Keeping the Faith In Chaos

Chaos seems to be everywhere—on the news, in our communities, even in our own homes. Fear, uncertainty, and division are at an all-time high. But as believers, we are not meant to be tossed around by the storms of life. We are called to stand firm in faith, anchored in Christ.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into how Jesus navigated chaos and what that means for us today. We’ll explore: ✅ The three ways Jesus remained unshaken in turbulent times
✅ Inspiring faith leaders who stood firm against overwhelming challenges
✅ Practical steps to cultivate unwavering faith when the world feels out of control

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by personal struggles, family tensions, or the state of the world, this episode is for you. Discover how to live with peace, boldness, and clarity—just like Christ did.

🔹 "Take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33
🔹 Tune in now and learn how to keep the faith when everything around you feels uncertain.

Transcript

How do we keep the faith in times of chaos?

Whether it’s in your personal life, your family, your community, or even the political world, chaos seems to be everywhere. Turn on the news, scroll through social media, or even just listen to the conversations around you—there’s fear, division, and uncertainty.

But as believers, we are called to something higher. We are not supposed to be tossed around by every wave of cultural change, political conflict, or personal crisis. Instead, we have an anchor—Jesus Christ. He walked through the most turbulent of times with peace, authority, and clarity, and today, we’re going to learn from His example.

In today’s episode, we’ll cover:

1. How Jesus handled chaos and what that means for us today.
2. Real-life faith leaders who model Christlike steadiness in uncertain times.
3. Practical steps to remain unshaken when the world around us is spiraling.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise, whether in your home, your job, or just the world in general, stick with me. Let’s dive into how we can stay firm in faith—just like Christ did.

Segment 1: Jesus and Chaos—How He Led with Steadiness 

Do you remember these words of Jesus…

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33, NIV)

Before we look at examples of modern faith leaders, we need to go back to the foundation laid by Jesus Christ.

Jesus walked through one of the most chaotic times in history. Political corruption, religious hypocrisy, oppression, betrayal—He experienced it all firsthand. And yet, He never let the instability of the world dictate His actions. He remained steady.

So, how did Jesus handle the chaos around Him? Let’s break this down into three key aspects of His leadership:

1. He stayed focused on His mission.
2. He walked in peace, not panic.
3. He confronted evil with truth, not fear.

1. Jesus Stayed Focused on His Mission

One of the most striking things about Jesus’ leadership is that He never allowed distractions to pull Him away from His divine assignment.

Think about all the expectations placed on Him. The people wanted Him to overthrow the Romans. The religious leaders wanted to trap Him. Even His own disciples sometimes pressured Him to take a different approach. But Jesus stayed resolute in His purpose—to bring salvation, not political revolution.

The Question of Taxes (Matthew 22:15-22)

At one point, the Pharisees and the Herodians—two groups that normally opposed each other—came together to trap Jesus with a political question:

"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

It was a trick. If Jesus said "yes," He would anger the Jewish people who despised Roman rule. If He said "no," He could be arrested for inciting rebellion.

But instead of taking the bait, Jesus answered with wisdom:

"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." (Matthew 22:21)

In other words, don’t let worldly politics distract you from God’s kingdom.

Application for Us

How often do we get pulled into the distractions of this world? Social media debates, political arguments, cultural controversies—we can spend so much energy fighting battles that don’t align with God’s greater mission for us.

Jesus shows us that our ultimate allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. That doesn’t mean we ignore injustice or disengage from society, but it does mean that we must never let political or cultural chaos take our eyes off Christ.

2. Jesus Walked in Peace, Not Panic

Jesus didn’t just talk about peace—He embodied it.

One of the most powerful examples of this is the storm on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

Picture this scene on the Lake of Galilee, a place I’ve had the privilege of seeing in person.

Jesus and His disciples are in a boat. A furious storm arises. The wind is howling, waves are crashing into the boat, and the disciples—many of whom were experienced fishermen—are convinced they’re going to die.

And where is Jesus?

Asleep.

Think about that for a second. The storm is raging, chaos is everywhere, and Jesus is resting.

The disciples wake Him up in a panic:

"Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"

Jesus stands up, rebukes the wind, and says:

"Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39)

And just like that—the storm is gone.

Then He turns to His disciples and asks,

"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Application for Us

How often do we react like the disciples? We see the chaos around us—economic instability, political turmoil, personal struggles—and we panic.

But Jesus shows us that peace isn’t found in the absence of storms; it’s found in trusting the One who is greater than the storm.

• When the news is bad, do we respond with faith or fear?
• When things feel out of control, do we rest in God’s promises, or do we let anxiety take over?

