The Presence Driven Church
Finding Gods Presence through the Storms/Trials of Life
Peter one of the disciples experienced many trials and temptations as a follower of Jesus as a result of this personal experience he was used to pen first and second Peter. In 1 Peter he gives three reasons for trials and as one who suffered much the Holy Spirit uses him to comfort us and explain why we go through these times.
Three Reasons for Trials
1. To Build our Faith - 1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
2. To Purify our Lives - 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-19 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
3. To Bring Glory to God - 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
In the midst of these dealings of God we find that the end results of times like these that without Him we can do nothing. In the midst of what takes place Jesus simply wants to increase our awareness of His personal Presence and its results. Let us study one incident that Peter experienced and learn some spiritual lessons:
John 6:16-21, Mark 6:47-51
Matthew 14:21-33 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Notice that Jesus made His disciples get into the boat – literally it means He forced them. The context of this passage was the miracle of feeding the 5,000 – the disciples were so caught up in the miracle experience that they thought they had “arrived” – they wanted o crown Jesus King – Jesus wanted them to learn about the Kingdom – it is easy to recognize God’s Kingship in the midst of miracles but do we recognize His Kingship in the midst of storms
John 6:14-15 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Characteristics of Storms or Trials in life
• It was unknown - dark – they did not know what was ahead
• It was unexpected – they could make no provision for what was about to happen
• It was sudden and violent – the Greek illustrates a storm of violent nature – “basavizomenom” – great force
• It was a fearful time the disciples thought it was the end of their lives
• It was a time of great tiredness – they were rowing the Greek here indicates fatigued, driven
It is interesting to note the following:
1. The disciples were experienced fisherman but this storm exceeded a natural solution
2. The boat was a familiar vehicle but the boat was at the mercy of the storm and could not be relied upon for their deliverance
3. They were far from land or an apparent place of safety
4. The storm arose while they were being obedient to Christ
5. The whole situation was orchestrated by God
Lessons God wants us to learn in the trials
1. To teach us focus – Peters perception
2. To teach we are never alone - Mark 6:48 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. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.
3. To teach them the need for His Presence – when Jesus got into the boat the storm was calmed – Jesus said “It is I, don’t be afraid” – the “I AM” to you what you need Me to be
His Presence
a. Conquers fear
b. Conquers storms
c. Causes calm
d. Causes hope and faith to rise in us
e. Causes confession and worship
In the midst of trials we need to:
Remember God’s goodness and never underestimate the power of perspective, when you’re wondering if God is good: Look to the Cross not the Crisis - “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to produce rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume . . . it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”
Remember some trials are necessary – and every trial reveals who we are in Him!
