We Have A Refuge In The Storm

WE HAVE A REFUGE IN THE STORM

Mark 4:35-41

Recently our entire state experienced a “severe weather event”. There were severe thunder storms, tornado watches and warnings and extreme straight line winds. The local news stations provided wall to wall coverage and did their best to update and warn the citizens about the conditions in their area. Several times I heard the meteorologist instruct people in the path of the storm to go to their “safe place” and “take cover.”

There are times when we will face what we often refer to as “storms of life” and I am glad to report that in these times we have a refuge in the storm. In these “storms” we can trust in Jesus to provide us with peace and safety.

Paul said in - Philippians 4:7 “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Our God is able to provide peace in the midst of the greatest storms of life. God often works in our lives in ways that we may not understand. When we face difficult circumstances, Satan will try to convince us that God doesn't not care about us. Many times in the storms we give the Devil too much credit. We blame our troubles on him, when the reality is God is the One who put us in the storm. This may sound strange, maybe even cruel, but God always has a reason for the storms that we face.

One night upon the sea, the Lord's Disciples learned an important lesson. Jesus and His Disciples were on a boat and a great storm arose. The winds blew, the waves crashed and the ship was tossed to and fro. The followers of Jesus were terrified and thought that they were going to die. All the while, Jesus was in the hinder part of the ship asleep on a pillow.

At one point the Disciples thought that Jesus didn't even care about what they were going through. They became frustrated and woke Him and cried "Master do you not care that we are going to perish". After this Jesus "arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." There are several important lessons that we can learn from this passage today, perhaps none more important than the fact that Jesus is our refuge in the storms of life.

- I would like to take some time and consider the fact that "We Have A Refuge In The Storm".

Jesus had a plan for His followers. The storm that they encountered came as no surprise to Him. The same is true concerning the storm that you may be facing today. Furthermore, Jesus may be the cause of your storm.

- Let's begin by examining the fact that:

I. JESUS HAS A PLAN IN THE STORM v35-36

God has a great plan for your life. And there are reasons that we face storms in this life. There are times when we don't comprehend the reason for the storm until it is over. Furthermore, there are some storms that we face and we may never fully understand the exact purpose or reason behind it. But God always has a plan.

- Notice that:

A. JESUS PLANS WHEN THE STORM WILL ARRIVE

- Jesus is the one who put the Disciples in this situation.

Look to verse 35 and the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

Jesus knew that this was the right time to teach His Disciples and to increase their faith. Jesus knows exactly when we will benefit the most from troubles and trials in our lives. Often God will use a storm to remind us that He is in control, not us. Sometimes these storms come when we least expect them. Sometimes when we think that things couldn’t get any worse the storm intensifies. Let us always remember that Jesus has a plan in the storm and He plans when it will arrive.

- We also see that:

B. JESUS PLANS WHERE THE STORM WILL OCCUR

He said to His disciples in v35b Let us pass over unto the other side.

Jesus knows what area of our life the storm will impact us the most Sometimes the troubles and trials that you face may involve your family, friends, finances, material possessions, physical health and various other areas of your life. It may seem cruel at the time, but God knows how to get our attention. I can assure you that in the midst of the greatest storm, He will never leave you!