I saw a post on Facebook that I thought would make a great title for a sermon. A friend was requesting prayer for a family member and someone wrote, “I’m praying with you. God’s got this!”
1. THE FORCEFUL DOWNPOUR
Matthew 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“Tossed by the waves” the Greek word is “basanizo” = means to be tortured or tormented or to be greatly troubled. Have you ever been in a downpour that was scary?
“Contrary” means opposite or against! The wind was against them. They were rowing and fighting against the wind. They were trying to get to the shore to meet Jesus, but the wind was pushing them away from their objective. Have you ever been in a place where it seemed like everything, and everyone was against you?
V. 30 says that the wind was boisterous = powerful or mighty; this was an extremely forceful storm!
Mark 6:48 (NKJV) Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.
It’s one thing to watch a storm building and you know what to expect! But when it comes all of the sudden in the middle of the night, it can really be scary. Notice, John tells us it was already dark!
John 6:16 (NKJV) Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
There are various types of storms or downpours that we must endure from time to time. I’m not just talking about dust storms or monsoons. Not even about tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, ice, or snowstorms. However, there are many downpours we face:
A. A Discouraging Downpour
Have you ever been in a downpour of discouragement? How many of you have noticed that sometimes people are discouraging? You know some of them! Negative Nellie, Despondent Dan, Critical Craig, Hateful Harry, etc. There are some people who can throw a wet blanket on everything!
Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
B. A Depressing Downpour
Nobody here has ever been in a downpour of depression, right? Listen, barring some kind of physical malady or injury. We’re too blessed to be depressed! Why? Because the Lord Jesus Christ is still on the throne. He’s still in charge of my life and He should be in charge of your life!
1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV) Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
You may be discouraged or depressed! However, you can respond like David and encourage yourself in the Lord. Strengthen yourself in the things of God. Read your Bible. Listen to encouraging hymns and Gospel songs. Listen to challenging sermons. Call someone who walks with God and in whom you have confidence. Get around people who love the Lord and who will encourage you!
C. A Disheartening Downpour
Have you ever been in a situation where your heart just sank? Perhaps you had hopes and dreams of landing a great job, a nice home, nice cars, etc. Perhaps life hasn’t turned out like you expected. You’ve done everything you know to do. You stayed in school, kept away from drugs and alcohol, got that degree everyone said you needed. But you’re working a something totally different than your degree or training, etc. You’re in a disheartening downpour.
ILLUST. Thomas Edison invented the microphone, the phonograph, the incandescent light, the storage battery, talking movies, and more than 1000 other things. December 1914, he had worked for 10 years on a storage battery. This had greatly strained his finances. This particular evening spontaneous combustion had broken out in the film room. Within minutes all the packing compounds, celluloid for records and film, and other flammable goods were in flames. Fire companies from eight surrounding towns arrived, but the heat was so intense and the water pressure so low that the attempt to douse the flames was futile. Everything was destroyed. Edison was 67. With all his assets going up in flames (although the damage exceeded two million dollars, the buildings were only insured for $238,000 because they were made of concrete and thought to be fireproof), would his spirit be broken?
Edison’s 24-year-old son, Charles, searched frantically for his father. He finally found him, calmly watching the fire, his face glowing in the reflection, his white hair blowing in the wind. “My heart ached for him,” said Charles. “He was 67—no longer a young man—and everything was going up in flames. When he saw me, he shouted, ‘Charles, where’s your mother?’ When I told him I didn’t know, he said, ‘Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this as long as she lives.’“ The next morning, Edison looked at the ruins and said, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.” Three weeks after the fire, Edison managed to deliver the first phonograph.
Galaxie Software. (2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press.
Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV) For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.
That’s the hard part, isn’t it? Getting back up! Last week, playing racquetball, I got hit in the ear twice in the same game. It knocked me to the ground! Of course, I grabbed my ear and went to my knees.
D. A Domestic Downpour
No one here has ever had a problem with anyone in your family, have you? I suppose about every family has someone who is considered a “black sheep.” You say, “Pastor, we’ve got a whole herd of sheep in my family!” Recently, I found out that 2 of the most prominent, well-to-do families that lived in my hometown and went to my school and were my classmates…3 of them a husband and wife and the wife’s brother all took their own lives. One of the men was the son of a banker! I was shocked to learn about that.
I’m reminded of two cases of domestic downpours in Scripture. I won’t take time to read both. But let me share a part of them with you this morning. God gives us the accounts of both Lot and Elimelech.
Lot’s herdsmen got into a squabble with Abraham’s herdsmen. Genesis 13 records the argument and how Lot chose the well-watered plains of Sodom and Gomorrah. Gen. 14 records that while there, Lot and his family were taken captive.
Genesis 14:11 (NKJV) Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Someone in Lot’s household was able to escape and made his way to Uncle Abraham. When Abraham finds out what happens he arms 318 of his trained servants and goes to rescue his nephew Lot and recover what was stolen.
Genesis 14:16 (NKJV) So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.
