Hope in the Storm
René Schlaepfer
Part of There is Hope
May 24, 2020

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This week: Matthew 8:23-27 (Also Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25)

FACTS ABOUT STORMS

  • Storms are
    Reveal Answer

    “When you face trials…” James 1:2

  • Storms are
    Reveal Answer

    “Without warning, a furious storm came up…”

  • Storms are
    Reveal Answer

    “He sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matt. 5:45

TRUTHS FOR STORMS

  1. Jesus is
    Reveal Answer

    “Then He (Jesus) got into the boat and His disciples followed Him.” vs. 23

    “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters. I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you!” Isaiah 43:1-2


  2. Jesus
    Reveal Answer

    “The disciples said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?’” Mark 4:38

    “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you!” 1 Peter 5:7

    “The (believer) will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes.” Ps. 112:6-9 (LB)


  3. Jesus is in
    Reveal Answer

    “Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39

    “Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” Jer. 32:17

    “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him.’” Matt. 8:27

Bottom line

I

Reveal Answer
too much when I
Reveal Answer
too little

QUESTIONS

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. How do you tend to respond to storms in your life—with panic or peace? Or both?

  2. What was the worst “life storm” you have ever experienced? How did God see you through that event? How does that encourage you now?

  3. Of the three truths about God from the message, which is the hardest for you to believe when a storm hits? Why?

  4. What basic advice about surviving storms do you find in Matthew 7:24-27? How can you “build your house on the rock”? What steps can you take today?
    • Remember: All storms are temporary, but God’s power and care for you is permanent!
    • Today, take some time individually or in a group to silently pray and meditate on God’s power to calm the storms in your life.

STAY CONNECTED

Resources used in preparation of this message

  • Stan Toler, God Has Never Failed Me Yet, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times
  • Rick Warren, How to Face an Unexpected Crisis