Facing the Storm

Facing the Storm    

Mark 4:35-41

HEARERS OF THE WORD

Theme:
It is important for the follower of Jesus Christ to know what to do in the midst of the storm.

Main Idea

Storms are inevitable in life, but followers of Jesus can endure them by remembering three key truths about Christ: His Promises, His Presence, and His Power. These truths strengthen faith when the enemy tries to shake it.

Introduction & Personal Context

openly share how major storms shook my own faith:

• His father-in-law’s sudden death in 2005.

• The sudden death of a church member on a mission trip in Peru 2008.

These experiences left him not wanting to pray, read the Bible, or even go to church. He emphasizes that everyone — regardless of age, profession, or spiritual maturity — will face storms (divorce, death, rejection, financial trouble, etc.).

The Biblical Text

Jesus and the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm arises. Jesus is asleep on a cushion. The terrified disciples wake Him, saying, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus rebukes the wind and waves (“Peace, be still!”), and everything becomes calm. He then asks, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Warning

Faith is the first area that the enemy works on but your faith is the very area that God wants to prove himself in so that your faith is built up and not tore down!

The Three Things to Remember in the Storm

I.  The PROMISES of Jesus    Verse 35

Jesus said, “Let’s cross over to the other side.” → He could not drown because He had not yet fulfilled His mission (betrayal, trial, crucifixion, resurrection).

Comforting promises from Scripture:

• God will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

• Perfect peace for those who trust Him (Isaiah 26:3)

• Renewal of strength (Isaiah 40:31)

• Deliverance from troubles (Psalm 34:19), etc.

II. The PRESENCE of Jesus Verse 36

Jesus was in the boat with them. He didn’t send them across alone. The devil will lie and say God has abandoned you — don’t believe it. 

Examples: Noah, Moses, David, Daniel, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego — God was with each of them in their storms/fires.

III. The POWER of Jesus!    Verse 37-41

Jesus calmly sleeps through the storm, then speaks peace and it obeys. 

He is Lord over nature, fear, and circumstances. One word from Him brings “a great calm.”

 

Faith and fear cannot coexist — we must choose faith.

Counselors can comfort you in the storm, but only Jesus can still the storm. Trust Him, let go of your own “branches,” and let your faith fly instead of fail.

Core Takeaway: Storms are not meant to destroy us but to deepen our trust in the One who commands the wind and waves. “Peace, be still” is still His word to us today.

Life Lessons:

1. THEY ARE IN A STORM BECAUSE THEY OBEYED!

2. Following Jesus does not EXCLUDE us from storms

3. The PROMISES of God can be trusted

4. “Peace be Still” is REAL

DOERS OF THE WORD

1. Think about a storm you have faced (or are currently facing) in your life — whether it was the loss of a loved one, a health crisis, a broken relationship, financial pressure, or something else. How did that storm affect your faith? Did it cause your faith to fail or to fly? Looking back, what would you have done differently if you had remembered Jesus’ promises, presence, and power in the middle of it?"

2. Of the three things the pastor encouraged us to remember in the storm — the Promises of Jesus, the Presence of Jesus, and the Power of Jesus — which one do you find most difficult to remember when trouble comes? Why?

3. Jesus asked His disciples, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' (Mark 4:40). If Jesus were to ask you that same question today in the middle of your current circumstances, how would you answer? What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your faith and trust Him more when the next storm comes?