Finding Peace in Life's Storms with Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Storms Will Come—Faith Is Tested in Life’s Trials

Storms are a certainty for every believer, no matter how faithfully you walk with God. The disciples found themselves in a fierce storm not because they disobeyed, but because they followed Jesus’ command to go to the other side. Obedience does not exempt us from hardship; in fact, it often leads us straight into the heart of the storm. These moments are not always punishment, but preparation—God uses them to test and refine our faith, our foundation, and our endurance. When the winds rise and the waves crash, remember that Jesus has already promised you will make it to the other side. Don’t let the storm surprise or define you; let it refine you, and trust that God is using it to display your faith to the world. [35:46]

Mark 4:35-41 (NASB)
On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself 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?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

Reflection: What is one storm you are facing right now that you have viewed as punishment or failure—how might God be using it to prepare and refine you instead?

Day 2: Storms Reveal What’s Inside—Faith, Fear, and Dependence

When the storm hit, the disciples’ panic revealed the true state of their hearts. Storms don’t just test your faith—they expose it, along with your fears and your theology. It’s easy to praise God when life is good, but when trouble comes, do you still trust His heart even when you can’t trace His hand? Storms strip away self-reliance and show us our need for Christ’s sufficiency. Like the disciples, we may cry out in desperation, but these moments are God’s invitation to deeper trust, prayer, and dependence on Him. Let the storm drive you to Jesus, not away from Him, and allow it to shape you into who God is calling you to be. [43:28]

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: When you are overwhelmed, what is your first instinct—to panic, to pray, or to try to fix things yourself? How can you let your next storm drive you to deeper dependence on Christ?

Day 3: Jesus Has Authority—Storms Submit to His Word

No matter how fierce the storm, Jesus’ word is greater. With a simple command, “Peace, be still,” He calmed the wind and the waves, revealing His authority over all creation. The same God who spoke the world into existence is the one who speaks peace into your chaos. When you are surrounded by trouble, remember that Jesus is not panicked—He is present, and His word brings calm. Speak God’s promises over your life, trusting that the storm must submit to His will. The same word that calmed the Sea of Galilee can calm the storms in your heart today. [47:50]

Psalm 107:29 (ESV)
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to hear Jesus say, “Peace, be still”? How can you intentionally speak God’s promises over that situation this week?

Day 4: You Are Never Alone—Christ Is With You in the Storm

Even when you feel abandoned or overwhelmed, you are never truly alone. Just as Jesus was in the boat with the disciples, He is with you in every storm. Others may leave, and you may feel isolated, but King Jesus walks with you through every trial. Faith is not about avoiding storms, but about standing in them because Christ is present. When you feel like you have nobody, remember that the Savior is closer than you think, ready to comfort, strengthen, and carry you through to the other side. [56:31]

Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt alone or unsupported—how can you remind yourself today that Jesus is with you, and what would it look like to lean on His presence in that situation?

Day 5: True Faith Is Built on Christ Alone—Not on People or Circumstances

It’s easy to depend on family, friends, or your own abilities, but storms reveal the insufficiency of every foundation except Christ. When all else is stripped away, you discover that only Jesus is unshakeable. God sometimes allows seasons where our usual supports are removed so that we learn to trust Him fully. When you put your faith in King Jesus, you can stand the rain, walk in peace, and live with confidence, knowing your life is anchored to the Rock that never fails. [01:01:10]

1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on people, routines, or your own strength more than on Christ? What is one practical step you can take today to shift your trust to Jesus as your only foundation?

Sermon Summary

There is a deep joy in knowing that, no matter what storms we face in life, Jesus is with us in the boat. Life is full of sunshine and rain, and while everyone loves the sunny days, true discipleship is proven in the stormy nights. The promise is not that we will avoid storms, but that we will make it to the other side because Jesus has already spoken it. The storms of life—whether they are health crises, financial struggles, or seasons of loneliness—are not always punishments, but often preparations. They test our faith, our foundation, and our endurance, revealing what we truly depend on and where our trust lies.

Storms have a way of exposing our fears and doubts, but they also invite us to deeper trust. When the disciples panicked in the boat, they forgot who was with them. Jesus, unbothered by the chaos, simply spoke, “Peace, be still,” and the storm obeyed. His authority is not just over the wind and waves, but over every storm in our lives. Sometimes, God allows us to reach the end of our own strength so that we might discover the sufficiency of Christ. The storms strip away our self-reliance and reveal our need for God’s grace and power.