Jesus invites us to trust Him completely, even when the storm is raging.

3. Jesus Confronted Evil with Truth, Not Fear

Jesus was not afraid to call out corruption, hypocrisy, and injustice. But He never did it from a place of reactionary outrage—He did it with wisdom and truth.

Example: Jesus vs. the Pharisees (Matthew 23)

The Pharisees were supposed to be spiritual leaders, but they were more concerned with maintaining power than with serving God’s people. Instead of leading with love, they weighed people down with legalism and empty traditions.

Jesus didn’t ignore their corruption. In Matthew 23, He boldly confronted them:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to." (Matthew 23:13)

This was not Jesus being angry for the sake of anger. This was righteous indignation—standing up for truth but doing it with clarity and authority.

And yet, even as He rebuked them, His heart was still full of compassion. Later in the same passage, He says:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." (Matthew 23:37)

Application for Us

We live in a world filled with moral confusion. As Christians, we are called to stand for truth—but we must do it as Jesus did:

• Not out of fear.
• Not out of anger.
• But with love, wisdom, and unwavering conviction.

When we see corruption, injustice, or sin, we should speak up. But we should never let chaos dictate our actions. Our words should be seasoned with grace and truth.

Key Takeaways from Jesus’ Example

So, let’s sum up what we’ve learned about how Jesus handled chaos:

1. He stayed focused on His mission.
    
   • He didn’t get caught up in political distractions.
2.  
   • He kept His eyes on God’s Kingdom, not temporary debates.
3.  
4. He walked in peace, not panic.
    
   • He rested even in the middle of a storm.
5.  
   • He calls us to trust Him, not our circumstances.
6.  
7. He confronted evil with truth, not fear.
    
   • He stood firm against corruption.
8.  
   • He spoke with wisdom, not reactionary anger.
9.  

And here’s the beautiful thing: The same Jesus who walked in peace back then is the same Jesus we serve today.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

The world is chaotic. It always has been. But we don’t have to be. We follow a Savior who is unchanging, unshaken, and undefeated.

So, if you feel overwhelmed by personal struggles, family tensions, or political turmoil, remember this:

Jesus is in the boat with you.

And He’s not afraid.

Stay rooted in Him, and you’ll find the peace you need to stand firm—no matter what storm is raging around you.

Segment 2: Real-Life Faith Leaders Who Stand Firm in Chaos 

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."
(Jeremiah 17:7, NIV)

Now that we’ve looked at how Jesus navigated chaos with unwavering faith, let’s examine some real-life faith leaders who have followed His example in modern times. These men and women remained steadfast in their convictions despite political upheaval, cultural pressure, or personal hardship. They stood firm in the face of chaos and modeled what it means to lead with faith, integrity, and courage.

Each of these leaders teaches us valuable lessons about how to stay steady when everything around us seems uncertain. They are all well-known leaders who lead ordinary lives and left lasting impact for the kingdom and the people they served.

1. Billy Graham – Preaching Christ, Not Politics

"My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ."
– Billy Graham

Billy Graham is arguably one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. He lived through wars, political scandals, the civil rights movement, and cultural revolutions. Despite all of this, he never let the changing tides of politics distract him from his mission: preaching the Gospel.

How He Led with Stability in Chaos

• He refused to become a partisan figure.
   
  • Graham was often invited to advise U.S. Presidents—from Harry Truman to George W. Bush. While he prayed with both Republican and Democratic leaders, he never publicly endorsed political candidates. He understood that his allegiance was to God’s Kingdom, not any earthly government.
•  
• He preached a simple and unchanging message: Jesus saves.
   
  • Whether speaking to millions in stadiums or having a private conversation with world leaders, his message was always the same: repentance, salvation, and faith in Christ.
•  
• He took a stand for racial unity.
   
  • During the civil rights era, Graham insisted that his crusades be racially integrated—even in the deeply segregated South. When organizers tried to set up racially segregated seating, he personally tore down the dividing ropes.
•  

Lesson for Us

• Our faith should never be tied to politics or cultural trends.
• We must be committed to the Gospel, no matter the political climate.
• True leadership breaks down barriers and unites people under Christ.

Billy Graham’s steadfastness in turbulent times reminds us that God’s truth does not change, even when the world around us does.

2. Truett Cathy – Faith-Driven Business Leadership (Founder of Chick-fil-A)

"We don’t claim to be a Christian business. But as an organization, we apply biblical principles to everything we do."
– Truett Cathy

Truett Cathy built Chick-fil-A not just as a business but as a ministry. In an industry that thrives on profit and competition, Cathy made faith-driven decisions that many thought were bad for business—but God honored his obedience.

