Title: # 1 “When the Waves Rise-Recognizing the Overwhelming”
Text: 2 Cor. 12:9 “But he said to me; My grace sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
Introduction
In every season of life, there comes a moment when the weight of responsibility, expectation, and uncertainty feels far too heavy to bear. Whether it’s the pressures of work, the demands of family, the ache of unmet dreams, or the stale ache of heartache, we all face times when the world’s noise crescendos into a roar, and our hearts plead for relief. Yet Scripture reminds us that even in our most frantic moments, we serve a God whose power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
“When the waves rise, it’s not the height of the storm that defines us, but the anchor of our hope that holds us steady.”
— C.H. Spurgeon
I. What Are the Things That Can Overwhelm Us?
1. Financial Stress-
2. Mental Health Struggles-
3. Health Issues-
4. Relationship Problems-
5. Lack of Time / Overcommitment-
6. Grief and Loss-
7. Global or Societal Issues-
8. Spiritual Dryness or Doubt
9. Major Life Changes-
II. Here Are Three Important Applications to the Overwhelming:
1. Recognizing the Rise: Just as the tide can creep in unnoticed, the pressures of life—work deadlines, relational strains, unmet expectations—often slip up quietly until suddenly we’re being swept off our feet.
2. Choosing Our Anchor: Our soul must be anchored in Christ—rooted in daily rhythms of prayer, God’s Word, and trusted community. When the waves rise, they remain steady.
3. Avoiding Unseen Shifts: When we rest on flimsy supports—self-reliance, performance, or unchecked to-do lists. We may not realize how deep the water is until we’re already sinking.
III. Here are Three Bible Characters Who Were Overwhelmed by Circumstances:
1.Moses at the Red Sea watched Egyptian chariots thunder toward him and Israel (Exodus 14). He cried, “What shall I do?”\
2.Elijah under the broom tree believed he was the only faithful prophet left, begging God to take his life (1 Kings 19).
Key Lesson: God meets us not just in dramatic signs, but in quiet, gentle ways, especially when we feel broken and defeated. He cares for our physical needs and gently calls us back to hope and purpose.
3.David in the cave of Adullam felt surrounded by enemies and by his own failures (Psalm 142).
What God’s message to David was:
1. God is refuge and strength in times of trouble
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
2. God is raising David as leader
Despite being hunted, God was preparing David for kingship. The Cave of Adullam became the place where David gathered his supporters, the foundation of his future reign. God’s silent guidance was working through these circumstances.
3. David’s faith and reliance on God
David often prayed and trusted God for protection and justice, reflecting a heart committed to God’s timing and sovereignty.
IV. There Are Two Character Flaws That Can Sidetrack Us in Recognizing the Overwhelm:
1. Control. We believe we must hold every piece of our lives in hand or risk disaster. This demonstrates a lack of trust in God.
2. Performance. We measure our worth by output—what we accomplish, how we appear, how we “manage it all.”
Application: No matter how high the waves, remember this promise: the same God who parted the Red Sea walks beside you in your tempest, ready to bring you through to the other side.