Finding Faith and Peace in Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question, "Who am I in a crisis?" by delving into the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that crises are inevitable, but our response to them reveals our true selves. Jesus' disciples, experienced fishermen, found themselves in a sudden and terrifying storm. Despite their expertise, they were overwhelmed and turned to Jesus, who was asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. Their frantic plea, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" was met with Jesus' calm authority as He rebuked the wind and waves, bringing complete calm.
This story teaches us several key lessons. First, crises often come without warning and can shake us to our core. However, Jesus is always with us, even when it seems He is silent. His presence in our lives is a source of peace and assurance. Second, our faith is tested in times of crisis. Jesus questioned His disciples' faith, asking, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to calm the storms in our lives. Third, crises are opportunities for great discovery. The disciples marveled, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Through our trials, we come to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and His power over all creation.
In conclusion, no matter what storms we face, we must remember that Jesus is in our boat. He knows our destination and will guide us safely to the other side. Our faith in Him will sustain us through any crisis, revealing the real us and the depth of our trust in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Presence in Crisis: In the midst of our storms, Jesus is always with us, even when it seems He is silent. His presence is a source of peace and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone. Trusting in His presence can calm our fears and give us strength to face any challenge. [10:55]
2. Faith Tested in Crisis: Crises test our faith and reveal our true selves. Jesus' question to His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to calm the storms in our lives. Our faith must be anchored in Him, especially in turbulent times. [12:32]
3. Opportunities for Discovery: Crises are not just times of danger but also opportunities for great discovery. The disciples' awe at Jesus' command over the wind and waves led them to a deeper understanding of His divine power. Our trials can similarly deepen our faith and reveal more about who Jesus is. [23:30]
4. God's Sovereignty and Control: No matter the direction life takes us, God is in control. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that the Lord goes before us and will never leave us nor forsake us. This assurance allows us to face crises with confidence, knowing that God has a predetermined direction for our lives. [18:20]
5. Call on Jesus in Crisis: In times of crisis, we must call on the name of Jesus. Romans 10:13 assures us that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." This promise is a powerful reminder that Jesus cares for us and is ready to intervene in our situations, bringing peace and resolution. [20:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:37] - Fellowship and Praise
[10:10] - God is Keeping You
[10:55] - Prayer and Introduction
[11:39] - Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41
[12:32] - Sermon Title: The Real Me
[13:32] - Understanding Crisis
[14:27] - Crisis Management Rules
[15:18] - Jesus and the Disciples in the Boat
[16:47] - Breakout Storms in Life
[18:20] - God's Sovereignty and Control
[20:01] - Calling on Jesus in Crisis
[21:52] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[23:30] - Discovering Jesus' Power
[24:55] - Faith in Crisis
[26:08] - Lessons from the Boat Story
[28:14] - Prayer and Invitation
[29:13] - Invitation to Join the Fellowship
[30:28] - Holy Communion
[32:43] - Communion Reflection
[34:41] - Communion Kit Story
[35:43] - Announcements
[41:02] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 4:35-41
- Deuteronomy 31:8
- Romans 10:13
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did the disciples react to it? ([11:39])
2. What specific question did Jesus ask His disciples after calming the storm? ([12:32])
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the crises that can come into our lives unexpectedly? ([13:32])
4. How did the disciples express their awe after Jesus calmed the storm? ([23:30])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep during the storm while His disciples were terrified? ([11:39])
2. What does Jesus' question, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" reveal about the nature of faith in times of crisis? ([12:32])
3. How does Deuteronomy 31:8 provide assurance during crises, and what does it say about God's presence in our lives? ([18:20])
4. What does Romans 10:13 imply about the accessibility of Jesus' help in times of crisis? ([20:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent crisis you faced. How did you respond, and where did you see Jesus in that situation? ([13:32])
2. Jesus questioned His disciples' faith during the storm. How can you strengthen your faith to trust in God's sovereignty during your own storms? ([12:32])
3. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that God goes before us and will never leave us. How can this promise change the way you approach your current challenges? ([18:20])
4. The disciples marveled at Jesus' power over the wind and waves. What recent experience has deepened your understanding of who Jesus is? ([23:30])
5. Romans 10:13 assures us that calling on Jesus brings salvation. In what practical ways can you call on Jesus in your daily life, especially during difficult times? ([20:01])
6. Think about a time when you felt Jesus was silent during a crisis. How did you eventually see His presence and guidance? ([11:39])
7. How can you remind yourself of God's control and sovereignty when you feel overwhelmed by life's storms? ([18:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Presence in Crisis
In the midst of our storms, Jesus is always with us, even when it seems He is silent. His presence is a source of peace and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone. Trusting in His presence can calm our fears and give us strength to face any challenge. The story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41 illustrates this beautifully. The disciples, despite their expertise as fishermen, were overwhelmed by the sudden storm and turned to Jesus in their fear. Jesus, who was asleep, awoke and calmed the storm with His authority, demonstrating His constant presence and power.