How He Led with Stability in Chaos

• He prioritized honoring God over profits.
   
  • Cathy made the bold decision to close Chick-fil-A on Sundays to honor the Sabbath. Many experts criticized this move, saying it would cost him billions over time. Yet Chick-fil-A remains one of the most successful and respected fast-food chains in America.
•  
• He practiced servant leadership.
   
  • Cathy treated his employees with dignity and care, offering scholarships and professional growth opportunities. His leadership style reflected Matthew 20:26:
•  

"Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant."

• He didn’t cave to cultural pressure.
   
  • Despite facing backlash for his Christian values, Cathy never wavered in his faith or business practices. Instead of responding with hostility, he focused on loving people and serving with excellence.
•  

Lesson for Us

• Faith should guide our decisions, even in the business world.
• Leadership is about serving others, not just making profits.
• Standing firm in biblical principles brings long-term success and impact.

Truett Cathy’s life shows us that when we put God first, He blesses our work in ways we never expected.

3. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Standing for Truth in a Time of Fear

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian during World War II. At a time when many Christian leaders compromised under Nazi rule, Bonhoeffer refused to be silent. His unwavering commitment to biblical truth cost him his life, but his legacy continues to inspire believers around the world.

How He Led with Stability in Chaos

• He refused to align the church with corrupt government powers.
   
  • When the Nazi regime co-opted the German church, many pastors went along with it out of fear. Bonhoeffer helped form the Confessing Church, which resisted Hitler’s influence and remained faithful to Christ alone.
•  
• He spoke against injustice, no matter the cost.
   
  • He actively opposed Nazi policies, helping Jewish families escape and preaching against tyranny.
•  
• He paid the ultimate price for his convictions.
   
  • In 1943, Bonhoeffer was arrested for his involvement in a plot to overthrow Hitler. He was executed in a concentration camp in 1945—but he never renounced his faith.
•  

Lesson for Us

• Faith is not just personal—it requires courage to stand for truth.
• We must be willing to stand against evil, even when it’s unpopular.
• True discipleship comes at a cost, but obedience to Christ is always worth it.

Bonhoeffer’s life challenges us: Are we willing to stand for biblical truth, even when the world is against us?

4. Mother Teresa – Serving with Unshakable Faith

"If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."
– Mother Teresa

This is the most amazing and yet often little known of her quotes. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. While she faced criticism, poverty, and even spiritual doubt, she never wavered in her calling.

How She Led with Stability in Chaos

• She chose love over fame.
   
  • Despite receiving global recognition, she remained humble and continued serving in the slums.
•  
• She saw Jesus in the broken.
   
  • She believed that every act of kindness to the poor was an act of love toward Christ:
•  

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me." (Matthew 25:40)

• She stayed faithful despite personal struggles.
   
  • In her private letters, she revealed she struggled with feelings of spiritual emptiness—but she continued to serve out of faith, not feelings.
•  

Lesson for Us

• Faithfulness is not about feeling good—it’s about obedience.
• Serving others brings us closer to God.
• Even in seasons of doubt, God can use us mightily.

Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to Christ reminds us that true leadership begins with humility and love.

Key Takeaways from These Faith Leaders

Each of these leaders faced chaos, cultural pressure, or extreme hardship. Yet, they remained unshaken because their foundation was in Christ.

1. Billy Graham: Keep the focus on the Gospel, not politics.
2. Truett Cathy: Lead with integrity, even in business.
3. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Stand for truth, no matter the cost.
4. Mother Teresa: Love and serve, even in difficult seasons.

As we navigate our own storms, may we follow their example—and ultimately, Christ’s example—of steadfast faith in chaotic times.

Segment 3: Practical Steps to Stay Grounded in Faith Amid Chaos

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
(1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

We’ve explored how Jesus handled chaos and looked at modern faith leaders who remained steadfast despite pressure, opposition, and hardship. But now, let’s get practical.

When chaos invades our personal lives, our families, our communities, or the world around us, how do we stand firm? 

How do we stay grounded in faith when everything around us feels unstable?

In this segment, I want to walk you through six practical, biblical steps that will help you keep the faith when chaos surrounds you.

Step 1: Stay Rooted in Scripture – Make God’s Word Your Anchor

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
(Matthew 24:35, NIV)

When everything feels uncertain, we need a foundation that never changes—and that foundation is God’s Word. The world’s opinions, cultural trends, and even political landscapes are always shifting. But the Bible is the unshakable truth that never moves.

How to Apply This:

• Read Scripture daily, even if it’s just a few verses.
• Meditate on key passages that remind you of God’s control in chaos:
   
  • Isaiah 41:10 – God is with us.
•  
  • Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge.
•  
  • John 16:33 – Jesus has overcome the world.
•  
• When you feel anxious, replace fear with truth. Instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios, declare God’s promises over your situation.

