Finding Peace in Life's Storms Through Faith

Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness, faithfulness, and ever-present love of God. We were reminded that no matter what storms we face in life—whether they be sickness, loss, fear, or uncertainty—God is with us, and His presence changes everything. Our worship was filled with praise, acknowledging that we were created to glorify God, to lift His name, and to find our purpose in worshiping Him. We declared that the King of Glory fills not just our physical space, but our hearts, our minds, and our lives.

Turning to Mark 4:35-41, we reflected on the story of Jesus calming the storm. Before the storm even began, Jesus gave a promise: “Let us go to the other side.” This promise was not just about a physical journey, but a spiritual assurance that, no matter what arises, God’s word will not fail. The disciples, like many of us, forgot the promise when the storm hit. Fear and anxiety took over, and they questioned whether Jesus cared. Yet, even as the winds raged, Jesus was present—calm, unshaken, and in control.

We learned that having Jesus in our lives does not mean we are exempt from trouble. Storms will come, but His presence guarantees peace in the midst of chaos. The disciples’ fear led them to doubt God’s love, but Jesus responded not with panic, but with authority—He spoke, and the storm obeyed. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus not only rides with us through the storm, but He rules over it. Whatever chaos we face, He has the power to speak peace into our situation.

We also considered how storms reveal the true state of our hearts. Faith is not proven in times of ease, but in the midst of adversity. Like Job, who declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him,” we are called to hold fast to God’s unchanging character, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. The storms of life are not just obstacles, but opportunities for growth, for deeper trust, and for God’s power to be revealed in us.

As we partook in communion, we remembered Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, the foundation of our hope and assurance. No matter what we face, we can declare with confidence: it is well. God is with us, His promises are sure, and everything will work together for our good.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Promise Precedes the Storm Before any trial arises, God often gives us a word or assurance. Jesus told the disciples they would reach the other side before the storm began. When storms come, it is crucial to remember what God spoke in the calm, for His promises are not voided by our circumstances. Hold tightly to His word, even when the journey gets rough. [22:34]
• 2. The Presence of Jesus Does Not Eliminate Trouble, But Guarantees Peace Having Jesus in your life does not mean you will avoid hardship. The disciples faced a fierce storm even with Jesus in the boat. His presence, however, brings a peace that surpasses understanding and a confidence that, no matter how fierce the storm, you are not alone and will not be overcome. [26:44]
• 3. Fear Can Distort Our Perception of God’s Care In moments of crisis, fear can make us question whether God truly cares for us. The disciples accused Jesus of indifference, forgetting His love and power. We must not let fear speak louder than our faith; even in God’s silence, He is present and working for our good. [27:55]
• 4. Jesus Rules the Storm, Not Just Rides It Jesus did not merely endure the storm with the disciples—He commanded it to be still. The same authority that created the universe is at work in your life. Whatever seems out of control, Jesus has the power to bring order, peace, and resolution, reminding us that nothing is beyond His reach. [29:45]
• 5. Storms Reveal and Refine Our Faith Adversity exposes the true condition of our hearts. It is easy to profess faith when life is smooth, but storms test and strengthen our trust in God. Like Job, we are called to trust God’s character above our circumstances, knowing that He uses trials to shape us and draw us closer to Him.
  
  ** [32:48]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:39] - Opening Praise and Thanksgiving
• [03:14] - Prayer for God’s Presence and Unity
• [05:07] - Created to Praise: Worship and Exhortation
• [10:10] - King of Glory: Inviting God’s Presence
• [17:21] - The Power of God’s Presence
• [18:31] - Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41
• [21:13] - It Is Well: Faith in the Storm
• [22:34] - Remembering God’s Promise Before the Storm
• [24:58] - Jesus’ Presence in the Midst of Trouble
• [27:18] - When Fear Questions God’s Love
• [29:45] - Jesus Speaks Peace to the Storm
• [32:48] - Storms Reveal Our Hearts
• [35:18] - God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
• [47:57] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
• [51:05] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Reading

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV) — 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
39 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.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Observation Questions

1. What promise did Jesus give the disciples before the storm began, and how did that promise relate to what happened during the storm? ([22:34])
2. How did the disciples react when the storm hit, and what did they say to Jesus? ([27:18])
3. What was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did He respond to the disciples’ fear? ([25:33])
4. After Jesus calmed the storm, what question did He ask the disciples, and how did they respond? ([29:45])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the disciples forgot Jesus’ promise to go to the other side when the storm hit? What does this reveal about human nature and faith? ([23:10])
2. The disciples accused Jesus of not caring about their situation. What does this tell us about how fear can affect our view of God’s love and presence? ([27:18])
3. Jesus was calm and at peace during the storm, even while the disciples panicked. What does this contrast teach us about the difference between God’s perspective and ours in times of trouble? ([25:33])
4. The sermon mentioned that storms reveal the true state of our hearts. In what ways can adversity test and refine our faith? ([32:48])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you faced a “storm” in your life. Did you remember any promises from God during that time, or did fear take over? How might you remind yourself of God’s promises the next time trouble comes? ([22:34])
2. The disciples questioned if Jesus cared about them in the middle of the storm. Have you ever felt like God was silent or distant during a hard season? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([27:18])
3. Jesus’ presence didn’t stop the storm from happening, but it brought peace in the middle of chaos. What are some practical ways you can focus on Jesus’ presence when life feels overwhelming? ([26:44])
4. The sermon said, “Don’t forget in the storm what God has told you in the calm.” What is one promise or truth from God’s Word that you want to hold onto right now? ([22:34])
5. The storms of life can reveal what’s really in our hearts. Is there an area where you’ve noticed fear, doubt, or lack of trust in God? What step can you take this week to grow in faith in that area? ([32:48])
6. The pastor shared that Jesus not only rides with us through the storm but rules over it. Is there a situation in your life that feels out of control? How can you invite Jesus to “speak peace” into that situation? ([29:45])
7. Communion was described as a time to remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the foundation of our hope. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you help you face current challenges with confidence? ([47:57])