Peace in the Midst of a Storm

The key verses: Mark Chapter 4 verses 35 to 41 (New King James Version)

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

A LAILAPS is defined as:

A sudden violent attack of strong wind breaking forth from fierce thunder clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy.

1. You are in a storm right now
2. You recently came out of a storm
3. There may be a storm headed your way in the future, and if so, now is the time to get prepared to weather the storm.

#1 Storms can come to anyone

1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT Version

“12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials (or storms) you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

John 16:33 NKJ Version

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world.

(Recap) Point #1 Storms or trials and tests will happen in our lives even while we are within the will of God.

The second observation

God will not allow the storm to overtake you.

(Recap)Point #2 God was not at all worried that the storm was going to take them out.

When we focus only on the storm, it not only robs us of our peace but minimizes the true power and nature of God and magnifies the difficult situation we are facing.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV says this “You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”

The third observation

They thought Jesus didn’t care about their situation.

(Recap)Point #3. Just because God does not act right away, does not mean he does not care about our trials

FOUR biblical principles that you and I can start doing today to help us find peace in the midst of our storm.

#1 Reflect

#2 Rejoice

#3 Pray

Philippians 4 vs 6,7 NKJ 6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

#4 FOCUS on the positive

1 Corinthians 10:13 — The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing, he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Additional Resources:

1. Website zcf.org 
2. Book resource: 30-days to Taming your Worry and Anxiety by Deborah Pegues

Minister Jeff Hogan