Example: During World War II, Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian who hid Jewish families from the Nazis, clung to Psalm 91 while she was imprisoned in a concentration camp. God’s Word sustained her. If Scripture gave strength in the face of such horror, it can certainly sustain us in our daily struggles.

Bottom Line: Make God’s Word your daily nourishment—not just an occasional snack.

Step 2: Focus on Kingdom Work, Not Worldly Distractions

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
(Matthew 6:33, ESV)

One of the enemy’s greatest tactics is distraction. If he can’t destroy your faith, he’ll settle for making you waste time on things that don’t matter.

What This Looks Like in Real Life:

• Instead of obsessing over the latest political crisis, serve in your local community.
• Instead of arguing on social media, spend time praying for your family and neighbors.
• Instead of worrying about the future, pour your energy into Kingdom work—sharing the Gospel, discipling others, and living out your faith.

Example:
Billy Graham was invited to countless political debates, but he stayed focused on evangelism. He knew his job wasn’t to fix Washington—it was to bring people to Christ.

Bottom Line: Keep your eyes on eternity, not just the temporary struggles of this world.

Step 3: Surround Yourself with Strong Believers

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
(Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

We were never meant to navigate life alone. During times of personal, family, or global chaos, we need a community of faithful believers who will encourage us, challenge us, and remind us of God’s truth.

How to Build a Strong Faith Community:

• Join a Bible study, small group or an online community of believers.
• Stay connected with mentors and accountability partners.
• Pray together regularly.

Example:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who opposed Nazi Germany’s corruption of the church, formed the Confessing Church—a group of believers who stood firm in biblical truth despite persecution. They strengthened one another’s faith during one of history’s darkest times.

Bottom Line: Faith is strengthened in community, but it withers in isolation. Find strong believers who will walk with you through uncertain times.

Step 4: Pray for Wisdom and Discernment

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
(James 1:5, NIV)

In times of uncertainty, political division, or personal struggle, we need wisdom. And here’s the good news—God promises to give it to us when we ask.

How to Seek God’s Wisdom:

• Pray daily for discernment. Ask, “Lord, what do You want me to focus on today?”
• Listen before reacting. Instead of responding to chaos with fear or anger, pause and seek God’s direction.
• Study Proverbs. It’s filled with wisdom for navigating difficult situations.

Example:
Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, prayed before making every major business decision. He sought God’s wisdom over profits—and God blessed his obedience.

Bottom Line: Don’t make decisions based on fear, anger, or public opinion. Seek God’s wisdom first.

Step 5: Be a Light in Chaos—Respond with Grace, Not Fear

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
(Matthew 5:14, NIV)

As the world grows darker, we have a choice—to react like everyone else or to shine like Christ.

What This Looks Like in Action:

• When others panic, be calm. Show the peace of Christ.
• When others complain, be thankful. Gratitude is a powerful testimony.
• When others tear down, build up. Use your words to encourage, not divide.

Example:
Mother Teresa served in the slums of Calcutta when chaos surrounded her daily. But she responded with love, peace, and unwavering faith. Her work didn’t just change lives—it changed hearts.

Bottom Line: The world needs hope. Be a living testimony of Christ’s peace in turbulent times.

Step 6: Trust God’s Sovereignty Over Every Situation

"Be still and know that I am God."
(Psalm 46:10, NIV)

At the end of the day, we are not in control. But we serve a God who is.

No political leader, economic crisis, or personal struggle is bigger than our Creator. If we truly believe that God is sovereign, we can face uncertainty with confidence.

How to Cultivate Trust in God:

• Surrender daily. Say, “Lord, I trust You with my life, my family, my country, and my future.”
• Remember past faithfulness. Think about how God has carried you through challenges before.
• Meditate on God’s sovereignty. Read passages like Romans 8:28, Psalm 91, and Isaiah 40:31.

Example:
Corrie Ten Boom survived a Nazi concentration camp but never lost faith. She once said:

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

Bottom Line: God is still on the throne. No chaos is bigger than Him.

Conclusion: Choose Faith Over Fear

We don’t get to control the chaos in the world—but we do get to control our response.

• Stay rooted in God’s Word.
• Keep your eyes on the Kingdom, not the noise.
• Surround yourself with strong believers.
• Seek wisdom, not reactionary emotions.
• Be a light in the darkness.
• Trust that God is in control.

Faith doesn’t remove the storm—it gives us the strength to walk through it.

Stay firm, stay faithful, keep serving others and keep your eyes on Jesus.