Navigating Life's Storms: Faith and Resilience
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of being "storm survivors" through the lens of Genesis chapters 6, 7, and 8. We began by acknowledging that storms are an inevitable part of life. Whether we are currently in a storm, just coming out of one, or about to enter one, storms are a natural and normal part of our existence. Jesus Himself said that we would face tribulation. The key is not to avoid storms but to learn how to survive them.
We delved into the idea that some storms are sovereignly sent by God. These storms can serve various purposes: discipline, direction, or development. For instance, God sent the flood in Noah's time to discipline humanity for its wickedness. Sometimes, God sends storms to redirect us when we are going in the wrong direction, or to develop us into the people He wants us to be.
We also discussed how storms can come from different sources: some are satanically sent, some come from family and friends, and some are sovereignly sent by God. Regardless of the source, when we build our lives on the rock of Jesus Christ, we can withstand any storm. God equips us with what we need for the storm before it even arrives. Noah had the ark before the flood, and we have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church to help us navigate our storms.
Moreover, we learned that our devastation often leads to our destination. Just as Noah's ark landed on Mount Ararat after the flood, our storms can elevate us to new heights. God uses our trials to bring about His purposes in our lives. Finally, we were reminded that God will show up in our storms, just as He remembered Noah during the flood. When we remember God in the good times, He will remember us in the bad times.
### Key Takeaways
1. Storms are Inevitable and Normal: Storms are a natural part of life and should not be seen as a sign of spiritual failure. Jesus Himself said we would face tribulation. The key is to learn how to survive these storms by relying on God and His promises. [45:43]
2. Sovereignly Sent Storms: Some storms are sent by God for discipline, direction, or development. These storms are not meant to harm us but to refine us and bring us closer to His will. Understanding this can help us navigate through difficult times with faith and trust in God's plan. [47:14]
3. God Equips Us Before the Storm: Just as Noah had the ark before the flood, God provides us with what we need before our storms arrive. We have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church to help us navigate through life's challenges. This preparation is a testament to God's foresight and care for us. [59:03]
4. Devastation Leads to Destination: Our trials and tribulations often lead us to our God-ordained destinations. Just as Noah's ark landed on Mount Ararat, our storms can elevate us to new heights and bring about God's purposes in our lives. This perspective helps us see our struggles as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. [01:12:16]
5. God Remembers Us in Our Storms: When we remember God in the good times, He will remember us in the bad times. God's faithfulness ensures that He will show up in our storms, providing us with the strength and support we need to survive and thrive. This assurance helps us maintain our faith and hope during difficult times. [01:06:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:12] - Introduction to Genesis 7
[45:43] - Storms are Inevitable and Normal
[47:14] - Sovereignly Sent Storms
[51:32] - Different Sources of Storms
[52:01] - Storms for Direction and Development
[59:03] - God Equips Us Before the Storm
[01:06:08] - God Remembers Us in Our Storms
[01:12:16] - Devastation Leads to Destination
[01:17:13] - Invitation to Christian Discipleship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 7:7 - "So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood."
2. Matthew 7:24-27 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
3. Psalm 121:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three types of storms mentioned in the sermon, and what are their sources? ([51:32])
2. According to Genesis 7:7, who entered the ark with Noah, and why did they enter it?
3. In Matthew 7:24-27, what is the difference between the wise man and the foolish man in terms of their response to Jesus' words?
4. How does Psalm 121:1-2 describe the source of our help during difficult times?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that storms are inevitable and normal parts of life? How does this perspective change our approach to challenges? ([45:43])
2. How can understanding that some storms are sovereignly sent by God for discipline, direction, or development help us navigate through difficult times with faith? ([47:14])
3. What does it mean that God equips us with what we need before the storm arrives, and how can this assurance impact our faith during trials? ([59:03])
4. How does the concept of "devastation leading to destination" provide hope and perspective during our struggles? ([01:12:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you respond to it, and what did you learn about your faith and reliance on God during that time? ([45:43])
2. Have you ever experienced a storm that you later realized was sent by God for your discipline, direction, or development? How did this realization change your perspective on that storm? ([47:14])
3. In what ways has God equipped you before a storm in your life? How can you recognize and utilize these provisions more effectively in future challenges? ([59:03])
4. Think of a time when a difficult situation led to a positive outcome or new opportunity in your life. How can this experience help you trust God's plan during current or future storms? ([01:12:16])
5. How can you make your "outlook an up look" during your current challenges? What practical steps can you take to focus more on God and His promises? ([01:02:04])
6. How can you remember God in the good times to ensure He remembers you in the bad times? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily life to keep God at the center? ([01:06:08])
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed by a storm. What specific action can you take this week to seek God's guidance and support in that area? ([01:07:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Storms are a Natural Part of Life
Storms are an inevitable part of our existence. Whether we are currently in a storm, just coming out of one, or about to enter one, we must understand that storms are a natural and normal part of life. Jesus Himself said that we would face tribulation. The key is not to avoid storms but to learn how to survive them by relying on God and His promises. When we build our lives on the rock of Jesus Christ, we can withstand any storm. This perspective helps us to see storms not as a sign of spiritual failure but as an opportunity to grow in faith and trust in God.
