REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD DOMINION TOWERS PARISH

Topic:: Storms of life and the Christian response. Text: Mark 4: 35-41;

Related references: Matthew 8:24-27; Luke 8:22-25

Introduction: Everyone will face storms during the course of their existence on earth. It is a fact of life for both the wicked and the righteous. Eccl 9:2 John 16:33b says that Christians shall have tribulation in this world: but we should be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world. The trial of a Christian may be caused either by sin (through backsliding) which may lead to destruction or a trial of his faith by God leading to growth. Examples of storms of life: Serious illness, Disease, Accidents, Catastrophes, Unemployment, Lost of retirement savings, Death, Loneliness, Hardships, Personal problems, a bitter disappointment, a crushing financial situation, or a physical illness that threatens to change our life forever or even threatens to end it. Examples of those that faced storms in the Bible. (i) David was punished for fornication in 2 Samuel 12. (ii) Jonahs disobedience resulted in storm, Jonah 1, 2. (iii) Trials of Joseph in Gen 37, 40. (iv) Mary & Martha lost their brother Lazarus in John 11. (v) John the Baptist beheaded. Mat 14:1-12 (vi) Stephen stoned to death in Act 6:1-8; 8; Pauls thorn in the flesh, 2 Corinth 12:7 Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth them from them all. Psalm 34:19 Storms can make us ask questions we are not suppose to ask: Examples:: (i) Jeremiah in Jer 12:1-4 and Gods answer in Vs 5. (ii) Jobs trials (iii) Davids lamentations in Ps 13:1-2; Ps 10:1; Ps 2:1-2 (iv) Johns question to Jesus through his disciples in Mathew 11:2-6 (v) Jesus question to the Father in Mt 27:46 (vi) Pauls experience in Antioch, Iconium and Lystria in 2 Tim 3:10-12. All that are righteous shall face storms 2Tim 3:12. What should be the Christian response to storms?

Study in the example in Mk 4: 35-41 Storms come usually after a great breakthrough. So Christians need to be more humble when on the high ride of life. Ref also Matthew 14:20-27 Storm arose despite the presence of Christ in the boat. It affected the boat that Christ and the disciples were. It arose fear in the disciples. Sometimes he is out of the boat and sends us into the storm (Ref Mat 14:20-27). Jesus was fast asleep during the storm because he knew his heavenly Father was with him and watching over him. He simply put himself into his Fathers hands, unafraid of whatever storm of life might overtake him We will face many storms of life. From many of them Jesus will deliver us by the power of His Word. Some storms of life he may choose to let us suffer for some period of time to mature us spiritually and to draw us closer to him. In this latter case, then, he is using our storm of life for our good in the end. Jesus wants us to have faith in Him and not fear the storm around. Storms make us to discover the real identity of whom Jesus is Who is this man that even storms will obey him..? Note that there were the smaller boats also on the sea faced with the storm It is in the storms of life that our God equips us for service. The origin of the song it is well, it is well, with my soul, with my soul Key points to note while facing a storm: ASK YOURSELF WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD and respond appropriately using the following steps: 1. Storms, trials and challenges resulting from Sin. a. Confess and repent of sin. Appeal to the mercy of God. Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:18-19; 1 John 1:9. Remember that Satan will use all unconfessed sins to hold you captive and accuse you in the presence of God. Rev 12:10. b. Ask God to restore to you the joy of His salvation Ps 51:7-12; Romans 8:33-34. Follow the example of David in 2 Samuel 12:16-23 c. Remember that there is no deliverance for the wicked outside of Christ. Job 11:20; Job 15:20. Isaiah 57:21; Deut 8:19 2. When storms are because of walking in righteousness. a. Count it all joy as it will necessarily lead to growth if we persevere. James 1:2-4

b. Guide your tongue do not murmur against God. 1 Corinth 10:10; James 3:2-8. Instead start praising God. Ps 118. c. Remember that you are not alone. 1 Corinth 10:13 d. Remember that God will surely deliver you from all afflictions. Ps 34:19; Ps 2:1-9; Isaiah 25:4; Ps 107:29; Nahum 1:3; Ps 50:15. e. Ask for the peace of God to weather the storm. Phil 4:7 f. Fear not but seek the help of the Master. 2 Tim 1:7; Mk 4:37-40. g. Call to remembrance the promises of God: Ps 37:19, Ps 77; Romans 5:17; Ps 23; Isaiah 43:1-2; Ps 35:27; Isaiah 61:3; Romans 14:17. h. Trust and have faith in the Lord. Heb 10:35-39; Ps 125:1; Prov 3:5-6; Nahum 1:7; Ps 20:7 i. j. Live a victorious life . Romans 8:35-39 Study and learn from the life of great men of God in the Bible. James 5:10-20

k. Remember that there is a crown for the one that endures to the end. James 11:12; Rev 2:10 l. Remember that the way we respond to the storms in our lives can be a powerful witness to others around us. The testimony of Stephen changed the life of Saul (later Paul) in Act 11:19; Acts 22:20.

m. Everything will walk for our good at the end. Romans 8:28. His grace is sufficient. 2 Corinth 12:9.