Faith needed to navigate troubled waters, preachers emphasize

LUBBOCK—Every person will face storms in life—financial, spiritual, relational or personal. Navigating tough times requires faith in the proper Captain, preachers said during the annual meeting of the African-American Fellowship of Texas in Lubbock

When the storms of life inevitably arise, Christians must cling to the assurance of Christ's abiding presence, said fellowship President Michael Bell, pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Baptist Church in Fort Worth and incumbent president of the African-American Fellowship of Texas. (PHOTO/Grace Gaddy /Communications Intern)

When storms arose as the disciples and Jesus were on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples became fearful, said Eddie Jenkins, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Michigan City, Ind. They forgot who they were with and the power God has over the world.

Individuals today—even Christians—often do the same, Jenkins said. When trials strike, they forget who has the strength to pull them through. They panic and worry instead of relying on the power and guidance of God.

“If you’re with Jesus, know the one you’re with,” Jenkins said. “Know the one who can quiet the storm.”

In times of trial, Christians must cling to the assurance Christ always is with them no matter how difficult their journey is, said fellowship President Michael Bell, pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Baptist Church in Fort Worth. When the disciples became alarmed, Christ calmed the storm and brought them to safety on the other side of the sea.

“Jesus doesn’t send them across the lake,” Bell said. “He says, ‘Let us cross to the other side.’”

Relying on Christ doesn’t mean Christians will avoid all life’s storms, preachers noted. Individuals may encounter financial struggles, difficulties with family members or hardships with other people.

“None of us will live without encountering a storm,” Bell said. “The sooner we realize that, the better off we are.”

Officers elected at the African-American Fellowship of Texas meeting in Lubbock are: (left to right) Vice President Oscar Epps, pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto; Assistant Secretary Gleen Samuels, pastor of New Millenium Baptist Church in Lubbock; President Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield; Secretary Ponce Brown, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in El Paso; and Treasurer Marvin Delaney, pastor of South Park Baptist Church in Houston. (PHOTO/Grace Gaddy/Communications Intern)

Storms may be part of how God shapes and develops a Christian, Jenkins said. They are teaching opportunities and chances for people to rely heavily on God and see him work. Going through that process may not be easy, but it’s what may be needed for growth.

“Most people are under the impression that once they give their hand to the preacher, their work is over,” Jenkins said. “I disagree. You’re work has just begun.”

To make it through the trials, people must abandon empty promises made to God, leave behind all excuses and see the shortfalls of limited faith—all mistakes the disciples made, said Reginald DeVaughn, pastor of Silverlake Church in Pearland. If people completely embrace the fullness of Christ, they will discover fullness in life.

“When you give your life to him, he will turn your life around and make it something beautiful,” DeVaughn said.

In business, the fellowship elected new officers: President Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield; Vice President Oscar Epps, pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto; Secretary Ponce Brown, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in El Paso; Assistant Secretary Gleen Samuels, pastor of New Millenium Baptist Church in Lubbock; and Treasurer Marvin Delaney, pastor of South Park Baptist Church in Houston.