[45:43]
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 or recent storm in your life. How can you rely on God's promises to navigate through it?
Day 2: Sovereignly Sent Storms
Some storms are sovereignly sent by God for discipline, direction, or development. These storms are not meant to harm us but to refine us and bring us closer to His will. For instance, God sent the flood in Noah's time to discipline humanity for its wickedness. Sometimes, God sends storms to redirect us when we are going in the wrong direction or to develop us into the people He wants us to be. Understanding this can help us navigate through difficult times with faith and trust in God's plan, knowing that He has a purpose for every storm we face.
[47:14]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt disciplined or redirected by God. How did that experience shape your faith and character?
Day 3: God Equips Us Before the Storm
Just as Noah had the ark before the flood, God provides us with what we need before our storms arrive. We have Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church to help us navigate through life's challenges. This preparation is a testament to God's foresight and care for us. Knowing that God equips us beforehand can give us confidence and peace as we face life's storms, trusting that He has already provided the resources and support we need to endure and overcome.
[59:03]
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Reflection: Identify the resources and support God has provided you with. How can you utilize them more effectively in your current situation?
Day 4: Devastation Leads to Destination
Our trials and tribulations often lead us to our God-ordained destinations. Just as Noah's ark landed on Mount Ararat after the flood, our storms can elevate us to new heights and bring about God's purposes in our lives. This perspective helps us see our struggles as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. By trusting in God's plan, we can find hope and purpose in our suffering, knowing that He is using our trials to bring us closer to our ultimate destination.
[01:12:16]
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: Think about a recent trial you faced. How did it bring you closer to God's purpose for your life?
Day 5: God Remembers Us in Our Storms
When we remember God in the good times, He will remember us in the bad times. God's faithfulness ensures that He will show up in our storms, providing us with the strength and support we need to survive and thrive. This assurance helps us maintain our faith and hope during difficult times, knowing that God is always with us and will never abandon us. By cultivating a relationship with God during peaceful times, we can be confident in His presence and help during our storms.
[01:06:08]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God during peaceful times to prepare for future storms?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Stop thinking that somehow you have missed God because you are in the midst of a storm. Stop thinking something is wrong with your Christianity because of the storms that you face in your life. Jesus said, you shall have tribulation. You shall have tribulation. so many of us try to live our lives storm-free." [45:43] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You are not going to live a storm-free life. Storms are natural. They're normal. They're inevitable. What we need to learn how to do is not try to avoid storms, but learn how to be a storm survivor." [47:14] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, when you believe Jesus died on the cross and God raised him from the dead and you receive him into your life and you're building your life on a rock. It doesn't mean that you are immune to storms. Storms are still going to come." [50:32] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God gave you everything you needed for your storm before your storm. It's a trick of the enemy. To make you think you can't handle your storm." [59:33] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Though the storms keep on raging in my life. And sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day. Still the hope that lies within is reassured. As I keep my eyes upon the distant shore, I know he'll lead me safely to that place he has prepared. But if the storms keep on raging, if the winds keep on blowing, my soul is anchored in the Lord." [01:15:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Some storms are sovereignly sent. It's God that sends storms. Sometimes we give credit to the devil that belongs to God. Even now, somebody was asking you how you doing, and you started thinking of all the things you're going through, and you said the devil is busy. And the devil is busy. I'm not trying to belittle that, but sometimes, y'all, it ain't the devil. Some storms are sovereignly sent." [47:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some storms come for discipline, some for direction, and then some for development. Because some of us are mad at God right now. Because you're in a storm that you didn't have anything to do with it coming your way." [54:00] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has a way of giving us what we need for the storm before the storm. I'm preaching and y'all ain't getting it. If you don't jump off a bridge, if you don't put a bullet through your head, if you don't slit your wrist and turn your back on Christ and his church, you'll recognize that God gives you for your storm what you need before your storm." [58:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your devastation is inextricably tied in to your destiny. Y'all, where Noah started is not where Noah ended. Chapter 8, verse 4, when the flood was over, the ark rested. It landed on Mount Arad. It started in the plains. But after the storm, it's no longer low down in the plains. But it's on a mountaintop. Because the devastation is what got him to that destination." [01:11:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God shows up and when he shows up, verse 2, chapter 8, verse 2, he sends a wind. He sends a wind. Because after 40 days of rain, 150 days that you have the flooding, but the reason why they had to stay in the ark for 12 months is because after the storm, it was still muddy and murky and messy. So God sends a wind to solidify it. It's muddy, murky, and messy. God sent a wind to make it solid, sure, and secure." [01:10:12] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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