Now you would think that Lot would learn something from this experience. In Gen. 15, God renews His covenant with Abraham and restates His promises to him. In Gen. 16-17:15 we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Abraham and Sarah a son. Isaac is born. But in the last part of Ch. 17 we see God interceding on behalf of Lot because God had said He would destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Gen. 19 records the disastrous results for Lot, his family and the two cities. They left with nothing, Lot’s wife turned and looked back, and his daughters got Lot drunk and committed incest with their dad.
Did you ever think that maybe Lot should have stayed where he was with his Uncle Abraham? Some people never learn.
Then I’m reminded of Elimelech. We find his account in Ruth.
Ruth 1:1 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. 3 Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4 Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. 5 Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.
Perhaps you know the story. Naomi and Ruth make the journey to Naomi’s home in Bethlehem. Ruth meets Boaz and they marry and become the great grandparents of King David. Some people DO learn from their domestic downpours. But wouldn’t it be better to escape the downpour altogether by living for Jesus in the first place?
E. A Disease Downpour
Maybe you didn’t get a good report from the doctor. I know a little bit about that! Everybody says, “You just have to trust the Lord, pastor. He’ll take care of you!” And the Lord does! But it was still my body that the doctor was carving on that day in November.
Exodus 15:26 (NKJV) and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
If you don’t do things that are risky for your health: Like overeating, drinking, drugs, smoking, sex outside of marriage, etc. You say, “But Pastor, I know people who never did any of those things but who died in their teens or early 20’s.”
Let me speak a word to those of you who are facing physical battles right now. If you know Jesus, if you get the most grim diagnosis, remember Jesus is still in control. God’s got this!
F. A Debt Downpour
Are you drowning in a downpour of debt? Are you trying to pay your MasterCard with your Visa Card? Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses and get a grip on the financial reigns of your life. Take Financial Peace University course this fall.
Perhaps you’re spending money don’t have for things you don’t need and have maxed out your credit cards. Learn some things from a Dave Ramsey that will help you.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
G. A Death Downpour
I cannot imagine what it is like to lose a child to death. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a spouse. Several of you in this room have lost both a child and a spouse. It seems like every day you hear about someone else you know that has died. Someone you love, someone with whom you were friends, someone in your church, a friend of a friend, etc. Perhaps you are facing death yourself. The truth is all of us are facing death.
Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
2. THE FEARFUL DISCIPLES
The disciples were fearful because of:
A. What they EYED
Matthew 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
They saw the effect of the wind upon the water. Their boat was being tossed about by the fury of the elements.
B. What they EARRED
The disciples heard the howling winds in their ears. They were probably rowing and bailing for all they were worth and feared drowning. Earlier, on another occasion Jesus was in the boat with them and a storm came up and Jesus was sleeping.
This account is also given in Matt. 8:23–27 & Luke 8:22–25
Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV) On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Think about it! They had already seen Jesus speak peace to the storm. But this time, He was not with them. I’m sure they thought that Jesus had no idea what trouble they were in. Maybe He was so tired from the day of healing and touching the needs of the people that He was taking a nap. Where was Jesus when they needed Him? Have you ever felt that way?
Psalm 121:4 (NKJV) Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
C. What they EXPERIENCED
Matthew 14:25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
3. THE FAITHFUL DEITY
Matthew 14:25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
The OT tells us about the faithfulness of God:
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NKJV) Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
Psalm 73:26 (NKJV) My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The NT says it too:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) 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 are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Notice that the time of this storm is in the 4th watch. The fourth watch is the morning watch, from three in the morning until daylight. This is when the Lord Jesus walks on the sea, going toward His fearful disciples. Notice 2 things about Him. Jesus was:
A. FAITHFUL GOD TO THEM COLLECTIVELY
1) They were TOGETHER on the SHIP
2) They were TRYING to get to SHORE
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3) They were TERRIFIED by the STORM
4) They were TRUSTING in the SAVIOR
Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
B. FAITHFUL GOD TO THEM INDIVIDUALLY
1) Peter wanted to be SURE
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
2) Peter wanted to be SAFE
Matthew 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out,
3) Peter wanted to be SUBMISSIVE
Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
4) Peter wanted to be SAVED
saying, “Lord, save me!”
Are you finding yourself in a downpour today? Is your life in a mess because of the storms you’re facing? I’m telling you there’s hope in Jesus Christ. He is the Faithful Deity! The Faithful God who will take care of you no matter what the storm is that you’re facing. Whatever is on you plate…God’s Got This!
I want to close with this quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
He spoke of our great need for desperation when we’re talking to the Lord: “We can fight and sweat and pray and write and do all things, but…we are impotent, we cannot stem the tide. We persist in thinking that we can set the situation right. We start a new society; write a book, we organize a campaign, and we are convinced that we are going to hold back the tide. But we cannot. And so, we must throw ourselves upon the mercy of God. It is not so much an organized prayer emphasis as it is an act of desperation. And then, and only then does the power of the Holy Spirit come flooding upon us and into us. And He does it in a moment when incremental organization can hardly accomplish in half a century. (A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories That Stretch and Stir by Collin Hanson quoting Lloyd-Jones.)