It is easy to praise God when everything is going well, but the real test of faith is whether we can trust Him when the rain is falling and the answers are slow in coming. The storms are not just mirrors showing us our weaknesses; they are chisels shaping us into who God is calling us to be. Even when we feel alone, abandoned, or overwhelmed, we are never truly by ourselves—King Jesus is with us. The invitation is to trust Him, to stand in the rain, and to know that His word is enough to bring us through to the other side. Faith is not about avoiding the rain, but about standing in it, confident that Christ is with us and that His promises are sure.

Key Takeaways

1. Storms Are Inevitable, But Not Always Punishment No amount of faith, obedience, or spiritual discipline exempts us from the storms of life. Sometimes, storms come not because we have done wrong, but because God is preparing us for something greater. Obedience may lead us straight into the storm, but it is in those moments that God refines us, not to destroy our faith, but to display it. Let the storms refine you, not define you. [35:46]
2. Storms Reveal the True State of Our Faith and Fears When the disciples panicked and questioned if Jesus cared, it exposed their fears and doubts. Storms have a way of bringing to the surface what we truly believe about God—whether we trust His heart even when we cannot trace His hand. The exposure of our fears is not meant to shame us, but to invite us into deeper trust and prayer, letting our panic turn into prayer and our doubts into dependence on God’s word. [42:34]
3. The Foundation Matters More Than the Storm Both the wise and foolish builders faced the same storm, but only the house built on the rock stood firm. The difference was not the severity of the storm, but the strength of the foundation. In life, storms will test what we are really standing on—our emotions, relationships, or Christ the solid rock. Only a life anchored in Jesus can withstand the fiercest storms. [39:37]
4. Jesus’ Presence and Word Bring Peace in the Midst of Chaos Jesus did not panic in the storm; He spoke peace and the storm obeyed. His authority is absolute, and His word is powerful enough to calm any chaos in our lives. When we are overwhelmed, we must remember that the same Jesus who calmed the Sea of Galilee is with us, and His word over our lives will not return empty. Speak God’s promises over your storm and trust that He is able to bring you through. [49:17]
5. Storms Strip Away Self-Reliance and Lead Us to Christ-Reliance Often, we depend on our own strength, relationships, or resources until a storm reveals their insufficiency. God sometimes allows us to reach the end of ourselves so that we might discover the sufficiency of His grace. In our weakness, His power is made perfect, and we learn to trust not in what we can do, but in who He is. The storms are not just about survival, but about transformation—shaping us into people who trust God more deeply. [58:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:42] - Announcements and Community Updates
[24:52] - Youth Town Hall and Upcoming Events
[26:15] - Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41
[28:58] - Worship and Reflections on God’s Goodness
[31:31] - “Can You Stand the Rain?”: The Question of Faith
[33:34] - Storms Will Test You
[35:46] - Obedience and the Purpose of Storms
[39:37] - Storms Test Foundation and Endurance
[42:34] - Storms Reveal Faith and Fears
[47:12] - From Panic to Prayer
[47:50] - Jesus’ Authority Over the Storm
[49:17] - The Power of God’s Word in the Storm
[53:01] - Jesus Walks With Us Through the Storm
[56:31] - Faith, Community, and the Presence of Christ
[58:16] - Personal Testimony: Learning to Depend on God
[63:00] - Invitation and Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV) — On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 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?” 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. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 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

