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Finding peace in the storm

Finding peace in the storm. Mt 8:23-27. The unexpected storm…. We can usually predict a storm – we give names to them because of their significance/impact. Storms: a metaphor for hardships, difficulties, tragedies, even worse-case scenarios.

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Finding peace in the storm

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  1. Finding peace in the storm Mt 8:23-27

  2. The unexpected storm… • We can usually predict a storm – we give names to them because of their significance/impact. • Storms: a metaphor for hardships, difficulties, tragedies, even worse-case scenarios. • Mt 5:45 – Rain falls on both the righteous and unrighteous, so we know storms will come. • Mt 8:23 – the disciples followed Jesus right into a storm. Did they do something wrong? NO…they were obedient.

  3. Storms will come into our lives • This one was bad. Seasoned sailors were freaking out. • Storm – same root word as for earthquake. • Mark’s gospel, it’s a whirlwind of water totally covering and swamping the boat. • Where was Jesus? Sleeping…. • Ps 121:4 – “He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.”

  4. We cry out in the midst of storms • Lord, save us! Where are you? Why is this happening? • Prayer must be honest, not sanitized. • **The shrieking of the storm didn’t wake Jesus, BUT the cry of His beloved did! • After exhausting all their efforts, they cry out. • Sometimes the Lord let’s us get to the end of ourselves so we realize HE is our only Hope. • Ps 91:14-15 – We call, He hears, He answers

  5. God’s purposes in a storm • “Where there are no trials, there will be no triumphs.” CS Lewis • Difficulties teach us things we can never learn any other way. • Ps 23: He takes us through the valley; fruit doesn’t grow on mountaintops, but in valleys. • We are never alone & God is able to bring us through the storm.

  6. First kind of storm: Correcting • Distinguish between disciple/punishment. • Heb 12:5 – discipline reminds us we’re His kids. • Ps 23 – The rod and staff comfort me (reminds me I’m still His even when I’m astray). • Jonah, a reluctant prophet who disobeyed, got corrected. • The Lord allows us to reap what we sow so we’ll stop sinning…we don’t like hurting!

  7. Second kind of storm: Protecting • Jn’s account of feeding of 5,000 coincides with Mt 14:22 – People wanted Jesus to be their King. Jesus got the disciples into the boat and a storm – to protect them from themselves. • Be thankful the Lord doesn’t answer all our prayers in the affirmative. • “Lord, if you really loved me You would…..” • Sometimes the thing we want now have the potential to destroy us, and we don’t see it.

  8. Third kind of storm: Perfecting • 2 Cor 4:17-18 – the singular objective of our faith is to be transformed into the image of Jesus. • Heb 10:38 – Don’t be someone who shrinks back and tarnishes the name of Jesus. • **Our response to storms: God’s up to something. How can I showcase Him to others? • Our lives are on display. People are watching our responses. How can I point others to Jesus?

  9. Jesus is in the storm… • Mt 4:35 – “Let us go to the other side.” • He didn’t promise smooth sailing BUT He did promise a safe arrival. • Is 43:2+ - The Lord says, I WILL be with you. • Jesus spoke to the winds and sea: “Peace, be still!” • He was speaking to the power behind the storm. • Be still – Gr meaning is “be muzzled.”

  10. The challenge… • Want a nice cruise only to • sink in the middle of the ocean? • Or • A cruisethat has some turbulence from time to time, but has a glorious landing on the other side that will blow your mind!

  11. Promises in the storm • Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling (staggering, falling apart) in the presence of His glory, blameless w/great joy.” • Phil 1:6 “I am confident…that He who began a good work in you will perfect (mature) it…” • Heb 12:2 “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” • Rom 8:26 “…all things work together for good to those who love the Lord & are called according to HIS purposes.”

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