Standing in Life’s Storms

14 October 2012

1. Introduction

· 1 Cor.10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it”.

· Temptation = NT3986= to put to proof, to put to the test.

· Every person faces pressures and difficulties in life – storms can come unexpectedly.

· Storms = Financial, physical health, marriage, family, relationships, work, ministry.

· God Promises (i) You are not the only one facing this

(ii) God is faithful – never leave – always help

(iii) You are up to the challenge (even if you think you are not)

(iv) God has a way to walk through the storm and grow

2. Confronting Your Storms

(a) Mark 4:35-41 The Great Storm

(b) “Let us crossover to the other side” v35

· Jesus’ purpose and priority is clear – seek and save lost people.

· God always wants to reach people with the gospel.

· “Crossover” = leave your comfort zone to expand the Kingdom.

= Jesus’ mandate/direction to the harvest field.

· “Left the Multitude” = Left the place of success and achievement.

= Left the comfort of the crowd to pursue Father’s priority.

= Always costs something to focus on the harvest.

· “Storm” = NT2978= black thunder clouds, strong gusts of wind, torrents of rain.

· “Great” = NT3173= Mega – very big.

· Wind and rain beat upon the boat – all in imminent danger - sinking.

(d) 4 Different Kinds of Storms

(i) Storm of own Making

· You are reaping the consequences of actions or inactivity.

· Every person is responsible for choices and decisions.

· Every person experiences consequences of choices and decisions.

· Key Question – What has been my contribution to this storm?

· Key Response –

(ii) God Directed Storm

· There is a need for change and only a storm brings you to recognise this.

· E.g. Jonah 1:4 “The Lord sent a great wind into the sea”.

· The storm is intended to bring you to a place of surrender/alignment.

· E.g. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt.26:37-41)

· Key Question – What is God trying to say to me?

· Key Response – Surrender – yield to the Lord.

(iii) Natural Storms of Life

· Not personal failure, Not God, Not the Devil – consequence of being in a fallen world.

· Pressures come in our life – recession, job loss, conflicts, set-backs.

· E.g. Joseph – Heb. 6:12 Faith and patience – Heb. 10:36 Need of patience.

· Key Question - How should I respond?

· Key Response - Release grace not judgement – overcome evil with good.

(iv) Demonic Opposition

· This is a spiritual reality – active evil spirits set on destroying us.

· Evil spirits arise against us fulfilling God’s purpose and plan.

· E.g. Jesus faced the storm (circumstances) and discouraged men (people).

· Key Question – What is the source of this storm?

· Key Response – Exercise governing authority – speak the word of God.

(e) “Teacher do You not care?” v38

· The disciples were filled with fear – did not respond well.

· Jesus seemingly unconcerned about their storm.

· They accused Him of “not caring” – blinded to Kingdom realities.

- Looked for someone to blame!

(f) “He Arose – Rebuked the Wind and Spoke to the Sea” v34

· Jesus demonstrated how faith is exercised.

· He spoke directly to the storm – words of faith – words of command.

· Fear quenches faith and causes storms in the mind and emotions.

· What storm has arisen in your Life?

· What kind of storm is it?

· How should you position yourself to respond?