Finding Jesus in the Storms of Life

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of Jesus' words, "It is I," spoken to His disciples during a storm. This simple yet powerful phrase reveals Jesus' identity, authority, and presence. When Jesus declared, "It is I," He was affirming His divinity as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Great I Am. This declaration was not just a statement of identity but also a reassurance of His presence and power over all circumstances, including the natural elements, sickness, and even death.

Jesus' words were a reminder to the disciples that He was with them in the midst of their storm, offering comfort and peace. He invited them to trust in His power to save and to have faith even when situations seemed uncertain. This message is timeless and speaks to us today, reminding us that Jesus is the answer to our fears and challenges. He is faithful and present with us in our darkest hours, just as He was with the disciples.

Furthermore, Jesus' declaration was a preparation for the disciples' future challenges and ministry. The storm was a test of their faith, and Jesus' response was meant to equip them for the difficulties they would face in their ministry. His words assured them that He would be with them through suffering, persecution, and even death, guiding them to mission accomplishment.

As we conclude this series, we are reminded to see Jesus in our storms, cry out to Him without hesitation, and trust that He has the answer to our problems. Jesus' words, "It is I," are a powerful reminder of His presence, authority, and faithfulness in our lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. Jesus' Identity and Authority: When Jesus said, "It is I," He was proclaiming His identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Great I Am. This declaration affirmed His divine authority over all things, including nature, sickness, and death. It reminds us that Jesus is sovereign and has control over every aspect of our lives. [01:42]

2. Presence in the Storm: Jesus' words were a reassurance of His presence in the midst of the storm. He reminded the disciples that they were not alone and that He was with them in their darkest hour. This assurance is a powerful reminder for us that Jesus is always with us, guiding us through our challenges and offering comfort and peace. [03:19]

3. Invitation to Trust: Jesus invited the disciples to trust Him and have faith in His power to save them. This invitation extends to us today, encouraging us to place our trust in Jesus, especially when situations seem uncertain. His presence and power are sufficient to see us through any storm we face. [04:54]

4. Preparation for Future Challenges: The storm was a test of the disciples' faith, and Jesus' response was meant to prepare them for future challenges. His words equipped them for the difficulties they would face in their ministry, assuring them that He would be with them through suffering and persecution. This preparation is a reminder that our faith is strengthened through trials. [06:25]

5. Jesus as the Answer: Jesus' declaration, "It is I," revealed that He is the answer to the disciples' fears and challenges. This truth is timeless and speaks to us today, reminding us that Jesus is the solution to our problems. His presence, authority, and faithfulness are the answers to the storms we face in life. [08:07]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Jesus' Identity and Authority
[03:19] - Presence in the Storm
[04:54] - Invitation to Trust
[06:25] - Preparation for Future Challenges
[08:07] - Jesus as the Answer
[17:35] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:27 - "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'"
2. Psalm 139:7-12 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."
3. Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "It is I," to His disciples during the storm? ([01:42])
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His authority over the natural elements in the story? ([01:42])
3. According to Psalm 139:7-12, what does David say about God's presence?
4. What reassurance does Isaiah 41:10 offer to those who are afraid?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' declaration, "It is I," significant in revealing His identity and authority? ([01:42])
2. How does Jesus' presence in the storm provide comfort and peace to the disciples, and how can this be applied to our lives today? ([03:19])
3. In what ways does the storm serve as a test of the disciples' faith, and how does Jesus' response prepare them for future challenges? ([06:25])
4. How does the promise in Isaiah 41:10 relate to the message of Jesus being with us in our storms?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you experience Jesus' presence and authority during that time? ([01:42])
2. When facing challenges, how can you remind yourself of Jesus' words, "It is I," and find comfort in His presence? ([03:19])
3. Jesus invited the disciples to trust Him in uncertain situations. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your trust in Jesus during difficult times? ([04:54])
4. Think about a future challenge you might face. How can you prepare yourself spiritually, knowing that Jesus is with you and has authority over all circumstances? ([06:25])
5. Identify a specific fear or challenge you are currently dealing with. How can you apply the promise of Isaiah 41:10 to this situation?
6. How can you support someone else who is going through a storm, using the lessons from this sermon to offer them comfort and reassurance?
7. What steps can you take this week to deepen your awareness of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially during times of uncertainty and fear?

Devotional

### 5-Day Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Divine Identity and Authority
Description: When Jesus said, "It is I," He was proclaiming His identity as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Great I Am. This declaration affirmed His divine authority over all things, including nature, sickness, and death. It reminds us that Jesus is sovereign and has control over every aspect of our lives. His words are a powerful reminder that we can trust in His supreme power and divine nature, knowing that He holds all things in His hands. This truth is foundational to our faith and encourages us to recognize Jesus' ultimate authority in our lives. [01:42]

John 8:58 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority and surrender control to Him today?

Day 2: Presence in the Storm
Description: Jesus' words, "It is I," were a reassurance of His presence in the midst of the storm. He reminded the disciples that they were not alone and that He was with them in their darkest hour. This assurance is a powerful reminder for us that Jesus is always with us, guiding us through our challenges and offering comfort and peace. No matter how fierce the storm, His presence brings calm and hope. We are encouraged to lean on Him and find solace in His unwavering presence. [03:19]

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 challenge you are facing. How can you invite Jesus' presence into this situation and find peace in knowing He is with you?