What did Jesus say to the disciples before they got into the boat, and why is that important for understanding what happens next? ([26:50])
How did the disciples react when the storm hit, and what did they say to Jesus? ([42:34])
What was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did he respond when the disciples woke him up? ([49:17])
After Jesus calmed the storm, what question did he ask the disciples, and how did they respond? ([26:50])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says storms are not always punishment, but sometimes preparation. How does the story in Mark 4 show this idea? ([35:46])
When the disciples panicked and questioned if Jesus cared, what did that reveal about their faith and fears? ([42:34])
The preacher said, “The foundation matters more than the storm.” What does it mean to have your life built on the “rock” instead of “sand”? ([39:37])
Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep during the storm, and what does that say about his authority and trust in God? ([49:17])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Obedience may lead us straight into the storm, but it is in those moments that God refines us, not to destroy our faith, but to display it.” Can you think of a time when following God led you into a difficult situation? How did it refine or change you? ([35:46])
When storms come in your life—whether health, finances, or relationships—do you tend to panic, pray, or try to fix things yourself? What would it look like to turn your panic into prayer this week? ([47:12])
The preacher shared about depending on his wife and others, and how a storm in his life revealed his need to depend on God instead. Is there something or someone you tend to rely on more than God? What would it look like to shift your trust to Christ in that area? ([58:16])
The disciples forgot who was in the boat with them. When you’re in a storm, what helps you remember that Jesus is with you? Is there a practical way you can remind yourself of his presence this week? ([53:01])
The sermon said, “Storms are not just mirrors showing us our weaknesses; they are chisels shaping us into who God is calling us to be.” What is one weakness or fear that a recent storm has exposed in you? How might God be using it to shape you? ([46:12])
Jesus spoke “Peace, be still” to the storm. Are there promises from God’s Word you can speak over your current situation? What is one verse you can memorize or pray this week when you feel overwhelmed? ([49:17])
The preacher asked, “Can you stand the rain?” What does it mean for you, personally, to stand in the rain with faith? Is there a specific step of trust or obedience you feel called to take right now, even if the storm hasn’t passed? ([31:31])

Sermon Clips

Don't resent storms that expose your fears, your doubts, or weaknesses. That exposure is God's invitation to deeper trust. If storms reveal panic, let them also reveal prayer. If they reveal panic, let them also reveal prayer. If storms reveal doubt, let them drive you to the scripture. If storms reveal weakness, let them push you to Christ's strength.

Storms are inevitable. No matter how much faith you have, storms will come. Some think that if they live right, tithe faithfully, attend worship every Sunday, pray daily, and read their Bible, that they'll escape the storms of life. But the Bible never promises that. In fact, Jesus tells us the opposite. In this world, you will have tribulation. The disciples were not in the storm because they disobeyed. They were there because they obeyed. Jesus had told them, let us go to the other side. [00:35:40]

Storms are not always punishment, sometimes they're preparation. Job didn't face storms because he was wicked, he faced storms because he was righteous. Paul didn't face shipwreck because he was out of God's will. He faced them because he was carrying out God's mission. Like New Edition saying, storms will come, this we know for sure. You can count on it, trouble with your health, trouble in your family, trouble in your finances, trouble in your ministry. Storms are the great equalizer of life. They come for the rich and for the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the preacher and the pew. From the pulpit to the pew, storms will happen in your life. [00:36:50]

Storms test what you're really standing on. Are you standing on your emotions, on people, on your own wisdom? Or are you standing on Christ, the solid rock? And the Holy Spirit will tear me up all week long because I've trusted my wife for too long, I've trusted my friends for too long, I've trusted my good looks, and I've trusted my degree, and I've trusted my finances, and I've trusted my vehicle, and I've trusted everything around me. But God had to put me in the season of my life, put me in the corner, and tell me that you've got to depend on me. [00:40:06]

Endurance is not developed on sunny days, not developed on sunny days, but it's forged in rainy seasons. Athletes don't build stamina by sitting still. They build it by pushing through fatigue. Christians don't build endurance by coasting through life easy. They build it by standing through their storms. Think about trees that survive hurricanes. The storm bends them, shakes them, rattles them, beats them. But when the storm is over, you can go outside and look, oh man, that tree still standing because their roots are deeper, they're tied to something more sturdier than the storm that just beat them up. [00:40:56]

So the first truth is this: Don't be shocked when storms come. Expect them. Don't let them surprise you or define you. Instead, let them refine you. Oh, good God almighty. That's a ball for somebody. Don't let them surprise you or define you. Instead, let them refine you. Storms don't come to destroy your faith. They come to display your faith. [00:41:47]

Storms make us question God's love for us when you're going through trouble. And you're asking, God, God, why I'm still going through this? God, why I'm still in this mess? God, I keep praying to you. You ain't answering. You ain't giving me no answer. Lord, I keep coming to you. I keep coming to you. And it reveals that we are fearful in our own mind. God, don't you care about my pain? Don't you notice my tears? The truth is storms reveal whether we trust his heart even when we can't trace his hand. [00:42:57]

