“It has been a busy day of teaching and ministry, so Jesus suggests to his disciples that they crossover to the quieter side of Galilee for a rest. The journey of some ten to thirteen kilometres must have been one that the fishermen amongst the disciples had often made and should not have taken long. Some 182 meters below sea level, the Sea of Galilee lies like a basin between high mountains. The cold west wind is often channelled through the valleys and gulleys and in no time at all the quiet tranquil waters can be whipped up into a frenzy. Sudden violent storms are common and evening storms, coinciding with the fall of darkness, are particularly dangerous.” —David Hewit, Mark: Free to follow Jesus, p.74

During their crossing that night, one such storm struck. The disciples were about to give up hope when they woke up Jesus. With a simple spoke word, He calmed the storm.

Transition

This morning we will be looking at three important truths in this story that can give us courage when we face the storms of life.

The 1st important truth that gives us courage when we face a storm is that

God allowed the storm (v.35-36)

  1. Jesus planned the trip knowing a storm would come.
    1. He said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” (v.35)
    2. Sudden violent storms were common, yet this storm was a great violent attack of wind. It was so powerful that it frightened the experienced fishermen. They thought they were going to perish or die.
    3. Certainly, He knew the storm would come. The storm did not surprise Jesus.
  2. Jesus did not prevent the storm from coming.
    1. Jesus could have prevented the storm.
      1. In Psalm 147:4-5 we read, He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Our great God could have prevented the cold and warm air from clashing above the Sea of Galilee. He could have lifted the wind currents.
      2. Instead of preventing the storm, He chose to show His power and glory.
      3. The same thing was true when Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, died. (John 11:14-15) “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.”
      4. God told Paul the same thing about his thorn in the flesh. (2 Corinthians 12:9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
    2. Instead of preventing the storm, Jesus planned it for a teaching time.
      1. It should comfort us that God knows what trials we need to strengthen or humble us.
      2. Instead of thinking storms are bad, we must see their purifying qualities. We just read how Paul recognized this. Job also realized this during his trials. In Job 23:20 he said, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
      3. When a trial comes in my life our yours, we should ask, “Lord, what are you trying to teach me?”
        The 2nd important truth that gives us courage when we face a storm is that

God controlled the storm (v.37-39)

  1. Jesus was in control during the storm
    1. The disciples viewed Jesus’ calmness as lack of care. They feared that Jesus did not care about their dangerous situation. In frustration and panic, they woke Jesus.
    2. Many times, we too are tempted to feel like God has deserted us in the storms of life. When such thoughts trouble us, we must remember that the Lord will never leave us. (Hebrews 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
    3. Though sleeping, Jesus was still in control. He had no fear. He trusted His power. We can never escape the presence and power of God. The Psalmist wrote, (Psalms 139:7-10) Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
  2. Jesus mightily overpowered the storm
    1. He rebuked the wind – Peace (Lit. Be silent!)
    2. He said to the sea – Be still (Lit. Be muzzled!)
    3. Nature immediately responded.
      1. The wind instantly stopped. The raging sea became calm. What a sight that must have been!
      2. This reminds me of another example of God’s power over a storm years earlier when Jonah was fleeing God and a violent storm was about to sink the ship he was in. (Jonah 1:15-16) “So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.”
    4. We have an awesome powerful God! Even when God does not calm our storm, He still has no fear and His power is still watching over us.
      The 3rd important truth that gives us courage when we face a storm is that

God taught through the storm (v.40-41)

  1. He taught a lesson on fear and faith
    1. Jesus gently rebuked them for being fearful and lacking faith. Perhaps they did not realize that Jesus was God and that He had unlimited power to protect them.
    2. If Jesus had not allowed the storm that night, the disciples would not have learned that lesson on fear and faith.
    3. We are so prone to fear, yet God wants us to stay calm and trust Him. When tempted to fear, we need to focus on God’s power and promises.
      1. (Psalm 56:3) “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”
      2. (Psalm 55:22) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
      3. (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
    4. All that the disciples could see was that the boat was nearly full of water and the storm was not letting up. They feared and lacked faith. Yet, they wisely called on Jesus for help. In the midst of our storms, we must have faith that God is in control and that He will do what is best for us. We must not lean on our own very limited understanding. We must ask Him to keep us calm and to do what is best.
  2. He taught about His power
    1. Jesus was not just a gifted healer. He was God in a human body. His power revealed that truth.
      1. The men were terrified in His presence.
      2. They began to wonder who Jesus really was.
    2. Viewing Jesus’ limitless power was building faith in their hearts.
      1. The disciples were like us. They saw Jesus do many wonders but they often forgot when the next storm in life came.
      2. When God calms a storm for you — DON’T FORGET IT!

Conclusion

If you are not going through a storm right now, you will before long. Life is full of storms. The next time you face a storm in life, remember the truths from this passage: 1) God allows storms, 2) God controls storms, 3) God teaches through storms. Let’s learn to trust God and not fear.

If you do not know the Lord personally, you cannot turn to Him during the storms of life. Your greatest need is to realize your hopelessly lost condition and ask Jesus to save your soul from hell. By doing so, He will become your personal Saviour and Friend.

Song: Burdens Are Lifted – 218
Song: [i] See 15 Aug 1999 a.m.
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Calming the Storm
17 April 2016 AM[i] – Mark 4:35-41– Scott Childs