Through the Storm: Lessons from God, Ourselves, and Life’s Trials
Introduction:
Life’s storms are inevitable. They come in various forms – personal crises, health challenges, financial struggles, or spiritual battles. But in every storm, God is at work, teaching us profound lessons.
Today, we will explore how through the storms, God reveals something about Himself, something about us, and something about the nature of storms.
Mark 4:35-41 (NLT): “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.’ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!’”
Point 1: God Reveals Something About Himself
In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, showing His divine power. The disciples witness firsthand that Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet, but the sovereign Lord over creation.
Psalm 46:10 (NLT): “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.”
Psalm 46:10 calls us to pause and recognise God's sovereignty. It’s a command to quiet our anxious hearts and acknowledge that God is in control. In the context of life’s storms and trials, this verse reassures us that we can find peace in knowing that God is mighty and ever-present.
As Charles Spurgeon said, "When we are still, we can hear the whisper of the Spirit" .
In moments of chaos and uncertainty, we should intentionally take time to be still before God. It is in these moments of quiet that we can gain clarity and strength from His presence.
Isaiah 43:2 (NLT): “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2 reassures us of God’s unwavering presence in our trials. The imagery of deep waters and fire represents overwhelming situations, yet God promises that we will not be overcome. This verse speaks to God’s protection and faithfulness.
When facing difficult circumstances, we must remember that God is with us. His presence is a guarantee that we will not be defeated by our challenges, no matter how formidable they may seem.
Application:
In the midst of our storms, God’s power and presence become evident. He is not distant or uncaring; He is with us, commanding the winds and waves of our lives. Reflect on times when God has revealed His power and presence in your storms. Trust in His sovereignty and His ability to bring peace.
Point 2: God Reveals Something About You
Jesus’ question to the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” challenges them to examine their trust in Him. The storm reveals their fear and lack of faith, prompting them to grow in their understanding and reliance on Jesus.
Supporting Verses:
James 1:2-4 (NLT): “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
James 1:2-4 encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth. It’s a counterintuitive perspective that sees challenges as a means to strengthen our faith and develop endurance. This growth leads to spiritual maturity.
Rather than despairing in the face of trials, we should embrace them as opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on God. This shift in perspective allows us to find joy even in difficult times.
Romans 5:3-4 (NLT): “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Romans 5:3-4 highlights the progression from suffering to hope. Trials produce endurance, which builds character, ultimately leading to a stronger hope in salvation. It’s a process of transformation that deepens our spiritual resilience.
When facing hardships, focus on the character and hope that are being developed within you. Recognise that each trial is a step towards a deeper, more confident faith.
Storms are opportunities for self-reflection and growth. They reveal our fears, doubts, and areas where our faith needs strengthening. Embrace these moments as chances to deepen your trust in God. Consider how past trials have shaped your character and strengthened your faith.
Point 3: God Reveals Something About the Storms of Life
The calming of the storm illustrates that storms are temporary and under God’s control. While the disciples feared for their lives, Jesus knew the storm would cease at His command. This teaches us that no matter how fierce the storm, it is not beyond God’s power to calm it.
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT): “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”
Paul contrasts the temporary nature of our troubles with the eternal glory they produce. This verse reminds us that our suffering is fleeting compared to the everlasting joy and glory that await us.
Keep an eternal perspective in mind. The challenges we face now are temporary, and they are shaping us for an eternal reward. Let this perspective give you hope and strength.
Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 is a profound promise that God orchestrates everything for the good of those who love Him. This doesn’t mean that everything we experience is good, but that God uses every circumstance to fulfil His good purposes.
Trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when you cannot see how He is working. Believe that He is using every situation for your ultimate good and His glory.
Application:
Understand that storms are part of life’s journey, but they are not permanent. They are under God’s sovereign control and serve a purpose in His divine plan. Trust that God is working through every trial to bring about His good purposes for you.
Conclusion and Call to Action
These verses collectively teach us about God’s presence, purpose, and promises in our trials. They encourage us to be still and trust in God’s sovereignty, embrace trials as opportunities for growth, and maintain an eternal perspective. As you face your own storms, remember these truths and let them strengthen your faith.
Conclusion:
Through the storms of life, God teaches us profound lessons about Himself, about ourselves, and about the nature of the storms we face. He reveals His power and presence, challenges us to grow in faith, and assures us that storms are temporary and purposeful.
Application:
Reflect on the current or past storms in your life. Identify what God has taught you through them. Strengthen your faith by trusting in God’s sovereignty and purpose. Share your testimony of how God has worked through your trials to encourage others.
Call to Action:
Spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s presence and peace in your current trials.
Shift your perspective to see challenges as opportunities for growth and character development.
Trust in God’s overarching plan and purpose, believing that He is working everything for your good.
Commit today to embracing the lessons God teaches through the storms. Seek His presence, grow in faith, and trust in His purpose. Encourage someone else by sharing how God has been faithful in your storms.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives, especially in the midst of storms. Help us to see the lessons You are teaching us. Help us to be still and know that You are God. Strengthen our faith, reveal more of Yourself to us, and help us trust in Your sovereign plan. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
