Trusting Jesus in the Storms of Life

Opening Remarks and Introduction The Holy Spirit is moving and filling those present. Many attendees shared testimonies. Expressing gratitude for the morning’s events. Reference to Matthew 8:23-27, the story of Jesus calming the storm. Invitation to be saved, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s presence and potential impact. Going to the Other Side Jesus told the disciples, “let us go to the other side.” God is working in ways we may not understand. Personal testimony of faith since 1976, trusting in God’s promises. Jesus was going to the other side to free a man possessed by many devils. Everything the Lord does is on purpose. The Lord showed up with a purpose. Entering the Ship The story in Matthew is a real event with spiritual significance. The Word of God will help, even if it’s bitter at first. Personal testimony about when Christ entered Pastor Tommy’s life. Giving up ownership and control to Jesus as captain. Jesus found Pastor Tommy when he was destitute and lost. Encouragement that nothing can repel the King of Glory from loving you. The Lamb of God wants to come aboard, regardless of the state of the “ship.” The Lordship of Christ To have Christ in your ship, you must give Him the right to run it. He is Lord and Master, not just a friend or co-pilot. Trusting God even when His plans are unclear. Reminder that He is in control and will bring you to the other side. The Tempest Having Jesus in your boat doesn’t mean you won’t face rough waters. The boat may rock and fill with water, but it will float if Jesus is in it. Personal anecdote about forgetting to put the plug in a boat. Feeling in jeopardy and not knowing which way to turn. Assurance that if He’s in the ship, it will keep floating. Don’t let the storm surprise you. There will be winds and news that you can’t control. There is only one that can save you. If he’s in the boat, you’re saved. The Storms of Life There will be times of sweetness and ease, but also times of hardship. God allows winds to rock the boat to keep us awake and ready for His return. Hard times and experiences are a part of the journey. Assurance that He will stay in the boat with you, and it won’t go down. Jesus Asleep There are times when we wonder if He is asleep or has left the boat. Good news: He sleeps no more since the resurrection. He is always awake and able to calm the storm. Reference to Elijah teasing the prophets of Baal, whose god was asleep. In despair, we may think He doesn’t care. One of the disciples asked, “Master, do you not care that we perish?” At some point, we realize we need the Master’s help. Reference to the song “Somebody Woke Up the Master.” Access to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace. Call on the Master Personal testimony of calling on the Master in times of trouble. The boat was riddled, but it stayed afloat. The course is set, and it will make it to the other side. Even in dark places, He is there and sees everything. Reference to John’s message that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Asking for Help Spiritually, waking up the Master is equivalent to asking for assistance. We have not because we ask not. It’s better to call on Him when your ankles are wet than when your knees are. Eventually, you may have to bow and admit you need help. The disciples woke Him up, explaining their situation in a few words. “Lord, save us, we perish.” Why Are You Fearful? Jesus’ first response was, “Why are you so fearful?” He then answered their question, pointing to their lack of faith. Our problem is not letting Him and the miracles of God be greater than our circumstances. We give more credit to what we see and taste than to the God of glory. He has never lied, and His promises never fail. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Those that believe in him will never perish.” Peace, Be Still Jesus stepped up and said, “Peace, be still.” Both the wind and the waves obeyed Him, and there was a great calm. What is a greater miracle: calming the storm or keeping a full boat afloat? Reference to the story of the man with palsy being lowered through the ceiling. Jesus forgave his sins and then healed him, demonstrating His power. Often, we don’t recognize the miracles occurring during our storms. Even if the boat is full, you are going to the other side. He is in the Ship Jesus was asleep because He knew they were going to make it. Some expect a calm, but God helps even when it’s not calm. The best part is that even when you think you’re sinking, you’re still floating. You’re not going down because He is in the ship. If He’s not in your ship, you’re going down. As a pastor, Pastor Tommy can assure you that you’re not going down if Jesus is in the ship. All Things Work Together for Good Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” If God is for us, who can be against us? It wasn’t the calm that got them to the other side, but the word of Jesus. The circumstances were irrelevant. The promise of God will sustain you in spite of your faith. It wasn’t their faith that would have drowned them, but their fear. Whether it’s calm or the boat is full, His word doesn’t change. You will go to the other side just like He promised. Closing Remarks There are days when faith won’t cut it, but we’re still here because He’s in the boat. Learning to like the storms because that’s when the greater miracles occur. The question is not if you’re going to make it, but if He’s in your boat. If He’s not in your boat, you have a real problem: you’re without remedy, savior, or hope. You must be born again for the promises to take place. Invitation to let Him in.