When The Storms Come
Text: Mark 4:35-41
Pastor W. Max Alderman
Introduction: This story takes place on the Sea of Galilee, which is known for its sudden storms. On the Sea of Galilee, it may be said that storms will come suddenly, and unexpectedly, which also illustrates for the believer that he can expect storms to erupt suddenly as well.
It has been said that there are storms that come affecting your families, your flesh, and your finances. I have certainly learned this to be true…
This study will show us how to deal with the storms that come to each of us. May we be helped as we notice, 1. The Force of the storm, 2. The Fears because of the storm, 3. The Faith during the storm.
I. THE FORCE OF THE STORM. (Vv. 35-37).
There are many forces to be reckoned with when the storms come. The lightning, the winds blowing, and the flooding waters are all forces that come with the storm.
Spiritually, there are forces as well. May we look at them and the ways that these forces affect us?
A. The Force of the Storm May Discourage You.
When the winds of adversity begin to blow, discouragement can certainly come. I have often found myself discouraged when in the midst of the storm. The disciples were certainly discouraged in thinking that Jesus was asleep, and did not at all care about the storms. Likewise, as you are going through your storms, the devil will whisper that the Lord is nowhere around. Remember that the devil is a liar.
B. The Force Of The Storm Can Drain You.
The force of the storm can weigh heavy on you, bringing despair. You will begin to think that the winds will never quit blowing. This calls for patience. David said well, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
C. The Force Of The Storm Can Defeat You.
When you are thinking about giving up, be like David when he said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3.
D. The Force Of The Storm Can Determine You.
I was told many years ago that the best lumber for furniture will be found up in the cold mountains where the winds constantly blow, and the storms frequently come. Likewise, some of the strongest people that I have met are those who have constantly been exposed to the storms of life. I remember the drill sergeant telling me at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. that they would put us through every situation that they could imagine, toughening us up, so that we will be prepared for war. The Lord also lets us go through storms to toughen us up for spiritual warfare.
II. THE FEARS DURING THE STORM. (Vv. 38-40).
There is a natural fear the come with the storms of life. These disciples were afraid because they were not trusting. They for got that the Lord had said, Let us pass over unto the other side. He did not say, Let us get to the middle of the lake and sink. They simply did not trust the Lord when this great storm came.
A. Because Of Unbelief, They Were Afraid Of The Potential Dangers.
When the Lord said, Peace, be still, He was using a word that He used to rebuke the demons. It was as though He was saying to the storm, Be muzzled! as one would muzzle an angry dog. This gives indication that this storm was no ordinary storm, but one sent by Satan. I have been in storms that could certainly be described as Satanic in origin. You can sense that it is just that. When these kinds of storms come, you must guard your mind, because you will begin imagining all kinds of things taking place. Keep you mind upon Him, instead.
B. Because Of Unbelief, They Were Afraid Of Possible Destruction.
This is indicated by them when they said, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” The Lord wants us to focus upon, and trust Him rather than focus upon the storm. You can believe Him to do as He says in His Word. Psalm 37:5 says, Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
III. THE FAITH IN THE STORM. (V. 41).
A. Having Faith Will Help You To Trust.
Romans 14:23 says, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin”. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Trusting God is so vital, and when you are going through your most difficult storm, you must trust him more. Have faith in God.
Hebrews 11:1,2 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.”
B. Having Faith Will Help You To Travel.
Certainly, we have heard the expression; “I have come this far by faith”. The FAITH WAY is the way that the trusting believer travels. Those who were with Jesus were fearful because they were faithless. There is a no more difficult journey for the believer than when he begins to travel by sight rather than by faith. As we sail upon the sea of life, even when the tempest is raging, may we always trust Him, who is the Captain of the ship!
C. Having Faith Will Help You To Triumph.
The song says, “Faith is the victory” and that victory is in Jesus. If you have placed your trust in Him, you need not fear, you will get to the other side. Listen to the words of this beloved Song, “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks”
“On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye to Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie.”
Conclusion: When we are really believing the Lord, we are on a journey that involves trusting the Master of the ship come what may. You may be going through your storm at this very moment. Pleas trust Him, He will never let you down.
