As headlines continue to erupt with reports surrounding Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and escalating tensions across the Middle East, Pastor Jack Hibbs is urging believers to resist the temptation to become consumed by fear.
Drawing on the familiar account of Peter walking on the water, Hibbs reminded Christians that storms often arise even as they walk in obedience to God.
“Peter was in the boat that Jesus told him to get into,” Hibbs said. “A storm arose, and they believed they were going to die.”
The message centered on a powerful biblical reality: obedience does not guarantee calm seas, but it does guarantee Christ’s presence.
Reflecting on Peter’s bold request, Hibbs praised the disciple’s understanding of Jesus’ nature.
“If that’s You, I know something about You, Jesus,” Hibbs said, paraphrasing Peter’s heart. “If You’re going to ask us to do something, it’s going to be impossible. You’re probably going to ask me something that is outside of my comfort zone.”
That, he said, is often how believers recognize God’s voice.
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When Jesus simply replied, “Come,” Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water until he shifted his attention from Christ to the raging waves.
Hibbs noted that Peter’s downfall was not the storm itself, but where he fixed his attention.
“He looks at the waves and he begins to sink,” Hibbs said. Yet Peter’s desperate cry—”Lord, save me”—was immediately answered as Jesus reached out His hand.
Turning to today’s geopolitical climate, Hibbs said many Christians are experiencing a similar struggle.
“I want to say all that to say this—that right now in our world, right now in our America, there’s so much going on regarding Israel and Iran, Israel and Lebanon, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis—you name it.”
He acknowledged that developments involving Israel are significant, telling listeners, “Whenever Israel is involved in anything, it’s a big deal. It means God’s at work. God’s doing something.”
However, Hibbs cautioned believers against allowing nonstop news coverage to dictate their emotional state.
“Living in the 21st century… we have access to some degree of war in real time. We’ve never had this before,” he said.
Rather than reacting emotionally to every headline, Hibbs encouraged patience and discernment, noting that modern warfare often includes strategic misinformation and psychological operations that ordinary observers cannot fully evaluate.
“Don’t get caught up into that storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus.”
Instead of panic, he urged Christians to pray faithfully for the nations involved.
“I am praying for the United States. I’m praying for Persia. I am praying for Israel. I’m praying for Lebanon. I’m praying for Syria.”
He continued with a reminder that God’s greatest concern is not simply what is happening among the nations, but what He is accomplishing within His people.
“He is moving among the nations. Just make sure He’s moving in your heart.”
As prophetic events continue to unfold across Israel and the Middle East, believers must remain anchored in God’s Word, steadfast in prayer and unwavering in faith. The same Savior who called Peter onto the water is still calling His people to step beyond fear, trust His voice and walk confidently through the storm, knowing that the King of kings remains sovereign over every nation and every headline.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
