Faith That Survives The Storm Series

FAITH THAT SURVIVES THE STORM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 4:35-41

Key Verse:

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” — Mark 4:39

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 6:19; Psalm 66:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

INTRODUCTION

Storms are inevitable in the journey of life and faith. No believer is exempt from seasons of turbulence, uncertainty, or adversity. The presence of a storm does not indicate the absence of God; rather, it often becomes the stage upon which faith is revealed and strengthened.

In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves in a violent storm while Jesus was in the boat with them. The waves threatened their safety, and fear overwhelmed their hearts. Yet the same storm that exposed their fear also became the setting for a greater revelation of Christ’s authority.

Faith that survives the storm is not emotional excitement but settled confidence. It is the assurance that regardless of how fierce the wind blows, God remains sovereign. Storms test faith, but they also refine it.

1. STORMS ARE PART OF THE JOURNEY OF FAITH

Following Christ does not eliminate challenges; it guarantees His presence in them.

a) Obedience does not prevent storms (Mark 4:35-37)

The disciples entered the storm while obeying Jesus’ instruction to cross over.

b) Trials are inevitable (John 16:33)

Jesus warned that in this world we would face tribulation.

c) Testing strengthens endurance (James 1:3-4)

The trying of faith produces patience and spiritual maturity.

d) Fire refines gold (1 Peter 1:7)

Faith becomes more precious when proven through adversity.

Biblical Example:

Paul experienced a violent shipwreck despite being on divine assignment (Acts 27:22-25; 27:41-44), yet God preserved every life on board, proving that storms cannot cancel divine purpose.

2. FAITH REMAINS CALM IN GOD’S PRESENCE

The awareness of Christ in the boat changes everything.

a) Jesus is present even when silent (Mark 4:38)

His silence does not mean His absence.

b) God walks through the waters with you (Isaiah 43:2)

Floods cannot overwhelm those under divine covering.

c) Confidence anchored in hope (Hebrews 6:19)

Hope is the anchor that steadies the soul.

d) Perfect peace through trust (Isaiah 26:3)

A mind stayed on God experiences stability.

Biblical Example:

When Peter stepped out of the boat toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31), he walked on water as long as his focus remained on Christ, demonstrating that faith thrives in conscious awareness of God’s presence.

3. FAITH SPEAKS TO THE STORM

Surviving faith is not passive; it responds with authority.

a) Speak God’s Word (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Believing and speaking align with spiritual victory.

b) Resist fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

God has not given a spirit of fear but of power and sound mind.

c) Declare peace (Mark 4:39)

Jesus modeled speaking calm into chaos.

d) Stand firm in authority (Luke 10:19)

Believers are empowered over the forces of darkness.

Biblical Example:

David confronted Goliath not with weapons but with confident declaration of God’s power (1 Samuel 17:45-47), and through faith he prevailed over an impossible opponent (1 Samuel 17:50).

4. STORMS REVEAL A GREATER GLORY

What threatens you today will testify tomorrow.

a) Affliction produces glory (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Momentary trouble prepares eternal reward.

b) God brings you through (Psalm 66:10-12)

Passing through fire and water leads to abundance.

c) Test becomes testimony (Revelation 12:11)

Victory comes through the blood and the word of testimony.

d) Latter end greater (Job 42:12)

God restores beyond previous measure.

Biblical Example:

After enduring loss, suffering, and intense questioning (Job 1:13-22; 2:7-10), Job encountered a deeper revelation of God (Job 42:5), and the Lord blessed his latter end more than his beginning (Job 42:12).

CONCLUSION

Faith that survives the storm is rooted in unwavering trust, anchored hope, bold confession, and steadfast endurance. Storms are not designed to destroy you but to develop you. They reveal the depth of your faith and the greatness of your God.

When the winds rage and waves rise, remember that Christ is in your boat. Speak peace, stand firm, and refuse to surrender to fear. The same storm that challenges you today will magnify God’s power in your testimony tomorrow.

May your faith remain unshaken, and may every storm bow before the authority of Christ in your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen my faith in every storm of life in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me remain calm in Your presence during adversity in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every spirit of fear from my heart in Jesus name.

4. Lord, anchor my soul in unshakable hope in Jesus name.

5. Father, empower me to speak peace into chaotic situations in Jesus name.

6. Lord, preserve me through every trial and difficulty in Jesus name.

7. Father, let every storm in my life turn into testimony in Jesus name.