Day 3: Invitation to Trust
Description: Jesus invited the disciples to trust Him and have faith in His power to save them. This invitation extends to us today, encouraging us to place our trust in Jesus, especially when situations seem uncertain. His presence and power are sufficient to see us through any storm we face. Trusting Jesus means believing in His ability to handle our fears and challenges, and relying on His strength rather than our own. This act of faith is crucial for our spiritual growth and resilience. [04:54]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust Jesus? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully in that area?

Day 4: Preparation for Future Challenges
Description: The storm was a test of the disciples' faith, and Jesus' response was meant to prepare them for future challenges. His words equipped them for the difficulties they would face in their ministry, assuring them that He would be with them through suffering and persecution. This preparation is a reminder that our faith is strengthened through trials. As we face our own storms, we can be confident that Jesus is preparing us for greater purposes and equipping us to handle future challenges with faith and perseverance. [06:25]

James 1:2-4 (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. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How do you see God using that experience to prepare you for future challenges and strengthen your faith?

Day 5: Jesus as the Answer
Description: Jesus' declaration, "It is I," revealed that He is the answer to the disciples' fears and challenges. This truth is timeless and speaks to us today, reminding us that Jesus is the solution to our problems. His presence, authority, and faithfulness are the answers to the storms we face in life. By turning to Jesus, we find the guidance, strength, and peace we need to navigate life's difficulties. He is our constant source of hope and the ultimate answer to every question and concern we have. [08:07]

Colossians 1:17 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What specific fear or challenge are you facing today? How can you turn to Jesus and trust Him as the answer to this situation?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "When Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, he was reminding the disciples of his presence in the midst of the storm. Do you hear me this morning? When Jesus said it is I, he was reminded the disciples of his presence in their midst. Hallelujah! When Jesus said I to the disciples, he was demonstrating his power. He was demonstrating that he had power over the elements of the sea, he had power over nature, he had power over the winds and waves, he had power over their circumstance, he had power over death itself. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!" [01:42] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, he was reminding the disciples of his authority. When he said it is I, he was reminding the disciples that he had authority over all things, including the winds and the waves. He was reminding them that all authority in heaven and on earth, all authority over your sickness, all authority over your diseases, pretty over your debt, relationship authority over your life, all authority over the salvation of your children, all authority over the salvation of your children has been given to me. Hear me somebody. Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!" [03:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, he was offering them comfort in the face of fear. In the face of adversity, Jesus offered the disciples comfort and peace. When Jesus answered the disciples, he was inviting them to trust him. My brothers and sisters, Jesus was inviting disciples to trust him and have faith in his power to save them when things seem uncertain. Hallelujah!" [04:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, he was showing his disciples that he and he alone was the answer to their fears. He and he alone was a solution to the situation they found themselves in. The disciples were afraid of the storm, but Jesus's words revealed that Jesus the I am was the answer to that problem. And Jesus the I am is the answer to our problems. Jesus the I am is the answer to our storms. Hallelujah!" [06:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The Lord says to you this morning, fear not. Number two, Jesus says to you this morning, I am with you. Those of you who are battling with loneliness and isolation, Jesus says, I with you. He promises to be with you. He says in the midst of their fear and uncertainty, I am right there by your side. I am right by your side. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you. I am there guiding you through the storm. I am there right there guiding you out of the storm." [08:07] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "When Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, he was demonstrating his faithfulness, his willingness to be with them in their time of need. When Jesus the disciples said it is I, he was showing the disciples that they were not alone. His words reassured them that he was present with them in the midst of their darkest hour. He was reminding them of what David said in Psalms 139 verses 7 through 12." [04:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When Jesus the disciples said it is I, he was preparing the disciples for future challenges. You see, the storm was a test. Let me say to you again, Jesus the disciples said it is I, he was reminding you again the storm was a test. It was a test of the disciples faith and Jesus's response was meant to prepare them for the challenges and the difficulties that lie ahead." [06:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Lastly, when Jesus answered the disciples and said it is I, listen to me people, he was preparing the disciples for their future ministry. Hallelujah! Thank you for preparing me, he says. He was preparing them future ministry. The disciples would face many challenges. Listen to me, ministers and emerging ministers and future pastors and future leaders that are sitting right here and business heads. Listen to me. The disciples would face many challenges in their ministry. They would be wounded. They would be despised. They would be rejected. They would be torn apart, beheaded, stolen, and beaten. But Jesus' words in the storm would remind them that he was always with them and that they could see them and he could trust them in the storm. Through suffering, he would see them through. Through persecution, he would see them through. He would see them through to even death itself. He would see them through to mission accomplishment." [06:25] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "As we end this series, surviving the storm with Jesus, three things I want you to remember: see Jesus in your storm, number two, cry out and without hesitation Jesus will respond, and when the storms of life speak people and those voices begin to run around in our ears, I want you to know that Jesus the I am has the answer and the answer is it is on." [17:35] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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Were there any personal stories shared?