1. Going along doing the routine things of life
Jesus went into a ship with his disciples. “Let’s go to the other side of the lake,” he said to them. They launched the boat. As they sailed Jesus fell asleep. (Luke 8:22-23a)
This was routine for the disciples. They had been on the Sea of Galilee many times. Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen. They spent most of their time on the water.
2. Something unexpected happens. There’s an event/crisis… physical, emotional or spiritual.
A windstorm came down on the lake. The boat was filled with water, and they were in danger. (Luke 8:23b)
Because of the mountains around the Sea of Galilee, unexpected storms were common. The fishermen had experience with the storms, but this one was different. It was beyond what they had experienced. After doing all they could do, the boat was filling with water. They knew they couldn’t do anything to save themselves. They had no hope.
3. We call out to God for help, and we admit we are helpless to save ourselves. We are perishing, headed for destruction.
The disciples came to Jesus and woke him. “Master, master, we perish,” the disciples exclaimed. (Luke 8:24a)
4. Jesus has the power to change everything.
Jesus rose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. The wind and the waves ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24b)
Somehow, we get a glimpse of His power. How? Through something we read, hear, see, feel, experience, dream. Somehow Jesus reveals His power to us.
5. In that hopeless place, we realize Jesus has the power to change OUR situation. We have FAITH in His power.
Jesus asked the disciples, “Where is your faith? (Luke 8:25a)
We must believe. Paul wrote, “We are saved by (God’s) grace through (our) faith.” (Ephesians 2:8)
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe (have faith) in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Salvation requires faith… faith to the point of hope that Jesus can save you.
6. We’ve been saved. Jesus changed everything. We experienced the power of Jesus to save us. We are amazed by the change that has taken place.
They were afraid and wondered, “What kind of man is this who even the winds and water obey?” (Luke 8:25b)
Who can take my hopelessness and change it to hope and joy and peace?
7. Through our lives, more storms grow our faith.
We go through the cycle of storms requiring faith to the point of hope. Each time the result is increased faith and a closer relationship with God as we depend on Him more and more.
