Title of the Sermon - YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
Our reading today tells us that Jesus’ disciples found themselves in trouble as the wind picked up and tossed them to and fro on the Sea of Galilee. It is much like many of us who are tossed to and fro with the cares and trials of this life. Wonder how many of you are in the middle of a storm today? Are you trying to battle this on your own my friends? Many of life’s battles can only be fought in the spiritual realm and through faith in an Almighty God. Know this - the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob who calls you his child is more than able to destroy every arrow that comes your way.
So this morning, I want to encourage you not to give up because with our God, we are never alone. With him, the battle is never yours but His. But the question is, “do you trust him enough to be for you and not against you?” I have four points from our gospel reading today that I would like us to focus on to see what we can learn from this passage.
1.Have faith for the journey
vs. 45 & 46 says “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.”
As you can see, Jesus sends his disciples away alone in a boat. Couple hours earlier they witnessed Jesus feed more than 5000 people with just five loaves and two fish. That miracle alone should have changed their lives forever. Yet, they forgot the miracle worker and chain breaker when the storm came. They also forgot who they were and whose they were! Sounds like many of us, is it not?
I don’t know if you realize this but every Christian is on a journey. It is more of a spiritual journey than a physical one because we are looking for “a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” But along this journey there will be trials and temptations. For some it will be bigger than others. It does not matter what measure of faith you have my friends, because we often falter and fail just like those disciples. So don’t beat yourself up.
One hymn writer describes us as “Onward Christian soldiers marching on to war.” This means that good and evil will clash every now and then but never forget than God is bigger than our problems and he will always make a way even when there is no way. We must have an unshakable faith for the journey. People of the world want to see to believe but we must be willing to believe before we see. Cheer up people because we won’t be here too long. Weeping might endure through the night but joy comes in the morning.
2.Trials will come:
We are always looking for mountain top experiences but struggles and storms are a part of life. Nothing wrong in wanting the best, but nothing much grows on top of a mountain. It is only deep in the valleys that there is life and growth. It is where the rivers flow and crops are grown. It is where you will seldom find yourself alone because there are always other pilgrims like yourself on the same journey and facing trials much like your own.
In today’s real world, there are very few and quiet moments in life. In life we will find ourselves in various situations we never chose to be in. Hardships and trials come without invitation. Most of the time it is overwhelming and beyond what we can bear. But remember as pilgrims in a foreign land, we are always passing through.
I don’t know about you but the hardest time I ever prayed is when I had the biggest need and the least I’ve prayed is when everything was going fine. But, I am happy for those rough times. It always took me to the Savior’s feet. Life is easy when you are on the mountain top but life is tough in the valleys. I imagine some of you may be in the valleys. The Valleys is the place of trials and temptations where your faith is put to the test but you are never alone because the God of the mountain is also the God of the Valley. So if your health is not the best or you have other difficulties lift them up to God; perhaps they have come to you so that you can come to him.
Have you ever thought how wonderful it is to go through hardships? Scripture tells us to count it all joy when trials come to you. Actually, if you look back you will see that the broken cisterns of your life have made you a better person. It has taught you to lean upon his everlasting arms and it is not over, till He says it is over.
3. You are never alone:
When the storm hit the disciples in the middle of the sea, they probably assumed they were done. But Jesus had his eyes upon them all the time. It says that about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. Friends, Jesus is never too far from us. In fact, if you receive him as your Lord and Savior he has promised to make his dwelling place in you. Unfortunately, the disciples were more focused on Ghosts than the Creator. They assumed the one walking on the sea was a Ghost. The question we have to ask is who are we thinking of when we find ourselves in the depths of despair? Have faith in God my friends.
Jesus never shows up with empty hands. He showed up with words of assurance. He tells, his disciples “Don’t be afraid, it’s me!” Friends, our God is greater than any storm. He has promised to be with us even till the end of time.
We may never know but behind the scenes there is always something going on. The evil one is always at work. He wants to sift us like wheat. He is the roaring lion who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. But he is no match for the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
So what do you do when trials come? Pray without ceasing and remember all of God’s promises. He has promised to never leave nor forsake you. Greater is He who is within you than he who is in the world. No one can snatch you out of his hands. We are more than conquerors though Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s mercies are new each morning. He loves you with an everlasting love. And finally,
4. There is victory in Jesus
Unfortunately, we’ve come to a time in our culture when therapists have been asked to take over the functions formerly handled by priests. Wellness and healing of emotions, body and the soul has historically been a priestly duty but now instead of turning to the church, people are going to therapists. Even believers have been losing their way. We have to ask “Has the Church lost its faith in God and instead turning to the intellect of man?”
The psalmist says, some trust in horses and some in Chariots but I will put my trust in the Lord. He is the maker of heaven and earth and he is also the soon coming King. When Job went through much suffering his friends suggested her curse God and die. But, I like what he said “though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” What about you my friends? Do you trust him?
Friends, let me say this – God is always watching over you. It does not matter what storms of life you go through, he is not only aware of your situation he is also faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will always make a way to escape.
Even though you may not see it with your physical eyes, when troubles strike, he moves closer to you. Do you not know that two sparrows are sold for a penny and yet not one of them will fall to the ground without the knowledge of the Father? Then it says, we of greater value than sparrows!
We are not perfect and God knows that. That includes me. Most days I pray but some days I curse and there are number of days I put myself first. That is our human nature. That may be you too. But I believe the purposes of our trials is to take us to our knees. Every time there is a miracle in my life (and there have been many) it draws me closer to God. Many want to know the healer but not the savior but the truth is, the healer and the Savior is one and the same person! Get to know him my friends.
You do not need to have a healthy body to praise God. In fact, poor health should be the very reason to give him praise. Faith is not believing that God can; it is knowing that He can and will do the impossible. Walking by faith means being prepared to trust God where we are not permitted to see. Faith allows God to do for us what we could never do without him. Let us choose today to be believers not doubters. Trials will come but have faith for the journey and remember you are never alone. There is always victory in the name of Jesus. Amen.
