Facing the Storms of Life
John 6:15-21 Monte T. Brown
January 18, 2015 Sunday Morning
Stapp Zoe Baptist
Introduction:
Life isn’t easy it is not always a bed of roses, or maybe it is and sometimes that bed of roses is filled with thorns.
So how do you deal with those thorns that may crop up in your life from time to time?
The message this morning will deal with the thorns of life under the leadership of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so let me share with you the simple promises of “Facing the Storms of Life.”
1. We are governed by His Providence
2. We have the potential to grow by his Plans
3. We are sustained by His Prayers and Presence
4. We can overcome by his Power and Purpose
As we look at each one of these simple promises may we see that God is in control of “Facing the Storms of Life.”
Scripture
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. John 6:15-21 (KJV)
Prayer
1. We are governed by his Providence
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22 (KJV)
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. John 6:16-17 (KJV)
The providence of Jesus Christ is seen here of his foreknowledge of the intention of the crowd, to make him king, and he withdrew himself from their presence by getting in a ship and going toward Capernaum.
You see as a Christian, the one we serve knows what lies ahead.
There defiantly are some advantages that a Christian has over those that have not experienced the gift of Eternal Life.
A. Our storms are never incidental
B. Our storms never surprise our Lord
C. Our storms never overcome us
When we are under grace of Jesus Christ it is divine intervention.
2. We have the potential to grow by His Plans.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalms 41:1 (KJV)
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
John 6:18 (KJV)
As a Christian when we are being lead by the Holy Spirit, because we are walking with Christ.
A. Our storms will grow our faith
B. Our storms will grow our fellowship
C. Different storms will grow us
1. Correcting storms – Jonah
2. Perfecting storms – the disciples
3. We are sustained by His Prayers and Presence
A. Jesus is an interceding Savior
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)
B. Jesus is an all-seeing Savior
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. Mark 6:48 (KJV)
C. Jesus is an ever-present Savior
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25 (KJV)
4. We can overcome by His Power and Purpose
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. John 6:20-21 (KJV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (KJV)
“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” – Anonymous
A. He declares His power in identifying Himself
“It is I…” John 6:20a
B. His identity provides abundance
… But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33b
C. His purpose and will are always safest
“God is willing to assume the responsibility of a life totally yielded to Him.” – Andrew Murray
Conclusion/Invitation:
As we conclude the message this evening I hope that we have embraced the simple promise for life’s storms.
1. We are governed by His Providence
2. We have the potential to grow by his Plans
3. We are sustained by His Prayers and Presence
4. We can overcome by his Power and Purpose
Understanding that God is in control and that His providence and His plans for our lives are cultivated through prayer and His presence and we can be more that conquers by His power and purpose.
Christian
As a Christian will you Admit that you have been trying to weather the storms of life in your own strength.
That you have left Jesus Christ out of your equation.
As a Christian you need to Believe that Jesus Christ can take you through the storms of life and that you will be victorious.
Will you as a Christian Confess you have not allowed the Holy Spirit to direct your life?
Lost Person
Have you come to a place in your life where you can Admit that you are a sinner and have no way to weather the storms of life?
Will you Admit that you need Jesus Christ in your life?
Do you Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God that he died on the cross for your sins and that He will forgive you of your sins if you but ask?
Then you need to Confess your sins and ask Jesus Christ into your life.
