Finding Jesus in Life's Storms: Hope and Strength

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Sees You Through the Storm

Life is filled with various storms that can overwhelm us, but today, we are reminded that Jesus is with us in every storm. We face financial struggles, job dissatisfaction, marital issues, family conflicts, sickness, death, loneliness, failure, emotional turmoil, fleshly temptations, and even satanic attacks. These storms can make us feel abandoned and question if Jesus cares about our suffering. However, the key to surviving these storms is to see Jesus in them. Jesus is the one who leads us into the storm and stays with us through it. Our focus often shifts to the problems, making us forget that Jesus, who has authority over all storms, is right there with us. The disciples made this mistake when they focused on the storm rather than on Jesus, who was in the boat with them. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, several things happen: He will see us through the storm, bring us out of it, stop the storm, and ensure that our boat does not sink. Jesus has the power to calm any storm in our lives, and we must trust in His presence and authority. No matter how fierce the storm, our boat will not sink because Jesus is with us. [11:44]

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 current storm in your life. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence with you in this situation today?

Day 2: Jesus Brings You Out of the Storm

Storms are temporary, and Jesus will bring you out of them. It may seem endless when you are in the middle of it, but remember that storms do not last forever. When you emerge, you will be stronger and better than before. Hold on to the hope that Jesus will lead you out. Jesus is always with you in the storm. He knows exactly where you are and what you are going through. His presence ensures that you are not alone, and He will see you through every challenge you face. Trust in His constant companionship and guidance. [12:41]

Psalm 34:19 (ESV): "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Reflection: Reflect on a past storm that Jesus has brought you through. How did you grow from that experience, and how can it give you hope for your current situation?

Day 3: Jesus Stops the Storm

Jesus has the authority to command the storm to cease. Just as He spoke to the winds and waves, He can speak to your situation and bring it to an end. Trust in the power of His voice to calm the chaos in your life. The key to surviving any storm is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. When you focus on Him rather than the problems, you find peace and strength. Jesus has the power to calm the storm, and His presence is enough to carry you through. [12:41]

Mark 4:39 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Reflection: What specific storm in your life do you need to ask Jesus to calm today? How can you actively listen for His voice in this situation?

Day 4: Your Boat Will Not Sink

No matter how severe the storm, your boat will not sink because Jesus is with you. The disciples' boat did not sink despite the fierce winds and waves. Similarly, you will make it through your storm because Jesus ensures your safety and stability. Jesus is the one who leads us into the storm and stays with us through it. Our focus often shifts to the problems, making us forget that Jesus, who has authority over all storms, is right there with us. [14:00]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily that your "boat" will not sink because Jesus is with you? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth?

Day 5: Focus on Jesus, Not the Storm

The key to surviving any storm is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. When you focus on Him rather than the problems, you find peace and strength. Jesus has the power to calm the storm, and His presence is enough to carry you through. The disciples made this mistake when they focused on the storm rather than on Jesus, who was in the boat with them. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, several things happen: He will see us through the storm, bring us out of it, stop the storm, and ensure that our boat does not sink. [10:34]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to shift your focus from your problems to Jesus? How can you make this a daily habit?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Life is filled with various storms that can overwhelm us, but today, we are reminded that Jesus is with us in every storm. We face financial struggles, job dissatisfaction, marital issues, family conflicts, sickness, death, loneliness, failure, emotional turmoil, fleshly temptations, and even satanic attacks. These storms can make us feel abandoned and question if Jesus cares about our suffering. However, the key to surviving these storms is to see Jesus in them.

Jesus is the one who leads us into the storm and stays with us through it. Our focus often shifts to the problems, making us forget that Jesus, who has authority over all storms, is right there with us. The disciples made this mistake when they focused on the storm rather than on Jesus, who was in the boat with them.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, several things happen: He will see us through the storm, bring us out of it, stop the storm, and ensure that our boat does not sink. Jesus has the power to calm any storm in our lives, and we must trust in His presence and authority. No matter how fierce the storm, our boat will not sink because Jesus is with us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus Sees You Through the Storm: Jesus is always with you in the storm. He knows exactly where you are and what you are going through. His presence ensures that you are not alone, and He will see you through every challenge you face. Trust in His constant companionship and guidance. [11:44]
2. Jesus Brings You Out of the Storm: Storms are temporary, and Jesus will bring you out of them. It may seem endless when you are in the middle of it, but remember that storms do not last forever. When you emerge, you will be stronger and better than before. Hold on to the hope that Jesus will lead you out. [12:41]
3. Jesus Stops the Storm: Jesus has the authority to command the storm to cease. Just as He spoke to the winds and waves, He can speak to your situation and bring it to an end. Trust in the power of His voice to calm the chaos in your life. [12:41]
4. Your Boat Will Not Sink: No matter how severe the storm, your boat will not sink because Jesus is with you. The disciples' boat did not sink despite the fierce winds and waves. Similarly, you will make it through your storm because Jesus ensures your safety and stability. [14:00]
5. Focus on Jesus, Not the Storm: The key to surviving any storm is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. When you focus on Him rather than the problems, you find peace and strength. Jesus has the power to calm the storm, and His presence is enough to carry you through. [10:34]
### [10:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Storms of Financial Lack
[02:12] - Storms of Family Problems
[03:31] - Storms of Sickness
[05:29] - Storms of Death
[07:07] - Storms of Emotional Turmoil
[08:00] - Storms of the Flesh
[08:54] - Storms of Satanic Attacks
[09:53] - Seeing Jesus in the Storm
[10:34] - The Disciples' Mistake
[11:44] - Jesus Sees You Through the Storm
[12:41] - Jesus Brings You Out of the Storm
[14:00] - Your Boat Will Not Sink
[15:37] - Final Challenge: See Jesus in the Storm