Storms strip away self -reliance and reveal Christ's reliance. Not only that, storms reveal your potential. Peter once panicked in a storm. Matthew chapter 14 verse 30. But later after he matured, Peter stood boldly on the day of Pentecost declaring the gospel. What change? He went through a storm. That revealed his weakness and reshaped his faith. Storms are not just mirrors showing you what you are. They are chisels shaping you into who God is calling you to be. Let me say that one more time. They are not mirrors showing you what you are. But they are chisels shaping you into who God is calling you to be. [00:46:22]

Can I tell you that Jesus has authority over creation? Paul, Psalms 107 verse number 29 says he made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed. That same God is revealed in Christ in Mark chapter 4. The one who spoke creation into existence is the same one who speaks peace into the storms. The disciples asked in verse number 41, who then is this that even the wind and the sea obey him? The answer is he is Lord over all, God almighty, the beginning and the end, alpha and omega. [00:47:46]

You got to learn how to listen to God because when you tune your ear to God's voice, he can get you through the storms of your life. You got to trust him. You got to trust him. Jesus' words not only has authority over creation, but his words also bring peace. Notice he didn't pick up a bucket and start bailing water out of the boat. Jesus didn't panic. [00:49:07]

You got to learn how to trust God in your storm because he can speak to your problems. The same word that calms the storm on Galilee is the same word that calms the storms in you. That's why Isaiah 55 and 11 says, So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. It shall not return to me empty. When Jesus speaks, things start to shift in our life. [00:50:54]

When storms rage in your life, speak God's word over them. Declare the Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fill? You ought to declare no weapon formed against me shall prosper. You got to declare greater is he that is in me than he that is in this world. The storm may rage, but storms got to submit to the will and the words of God because he is the creator of all things. [00:51:18]

Can I tell you, new edition, ask me in the car on Tuesday evening. TJ, can you stand the rain even when you don't know, even when you can't see his way, even when you can't trust him, even when you don't know how to get through, can you stand the rain? Can you get to the other side? Yes, I can bow the crap because I got Jesus in the bone with me. [00:52:09]

How you know that, Brother TJ? Because the text tell us that he's already told us we're going to get through to the other side. And then not only did he tell us, he got in the storm with us. I can see King Nebuchadnezzar right now in my life. My haters looking in the storms of my life. They see me. We done bound him up. We done threw TJ in the storm. We done threw him in the fire. And my haters coming through. They look through the rear view and the windows of my life. And they, well, hold on, wait, wait. I see two people. I thought we just threw TJ in. I see two people. I thought we threw him in bound and filled with clothes. And my haters looking in on my life. And they see Jesus walking through the storm with me. And that's something to shout about this morning. Can you stand the rain? Yes, I can. Yes, I can. Because you got King Jesus with you. [00:53:05]

Everybody loves sunny days, but discipleship is proven in stormy nights. Faith is not about avoiding storms. It's about standing in them because Jesus is in the boat. [00:56:31]

So the next time when the rain continues to fall in your life, rain will come. Rain will come. Remember, you don't stand on your own strength. You stand because Christ is with you. And if Christ is with you, you will make it to the other side. [00:57:09]

I got so down and depressed and feeling down on myself my health got bad. I told the wife I said baby the reason why my gout keep flaring up because I'm stressed it ain't what I'm eating I am stressed well baby what you stressed about I ain't stressed no more because I can stand the rain y 'all miss y 'all shouting going good God almighty God started to deal with me and since I'm putting my faith in him I can walk right I can talk right I can love right I can do what God has called me to do because my faith and my trust is not in my marriage is not in my finances but it is in King Jesus who's still sitting on the throne. [01:02:12]

I get happy when I think about how I should have been dead and gone, how I should have been lost all by myself, but King Jesus came down from glory, put on humanity, died on an old rugged cross on Mount Calvary for my sins, and on that third day he got up, he got up, he got up with all power in his hands. TJ can you stand in the ring yes I can. [01:03:25]

I'm not going to trust my friends, I'm not going to trust in my own behavior, but I'm going to trust in God, I'm going to trust in God, I'm going to turn my back on my old wicked wretched self and I'm going to walk with God and I'm going to talk with God, confess that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God. [01:04:31]

He wants you right now I don't care what the devil is saying in your ear right now God wants you right now. [01:05:08]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?