Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Scripture Text Mark 4: 35-41

Intro: There is so much we can learn from this story that Mark gives us in these verses for today. This story should inspire and encourage each of us to put our trust in Jesus no matter what we are facing in life. He is truly worthy of our complete trust in Him.

1 Peace and rest are sought after a tiring day. Mark 4:35-36 (NLT) ³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” ³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).

 We All get fatigued in life!

  a. Jesus was fatigued! It was evening of the same day when Jesus sought rest and peace. He had been teaching all day to a multitude of people. The crowd had been so massive and pressing that they had forced Him of shore into a boat and from there He taught them.  

      When evening had come Jesus took the initiative and gives the command to His 12 disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

  b. Because Jesus was so fatigued, He went as He was—tired and give out from ministering.

  c. Other ships went also. The people wanted to be with Jesus wherever He went. They got to see the miracle of Jesus stilling the storm also!

II. Peace can be experienced despite a great storm.  Mark 4:37-38 (NLT)
³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. ³⁸ 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?”

  a. The storm was so great that the Ship began to be filled with water. We have all probably experienced some storms in our lives or we are going thru one now. We may feel like we are going under from the immensity of our storm.

  b. While this great storm was going on Jesus slept in the midst of it. The disciples feared lest they perish. Have you ever felt that Jesus has turned a blind eye to your situation? That the door to Heaven is closed! We pray and nothing seems to happen! If Jesus is in your boat it will not sink. Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) ⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Ps.23:4) Valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil!

III. Our peace is a concern to Jesus.  Mark 4:39 (NKJV)  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.

  a. Jesus cares for us more than we could ever know. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Jesus has the power to control every situation. Whatever we are facing or will face in the future Jesus is well able to help us through it as He brings rest and peace to our souls. He invites us to ask, seek, and knock.

IV. Peace comes through two sources.  Mark 4:40-41 (NKJV) ⁴⁰ But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" ⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

  a. Through faith! Jesus asked them “where is your faith”? Faith comes hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

  b. Through Jesus’ Word. When we speak God’s word over our situation it is sure to bring the rest and peace we need in every situation we have to face. By acting on God's Word and not merely reacting to the situation, you'll be able to manage your emotions instead of allowing them to manage you. I strongly recommend confessing the Word of God out loud. Even though what you confess may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it. God's Word has inherent power to change our feelings, bring comfort to us, and quiet our distraught emotions. The word is living and powerful; (Heb. 4:12) through the word you are born again. The word works faith in you; through the word faith is activated. Read and receive the word simply with the thought that it will work in you. Keep yourselves occupied with the word, and give it time. The word has a divine life in itself; carry it in your inmost parts, and it will work life in you. It will work in you a faith strong and able for anything.

Invitation: Is Jesus in your boat (life)? Has He saved you from the penalty of sin and Hell? If not confess your sins against God and ask Jesus to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you give you a home in Heaven with Him and the Father. He will help you through life’s great storms that we all have to face.