If you feel as though you may not make it out of this situation, through this next project, past this stage of life, today’s teaching is for you!
If you feel like you don’t have the energy to finish the job, the emotional stamina to keep going or the time to do all that is required, today is for you!
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.”
Mark 4:35-37 NLT
- GOD KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH
Have you ever felt like your boat was beginning to fill up with water, with no end in sight?
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?””
Mark 4:38 NLT
What was Jesus doing sleeping?!
- Did he know what was coming? Yes
- Was he caught off guard? No
- What was he waiting for? The disciples to come get him!
Have you ever felt this?
- You’ve done everything you know to do and it isn’t getting better
- You’ve hung on with all of your strength for as long as you can
- You’ve been about as patient as possible
- You’ve waiting on God to do something until your faith is almost gone…
- And THEN you reached out and screamed, “Don’t you even care???”
Truth #1 – The Storm you’re going through isn’t proof that God has abandoned you
- The storm isn’t proof he doesn’t care or has lost track of you.
“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!””
Mark 4:39-41 NLT
Jesus had never lost control. He was simply waiting to be invited into the experience with them.
- GOD WILL USE YOUR STORM TO GROW YOUR FAITH
Truth #2 – The proof of your faith is your ability to rest in the middle of the storm
What was Jesus doing in the storm?
- Resting. How? Because he was confident in his ability to overcome it
- Truthfully, your ability to find rest in your storm, may be the source of the strength you’ll need to get through it.
- JESUS INTENDS THIS STORM TO PUSH YOU CLOSER TO HIM
The point of the story is not that the life of a Christian is lived with fewer storms.
The point of the story is that the life of a Christian is spent with the God who is sovereign over them!
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
If you feel weary, like giving up, it is because YOU are carrying the weight!
- He’s calling you into the back of the boat where he is.
- He’s inviting you to “cast all your cares upon him for he cares for you.”
- HEALTHY RHYTHM OF REST PREPARES YOU TO WEATHER THE STORM
“Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27 NLT
Resting is the only commandment that benefits primarily you.
- Rest is NOT AN OPTION for the healthy Christian
Resting isn’t the same thing as the PAUSE button.
- Taking a day off isn’t always a rest if it’s filled with distraction and aimlessness
- REST is an intentional choice to move into the back of the boat with Jesus and do those things that put gas back into your tank.
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?