Are you New here?

We are currently working through the study, Discovering Joy: Not Because Life is Perfect, but because God is Faithful. If you would like to join our study – awesome! We’d love to have you join us.

You have two options:

1. Pick up a copy of the journal at Amazon. Click here and follow along with us.

2. Subscribe (at the bottom of this page) to gain access to our members only section and download a FREE printable copy.

If you have any questions, or need help email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net

Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

JOIN OUR FELLOWSHIP ON FACEBOOK

Hi ladies! I’m so excited to journey through Discovering Joy with you over the next 5 Weeks! Each week, we’ll explore three chapters from the book, focusing on finding our joy in Christ regardless of how imperfect the world is around us. To deepen our study, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a warm and welcoming space where we share our thoughts, encourage one another, and grow in faith as we prepare our hearts for the season. I can’t wait to see you there! ❤️

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

This week in our study, we’re looking at Matthew 14, where Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him in a boat—knowing full well they’d be heading straight into a storm. Let that sink in for a second. Jesus knew what was coming. This wasn’t some unexpected weather pattern or a mistake on their part. They were following His instructions, doing exactly what He told them to do, and yet—they still hit a storm. Ever been there? You’re walking in obedience, following where God leads, and suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a battle you never saw coming. It’s unsettling, isn’t it? But here’s the question: what if the storm isn’t evidence that you’re lost but confirmation that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be?

We tend to see storms as obstacles—things that block us from where we think we should be. We assume that if life gets hard, we must have missed something. But what if they’re not obstacles at all? What if, instead, they’re invitations to experience God in a way we never have before? Could it be that the storm is part of His plan to draw us closer to Him?

This story in Matthew 14 teaches us a critical truth: storms are not proof of God’s absence. They’re opportunities to see His presence in ways we never would in calm waters. Jesus sent His disciples into a storm—not to punish them, but to reveal Himself to them. And here’s something we can’t overlook: before the storm ever began, before the waves started crashing, Jesus “made the disciples get into the boat” (Matthew 14:22, NIV). He put them there. They weren’t off track. They weren’t being disciplined. They were right where He wanted them to be.

Doesn’t that shift your perspective? Sometimes we equate struggles with being outside of God’s plan, but this passage reminds us that difficulty can be part of His divine design. Some of the clearest revelations of who God is come in the middle of the hardest struggles.

The disciples battled the wind and waves for hours. Can you imagine their exhaustion and frustration? Then, through the chaos, they saw Jesus walking on the water. Now, you’d think that would have brought instant relief, but instead, it brought fear. They didn’t recognize Him (Matthew 14:26). Isn’t that just like us? When we’re in the thick of a storm, fear clouds our vision. What’s meant to bring us peace sometimes feels threatening because we can’t see past our circumstances. But Jesus immediately reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27, NIV).

Fear has a way of distorting our perception of God. In the middle of the storm, we may see Him as distant or unrecognizable. But the truth is, He’s always near, speaking peace over us, even when we don’t realize it. 

Then there’s Peter. I love his boldness. He says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28). And what does Jesus say? “Come.” Stop and picture it. Peter stepping out of the boat, the wind whipping around him, his feet somehow staying above the water? For a moment, his focus is locked on Jesus, and the storm seems powerless. But then, he notices the wind. His attention shifts, and fear takes over. He begins to sink.

Isn’t that a picture of us? When our eyes are on Jesus, we experience His power and peace—even in the middle of chaos. But the moment we focus on the storm, fear takes hold. And yet, even in Peter’s doubt and sinking moment, Jesus doesn’t leave him to flounder. He reaches out, grabs him, and pulls him back up. What a Savior. He doesn’t just meet us in our faith; He meets us in our fear, too.

Here’s the thing: If we view storms as evidence of God’s absence, we’ll miss the joy of experiencing His presence. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Why? Because trials refine our faith and reveal more of who Jesus is. They strip away the distractions and force us to depend on Him completely.

Storms have a way of shaking us up, but let’s not forget—no matter how fierce the wind blows, it can’t change who God is. The Bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) The question is, are we letting the storm drag us down, or are we reaching for God, grabbing hold of His hand, and standing firm in His unfailing power.

This Week’s Challenge

Our challenge this week is to recognize a challenge we’re facing and trust God in the storm. 

1. Recognize the Storm – Think about a challenge you’re facing and remind yourself that Jesus knew the disciples would face a storm, yet He sent them anyway. He is with you, too.
2. Refocus on Jesus – Each time worry creeps in, pray and declare Matthew 14:27: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
3. Take a Step of Faith – Choose one way to trust God this week, whether it’s through prayer, obedience, or surrender.

No matter how strong the wind blows, God is stronger. Keep your eyes on Him!

Week at a Glance

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here: 

TUESDAY

Watch the Video – Visit Time-Warp Wife to watch this week’s video.
Read Chapter 4 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the reflection questions for Chapter 4
Check-in on the Community – Share encouragement in the Facebook group.

WEDNESDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 4 and write down your personal thoughts, prayers, or takeaways.
Engage in the Facebook Group – Share one insight from your reflection and encourage someone else.

THURSDAY

Read Chapter 5 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the reflection questions for Chapter 5.

FRIDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 5.
Read Darlene’s closing thoughts on the chapter at timewarpwife.com (or your inbox)
Share Your Reflection in the Facebook Group – How did this chapter speak to you?

SATURDAY

Read Chapter 6 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the questions for Chapter 6.

SUNDAY (Day Off – Rest & Worship)

MONDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 6.
Final Community Engagement – Share your closing thoughts for the week in the Facebook group.

This Week’s Bible Verse

Click the image below to view and print a larger resolution

When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!

We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.