With Jesus, the storms of life can be calmed

Text: Matt. 8.23-27

Thesis: To note that Jesus will calm the storms of our lives when we turn to Him.

Introduction:

(1) Story of tornado at camp

(2) In this miracle, Christ demonstrates that He has control over nature.

(a) The storm produced fear for the disciples.

(b) Jesus is able to calm the storm.

(3) When the storms of life come your way, you must know:

Discussion:

I. God is really with us:

A. “No matter how loud the roar of the storm becomes, no matter the strength of the wind or the force of the rain, God is with us!” (Jones, Beyond 165).

B. God told Abraham not to be afraid for He was with him (Gen. 26.24).

C. When God is with us, we need not fear.

1. We can be fearless even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23.4).

2. We can be assured that nothing can withstand us (Rom. 8.31).

D. One wrote:

My presence shall go with thee!

So calm thy troubled fears;

My promise is unchanging

Throughout the changeful years.

‘Mid scenes of gloom and gladness,

When weary or distressed,

My presence shall go with thee,

And I will give thee rest.

II. God really cares:

A. He is called the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1.3-5).

B. We can turn to Him because He really cares for us (1 Pet. 5.7).

C. He weeps with you (John 11.35).

D. One wrote:

Yesterday God helped me.

Today he’ll do the same.

How long will this continue?

Forever – praise His name!

III. God really helps:

A. He answers all prayers of His children (Matt. 7.7-8).

1. He answers according to His will (1 John 5.14).

2. He will meet our needs (Phil. 4.19).

B. He will not allow us to go through more than we can take (1 Cor. 10.13).

C. He will work good out of anything that comes our way (Rom. 8.28).

D. God will calm the storm!

How?

1. On His time

2. On His terms

E. Story:

It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words, “And this, too, shall pass away.”

Conclusion:

(1) We know the ending of the book: Victory!

(2) God’s ultimate deliverance will take place on the last day when he forever calms the storm in a place where there will be no tears.

(3) Is Jesus on your boat?