
The Four Storms of Life
March 17, 2019
Pastors Dave and Cheryl Koop
Mark covers four different types of storms we will face in our lives. Each of these storms demonstrate a different aspect of faith in God that will lead to victory.
1. The storm in the
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” – Mark 4:35,38-40 (NKJV)
- Faith is trusting in the words of Jesus more than your circumstances.
- Don’t tell God how big your mountain is, tell your mountain how big your God is!
- The critical factor of our faith is not its size, but where we place our faith.
- God’s challenge is not with the storms of life but with our faith.
- When the storms of life arise without warning, where do you turn?
2. The storm in the
15 Then they came to Jesus and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 19 “Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” – Mark 5:15,19 (NKJV)
- Don’t let the devil hitch a ride, if you let him, he will soon be driving.
- Jesus has complete power and authority over the demonic spirits.
- Our response to Jesus setting us free should be to tell others of how Jesus had compassion on us.
- Compassion is the catalyst for the power of God to set us free.
3. The storm in the
27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” – Mark 5:27-34 (NKJV)
- God is not moved by our need but by our faith.
- God’s promise to us is not protection from the storm but His presence in the storm.
4. The storm in the
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. – Mark 5:36,39,41,42 (NKJV)
- We know that for Jesus to raise a girl from the dead or to cure a fever makes no difference, for He has power over both.
- One thing we cannot do, is to tell Jesus how to answer our prayer and when to answer it.
- Because of the delay both Jairus and the woman get far more than they asked for.
- Are you trying to hurry Jesus? Let Him take you by the hand, allow Him to have control. He loves you completely and knows what is best.