Introduction
Perhaps the most difficult thing to do in life is to thank God in difficult times, when the Storms of Life comes pounding down, however Ephesians 5:20 says we are to be "giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Scripture
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1:17-21 (KJV)
Prayer
I. Life’s Storms Come in Unexpected times
A. Storms Surprise Due to Deception (verse 13)
When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. Acts 27:13
The apostles thought that everything was ok, great sailing ahead.
When people become relaxed in their lives there is tendency to forget about God in their lives. Then they begin to replace God with other gods.
• The god of wealth
• The god of power
• The god of possessions
• The god of fame
• The god of I
• The god of lust
• The god of sports
B. Storms Surprise Due to Faulty theology – When the Apostle Paul was in a ship wreck they received faulty information: Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
C. Storms Surprise Due to Faulty advice – When we experience storms in our lives we have a tendency to listen to what the world has to say: Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. Acts 27:11
D. Storms Surprise Due to Faulty security – We have the tendency to trust in ourselves instead of the Lord: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
E. Storms Surprises, leads to a sense of desperation - Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. Acts 27:20
I have a straightforward question to ask.
Is your God too small to help you in these storms of life?
The worlds concept of God, places him as not being that great but rather a creator that did his creating and then took a vacation or he just doesn’t exist anymore.
The world’s concept of God is too small.
It is so hard for the human race to think that there is actually somebody or something that is greater, larger, and smarter than they are.
To believe that someone actually created them is an attack on their pride.
To admit that God is their creator is to admit that they are not as mart as they think they are.
There is no end to God’s greatness and He is all unending.
It seems that in part the main breakdown in humanity is the ability to believe that God is all mighty is that their faith is like a micro cell against the great white whale.
What is the answer to this great problem?
Can humanity ever see God for what he really is?
We soon forget that God has equipped us with the ability to overcome these storms.
Look again at our scriptures for this evening. We can face the “Storms of Life” BECAUSE OF:
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Ephesians 1:17-21 (KJV)
God is the all mighty.
He is the lily of the valley.
The sweet rose of Sharon.
He is the morning star.
He is the Lord of Lords.
He is the King of Kings.
He is the Alfa and Omega the beginning and the end.
God is not small! And neither should His work be small!
Sometimes it takes a storm to know you need a shelter
When the anchors in your life Disappear without a trace
Sometimes the wind will rage before you’ll sail calm waters
Sometimes it takes a storm To find a hiding place
Be assured that we can come through the storm and we will receive the “Crown of Life.”