This narrative teaches us that crises often come without warning and can shake us to our core. However, Jesus' presence in our lives is a source of peace and assurance. Even when it seems He is silent, He is with us, ready to bring calm and resolution. Our faith in His presence can help us navigate through any storm, knowing that we are never alone. [10:55]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think of a recent crisis you faced. How did you sense Jesus' presence during that time, and how can you remind yourself of His presence in future challenges?
Day 2: Faith Tested in Crisis
Crises test our faith and reveal our true selves. Jesus' question to His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to calm the storms in our lives. Our faith must be anchored in Him, especially in turbulent times. The disciples' fear and lack of faith were exposed during the storm, prompting Jesus to question their trust in Him.
This moment serves as a reminder that our faith is often tested in times of crisis. It is during these moments that we must anchor our faith in God's sovereignty and His power to bring peace. Trusting in Him, even when circumstances seem dire, reveals the depth of our faith and our reliance on His strength. [12:32]
James 1:2-3 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to strengthen your faith in future crises?
Day 3: Opportunities for Discovery
Crises are not just times of danger but also opportunities for great discovery. The disciples' awe at Jesus' command over the wind and waves led them to a deeper understanding of His divine power. Our trials can similarly deepen our faith and reveal more about who Jesus is. The disciples marveled at Jesus' authority over nature, prompting them to ask, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
This moment of revelation highlights that crises can lead to profound discoveries about Jesus' power and character. Through our trials, we can gain a deeper understanding of His divine nature and His ability to bring peace and resolution. These experiences can strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. [23:30]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. What did you learn about Jesus' character and power through that experience?
Day 4: God's Sovereignty and Control
No matter the direction life takes us, God is in control. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that the Lord goes before us and will never leave us nor forsake us. This assurance allows us to face crises with confidence, knowing that God has a predetermined direction for our lives. The story of Jesus calming the storm illustrates His sovereignty and control over all creation.
This assurance of God's sovereignty provides us with confidence and peace, even in the midst of life's storms. Knowing that He is in control and has a predetermined direction for our lives allows us to trust in His plan and face crises with faith. [18:20]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust God's control. How can you surrender this area to Him and trust in His sovereignty?
Day 5: Call on Jesus in Crisis
In times of crisis, we must call on the name of Jesus. Romans 10:13 assures us that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." This promise is a powerful reminder that Jesus cares for us and is ready to intervene in our situations, bringing peace and resolution. The disciples called on Jesus in their moment of fear, and He responded by calming the storm.
This act of calling on Jesus in times of crisis demonstrates our reliance on His power and care. It is a reminder that He is always ready to intervene and bring peace to our situations. Trusting in His promise to save us can provide comfort and assurance during difficult times. [20:01]
Psalm 50:15 (ESV): "And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively call on Jesus for help and trust in His promise to deliver you?
