Introduction

Good morning, church! We're diving into the deep end today. We're tackling storms - the kind that blow through our lives, leaving us shaken, questioning, and sometimes doubting. We're not alone in this experience. Even the disciples of Jesus, those who walked with Him, ate with Him, and knew Him intimately, felt fear in the midst of the storm. But in those moments of fear and uncertainty, God's power and faithfulness shine most brightly.

I'm reminded of a quote from an Anonymous individual who once said, “Anyone can sing in the sunshine. You and I should sing on when the sun has gone down, or when clouds pour out their rain, for Christ is with us.

Remember that as we read today's passage - Mark 4:35-40: "That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious storm came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"

Let's pray. Lord, as we discuss Your power, the fear of the disciples, and Your faithfulness, open our hearts and minds to understand Your Word. As we explore the storms in their lives and ours, may we always remember Your constant grace and eternal glory. Amen.

I. God's Power in the Storm

In the midst of the storm, the disciples were terrified, and it's easy to understand why. The waves were crashing over their boat, the wind was howling, and they were in real danger of sinking. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, Jesus was sleeping. This image is a powerful illustration of God's power in the storm. While the disciples were panicking, Jesus was at peace. He wasn't worried or afraid because He knew His power was greater than the storm.

When the disciples woke Jesus, He didn't panic or rush to bail out the boat. Instead, He spoke to the wind and the waves, commanding them to be quiet and still. And they obeyed. This wasn't a coincidence or a stroke of good luck. This was a demonstration of God's power. He has authority over nature, over the physical world, and over the storms that threaten to overwhelm us.

A. This story is a reminder that God's power is not diminished by our circumstances. No matter how fierce the storm, no matter how high the waves, God's power is greater. He is not threatened by our problems or our fears. He is not overwhelmed by our circumstances. He is in control, and He has the power to calm the storm.

B. But God's power is not just about calming storms. It's also about sustaining us through them. Sometimes, God doesn't calm the storm right away. Sometimes, He allows the storm to rage while He strengthens us to withstand it. This is another aspect of God's power - His ability to sustain us, to give us strength, to help us endure.

C. This is not a passive power. It's not a power that sits back and watches as we struggle. It's an active power, a power that steps into our boat, into our storm, and says, "Quiet! Be still!" It's a power that reaches into our lives, into our circumstances, and brings peace.

D. God's power is also personal. It's not a distant, impersonal force. It's a power that knows us, that cares for us, that loves us. When the disciples woke Jesus, He didn't rebuke them for disturbing His sleep. He didn't dismiss their fears. He acknowledged their fear, and then He demonstrated His power. He showed them that He was not just a teacher, but the Lord of the storm.

Transition

This is the power that we have access to as followers of Jesus ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO