The real eye in the storm
Matthew 14: 22-32
22 Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he sent the people home. 23 Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "It’s all right," he said. "I am here! Don’t be afraid." 28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water." 29 "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. "You don’t have much faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" 32 And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
Mark 6:45-52 John 6:16-21
INTRO: WHY?! That is the question that a lot of people ask as soon as they end up in what they would call a “tough situation.” It’s a normal question to ask, and it isn’t wrong to ask it. Just be prepared for the answer. There are many misconceptions about why people go through hard times in their life. The main one I have encountered is the one that goes like this, “I just got saved and the problems are still in my life, as a matter of fact, I have picked up some new ones, what happened to this peace and happiness I was going to inherit?” The peace and happiness is a entirely different story that I will have to get into later, but as for right now lets get to the why. Here goes! Contrary to popular opinion, being in a rough situation (or a storm) does not automatically mean that you are a sinner. Just because a person is going through the ringer and it seems like the rain they were in has upgraded it self to a tropical storm does not default to being a backslider. The truth is that as Christians [I believe] that we are more susceptible to go through things that non-believers expect us NOT to go through. Do you want to know why? I’m glad you asked…
I. Storms in life are inevitable.
a. No one is immune to hard times in life.(Matthew 5:45)
b. Storms do not tell your status.
1. Do not dictate whether or not you are in the will of God.
2. It’s not being in the storm that defines your Christianity, it’s how you act while you’re in it.
c. Storms are brought on by many different influences.
1. By the devil: Job 1:6-12
2. By ourselves: really don’t need a scripture, look at your everyday life.
3. By God.
a. Storms of correction: Jonah 1:4-17
b. Preparation: Malachi 3:3 He will sit and judge like a refiner of silver, watching closely
as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold or silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.
II. Jesus doesn’t have sick days.
a. If he brought you to it, he will bring you through it.
1.Jesus is the one who sent them out there. (v.22)
2.Do you think Jesus was not aware of the storm that was coming?
b. He knows what you are going through and he cares
1. Jesus prays for us. (v.23)
a. He goes to the Father on our behalf (our attorney)
c. Jesus is not into building bridges. (You have to go through it)
1. If you got out of every storm, would you really think you needed Jesus?
2. If you allow him, he will deliver you while you are in your storm.
a. You have to do your part and exercise faith.
i. The three Hebrew boys were delivered while IN the furnace. Daniel 3:25
ii. Daniel was delivered while he was IN the Lion’s den. Daniel 7:22
iii. Paul and Silas were delivered while IN the jail. Acts 16:26
III. Jesus concern & power surpasses our faith in him.
a. With Jesus, you are never alone. (Read over fast then go back and explain)
1. Although the storm looks big, God is in control.
2. Even though you can’t see Jesus, he sees you. (Mark 6:48)
3. You may be tired but don’t stop moving.
b. Jesus will come to us at our darkest/lowest point. (Mark 6:48
1. Why does he wait?
a. He wants your total attention. (Mark 6:48)
b. He wants the opportunity to comfort us (v.27)
c. Jesus is the only one who has ability & resources to help you at ALL times with
all things.
c. The fight is fixed.
1. Jesus comes in the picture already victorious.
2. The very same thing that had them frightened was under Jesus’ feet. (v.25)
IV. With “real” faith all things are possible.
a. Many times we don’t expect for Jesus to come to our aide (we think we are to far for him to reach)
1. The disciples were not expecting him, so they weren’t prepared for his help.
b. Think of all the things Jesus has done for you in the past, why wouldn’t he come now?
1. They didn’t think of all they had seen Jesus do.
c. You have to act on faith when you are having rough times.
1.When you are down and out, you have to call out to Jesus (v.28)
2. When you move in faith, the supernatural will occur. (v.29)
d. Do not doubt the things that are happening in your life. (v.30)
1. Keep your focus on Jesus, not your problem.
2. The bigger you make Jesus, the smaller your problem will be.
e. You have to give Jesus access into your situation, TOTAL ACCESS! (v.32)
1. Only then will the storm be insignificant.
V. Don’t take being bailed out lightly
a. Give Jesus the praise that he is due.
b. Only THEN will you really KNOW who Jesus is. (v.33)