Quotes
1. "How many believe that God is keeping you even now? Amen. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's doing it even now. Yes, indeed. Let's bow before the Lord today. Heavenly Father, we thank you in the name of Jesus for being who you are. As we come and stand before your people, God, it's not about them or me. I pray even now that I might decrease and that you might increase. Save someone today. Encourage another. And when this time is done, we'll give your name. We'll give your name the praise and the glory in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen." [10:10] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We've all faced some type of crisis. Amen? And simply put, crisis is described as a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. And we don't get to decide. We don't get to decide. We don't get to decide when a crisis comes about. But it'll just show up. And over time, we try to manage the crisis, but we can't. Anybody agree with that today? Reader's Digest is that famous little book that I think is still out there. In a 1992 edition of Reader's Digest magazine, the author draws up a list of rules for crisis management. It goes something like this. Hope for the best. But prepare for the worst. Look first, then act. Seek help. Don't get locked on the detail. And no matter how bad things get, be truthful. And finally, look for the silver lining." [13:32] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Isn't life just like, we don't get to call the shots. I know you're a shot caller, but you don't get to call the shots when it comes to situations in life. Amen. Not sure if we're headed in the right direction. We never know where our crisis would take us. It may be on the other side of a situation that has come aboard our homes, that has come aboard our health, that has come aboard our marriages and has come aboard our jobs. You just don't know. And don't worry yourself about, I wonder if I'm going to hit a crisis. Just continue to live in the Lord Jesus Christ and know that he says, I'm always with you, even to the end of the world. You ever get a little anxious sometimes and say, wait a minute, hold on. God, you're in control of anything and everything and me. Amen. It takes a minute to stop and pause and go, wait a minute. Don't freak out. It's going to be okay. Chill. God has got this." [16:47] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus cared. He always cares. And those disciples had to realize that they didn't try to figure it out. But when you've got Jesus on board of your situation, when you allow him into your life, into your business, into your affairs, he is right there to calm the raging sea in life. Do you agree with that today? Has he ever done it for you? I mean, things were falling apart. Reminds me of Paul. He was out on the boat. He said, this is going to be a rough ride, fellas. And the place, boat began to crack up, break up. And he said, just grab a piece of wood and hold on. He said, we will get to the other side. I mean, yeah, I hear you, Paul, but the boat is falling apart. I'm barely holding on. My bills are due. My health is being challenged. You don't realize what I'm going through. But has the Lord not brought you through? Oh, don't make me twist your arm today. Have he not brought you through some situations in life? Yes, there's danger, but God is in control." [21:52] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A night of great danger, a night of predetermined direction, but finally, a night of great discovery. Verse 39 says, he got up. I could just go with that. He got up. Yeah. You know, he's not, you know, some, you don't need to shake him. He got up. He got up on the third day morning. He got up with all power in his hand. He got up in your situation. He got up in my situation. And that all by itself. He got up in your situation. He got up in my situation. And then he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, quiet, exclamation mark, be still. Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, why are you so afraid? They were terrified and ask each other, wait a minute, who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him." [23:30] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In a crisis, we look to the hills to which cometh our help. All of our help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer that foot to be moved. In a crisis, we lead and are led to the rock that is higher than we are. And in a crisis, we run to the tower. Amen. Where the righteous can run and be safe. Amen. In a crisis, we must know that we are not alone. We are not alone. We know that our faith, what we believe in God, is the only thing that will get us through. I know that to be a fact. My faith looks up to thee, thy lamb of Calvary, Savior divine. Now hear me when I pray. Take all my guilt away. Oh, let me from this day be holy then." [24:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Well, what's the lesson today? The lesson is that no matter what you're going through, God's got you. The lesson today is that no matter what you're facing, God will bring you to the Lord. Amen. The lesson today, even though you've not made it to the other side, God is already there. The lesson today is he'll make a way out of no way. The lesson today that you can't talk to the storms, but let he who made the wind and let he who made the waves do the talking. In other words, you need a spokesperson. Amen. I'm glad today that no matter what we go through, I just believe. I was thinking this morning as I was coming to church, I said, do you believe what you preach? And yes, I do. It's not some note from an iPad, but it's a God who goes with you. It's a God who guides you through seen and unseen dangers. I'm glad today that he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I'm his own." [26:08] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I'm glad today and that nobody is trying to dial up a crisis. No, no, no, no. No, you're not looking for one. But when one shows up, you know who's in your boat. You know who's in your life. You know who's in your dilemma. You know who's in your situation. His name is Jesus. Oh, you got the right answer. Jesus, the one who went to the cross. Jesus, the one who shed his blood. Jesus, the one who got up on the third day morning with all power in his hands. I'm glad about that today is that who am I really in a crisis? I may give you my best game face, but my knees are shaking. I may give you my best expression, but I'm glad today that I serve a risen Savior. Aren't you glad today? Aren't you glad today that his name is Jesus? Aren't you glad today that he'll make your way out of nowhere? Aren't you glad today that he'll bring you through? He's making you the light. You know what I'm saying. That's the word of God today. And it's already blessed. Who are you really? When things are topsy-turvy, who are you when the bottom falls out? You are a believer in Jesus Christ." [27:02] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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