain equipped and alert in the face of coming challenges, echoing the message that victors maintain their focus on God's promises and presence throughout life's storms. The episode ends with gratitude towards Val for her participation and an invitation for listeners to engage further with the podcast.