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Mark 4:35-41, what was Jesus doing when the storm hit, and how did the disciples react? [10:34]
According to the sermon, what are some of the different types of storms we face in life? [01:06]
How does Hebrews 12:2 instruct us to handle our focus during difficult times?
What assurance does Psalm 46:1-3 give us about God's presence in our troubles?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the disciples were so afraid during the storm, even though Jesus was with them? [10:34]
How can focusing on Jesus, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:2, change our perspective during life's storms? [09:53]
What does it mean for Jesus to have authority over the storm, and how does this impact our faith in His power? [12:41]
How does Psalm 46:1-3 reinforce the message of Jesus being with us in our storms?

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you handle it, and did you see Jesus in it? How might you handle it differently now? [09:53]
What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus rather than the problems you face? [10:34]
Think about a time when you felt like your "boat" was sinking. How did you experience Jesus' presence and assurance during that time? [14:00]
How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus has the power to calm any storm in your life? [12:41]
Identify one storm you are currently facing. What specific actions can you take to trust in Jesus' presence and authority over this storm? [11:44]
How can you support someone else who is going through a storm, helping them to see Jesus in their situation? [15:37]
What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Jesus? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [09:53]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I have good news for you this morning and Jesus is the good news. And I had the answer to this question, how to survive the storm. See Jesus in your storm. I'll say it again. See Jesus in your storm. Look to Jesus in your storm. Focus your eyes on Jesus in your storm. Fix your eyes on Jesus in your storm." [09:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus, the master will bring you out of the storm. You will come out. I said, you will come out. Storms don't last forever. It's so easy when we're in the middle of a storm, you think it's going to last forever, that it will never end, but it will end. You will come out. And when you come out, you will come out much stronger and much better than you were when you went in the storm." [11:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "He will speak to your situation, to your storm and your negative and terrible challenges in your life must stop and come to an end at the sound of the name of Jesus. At the sound of his voice, storms must bow and they will bow in the name of Jesus. Once Jesus speaks. Things must happen. Once Jesus speaks, things happen." [12:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "No matter how difficult and hard and terrible your storm is today, no matter how difficult your situation today, your boat will not sink. You are going to make it because Jesus, the master is with you." [14:00] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I stand here to remind you that just as Jesus had the power to calm the storm back then, he has the power to calm the storms in your life. He has the power and the authority to stop the storms in your life. You must see. You must see him today, focus your eyes on him, fix your eyes on him and not on your problems and know that he is with you in the midst of the storm, he will never leave you, he will never forsake you, even when it seems like the winds and the waves of life are too strong, and the waves of life are too high." [14:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "You are living with a special needs kid a kid that can't do for themselves You have a son or daughter that is socially awkward and you're wondering Lord Will to be with this kid for the rest of my life young people I'm not ignoring ignoring you here this morning I'm talking to you here this morning young people you have parents who provoke you to anger they abuse you they reject you they put you under with their words they tell you you're too fat you're too short you're too ugly you're too dumb they are the number reason number one reason for your mental problems but they come to church and lift up their hands and you think to yourself they are the biggest hypocrites and that's why you don't attend church" [02:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You suffer with anxiety, fear, depression, and angry anger. One day you're up, the next day you're down. You feel things closing in on you. Your doctors have you on all kinds of medication. You've been omitted, committed, and re-omitted to those institutions, but you still feel like you are losing your mind. Help us, Lord." [07:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You battle with lust. Temptation and sin. You can't keep right. And you feel eyes are looking on you. You feel that everyone is judging you because of your lifestyle. So you are hiding. You are isolated, trying to protect yourself." [08:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You hear voices at night. You know something is sitting on you. You know something out of this world is sitting inside of you because you put your hands to something that was spiritually off. And now you are living with demonic torment. You have the demon of anger. You have the demon of gluttony. You have the demon of oppression or depression or the spirit of suicide is tormenting your life." [08:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Most of the time, when we are going through, we take our eyes off of Jesus and we look at our. We look at our problems, we look at our troubles, and we forget that we have a master, the one who controls everything, the one who has the power to conquer death itself." [10:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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