23 "For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.. These struggles will come in different forms, strengths, and lengths. All seems really, really good. Right now he is on a ventilator breathing for him. You tell us not to fear and you draw us close into your Presence. and no matter how the winds may blow, I'm going to hold to the foundation. Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 25:4-5, Psalms 107:28-31, Psalms 91:2-6. We are perishing!, But He said to them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. You can follow him at his blog. My pastor is in the hospital as of two weeks ago. Good evening. Through faith, you will find your identity. Subscribe and Get Sermons and Messages by Bill Johnson DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX! We must understand that there will be storms. Youre bombing several classes. 2 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Isaiah 25:4-5, James 1:2-5, Joshua 1:9, Matthew 14, Matthew 5:45, Matthew 8:26, Philippians 4:13, Psalm 107:28-31, Psalm 20:7-8, Psalm 34:17-20, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91:2-6, Psalms 107:28-31, Psalms 91:2-6, Romans 5:3-5, Sermon Topics: You cant get much lower than hopelessness. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Then, what now. Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.". His love is not impulsive or unreliable. Please teach me to turn to You first. Devastation around us and devastation that touches us may happen. Your ship on the turbulent sea of life needs an anchor. We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther . He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. We ask you to restore the health of this kidney and we ask for long life for this couple. the rain fell and the winds blew, and it even began to flood. Isnt that a funny thing? Dont give up! Even .read more Scripture: Matthew 14:22-32 Denomination: Baptist We can begin to think we are large and in charge when God allows us to be humbled again by some force of nature that reminds us of our true size and strength. Thank you. Someone has said, "Be kind. both the wise and the foolish man have instruction and word. and the elements beat upon the house, but it didn't fall. The bible teaches us that we can live and rest in the strength and comfort that God provides when we face the problems and tribulations of the world. The LORD, the LORD Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. God, Im just trying to do something for you why do you make it so impossible? Even when it doesnt feel like it now. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. A thunderstorm was passing over, when without warning a bolt of lightning descended from the sky. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. In Jesus name, amen. It is right that Gods love for us is complete and it does not depend on us because he first loved us. Pis for PROVIDENCE "His purpose brought me here." The disciples weren't on the stormy Sea of Galilee because they were out of the will of God. For the past 21years all ive been facing is battle after battle. He is able to carry you through this, keep your eyes on him. Few things are as awesome to experience as a big storm. 3. And pour all of His grace, mercy, and love into the life of another storm battered soul. The Christian Life - Part 1: Strength in the Storm. If you have any questions or needs please contact the pastor on his cell phone 270-763-3223. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. At times it feels like this will never end then there are days when my hope and faith is fired up. Follow His counsel. Strength in the Storm is a remarkable little book with six simple chapters each one focusing on a life lesson to help us survive all our difficult times. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. so when the storm is over, I'll still be standing tall and giving God the glory. One of the coolest things about storms is the fact that we can sometimes get so wrapped up in them that we lose sight of what is closest to us. Its here, in the midst of the storm when the floodwaters are rising threatening to drowned us that we must decide if we will allow God to use this storm. Its ok to be angry, to hurt, and to ask questions. "I am growing by His plan." God's plan is not to indulge you; it is to enlarge you. Faith in fear is faith Misplaced Philippians 1:6: I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ., Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand., John 10:2728: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. He already knows what your feeling and the thoughts in your head so begin speaking it. Storms are there to strengthen us and make us mature enough for God to use usI pray may God rescue any believer who is going through any kind of storm in life whether finance, business, job, marriage, family, righteous life, sickness, etc. God's peace is perfect. You will find Scripture-based answers to these questions and others in this sermon by Evangelist Chisom, given on Sunday, February 26, 2023. As the skies above him turned dark and a thunderstorm blew in around him, Job connected the dots between the stormy weather, and his set of very difficult circumstances. Wrap your arms around them and hold them close. Gods children lost in the storm. and sometimes it's hard to tell the night from day. May God lead guide and direct him. B. Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.". We ask that if IVF is your will for their family you will provide the means. Yet again in verse 33 we read that "Paul was encouraging them to take some food.". I truely feel that this was a miracle given to us by God and for that reason I refused to give up on the success of this transplant. Touch hearts of stone in family members & turn them to flesh so they may hear You Lord & know You love them & want the very best for them even if they cant see it for themselves. 1. Weve heard so many times from people in our life that they struggled with recognizing their worth. (Acts 27:4, 79). Storm can also symbolize affliction i.e. and since we all have to build a house, the real issue is on what foundation we are going to build on. Father, I lift up Michelle to you. Because violent storms come in life, ships need anchors. My message today is Storms that give us strength. Paul warned the crew that a storm would come and it did come. Jon, we are so glad that you let us know. God is a healer. alone on the land. You will be in our prayers! . AMEN. but I'm building on the foundation of His word. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. This article has really brought comfort in this challenging time of my life. If you know someone going through their own storms, think about a . What do the storms look like One of the coolest things about storms is the fact that we can sometimes get so wrapped up in them that we lose sight of what is closest to us. Please stand with us as we continue to look to God for healing, strength and peace. Trust in Him, and He will act. Psalm 37:5 ESV, I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born, says the Lord. Isaiah 66:9 NCV, He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 NIV, My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him, He alone is my rock and my salvation. Psalm 62:1-2, For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. I am also doing well and from Ghana. I just trust the Lord for divine healing. . 25 "Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. This piece is good, Thank you for your comment! When my arms are weary and We've all been there, caught in the storm watching the floodwaters rise and wondering how we got here. Pray, spend time in your Bible and begin praying using the verses. The boat and cargo will go down, but every person aboard will be saved. so if you have to climb up the rough side of the mountain, just know that when the storm comes your way, you'll know that beyond a reasonable doubt, IT WAS WORTH THE CLIMB. Some were ready to abandon ship. and he does so to his own benefit, because soon there comes a stormy situation. I have just moved to a different city to relocate & leave with my Daughter. because all these things will let you down. Two years earlier, Jesus himself stood by Paul in prison and promised, As you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). had we not been so near sighted, we would have better prepared ourselves for the future. Every attempt had been made to keep the ship afloat, but to the sailors it looked like a lost cause. Here, Jesus talks of two men with the same goal in mind..that was to build a house. This is why it is important to be in the presence of the Word; for it is in the Word that there is strength and safety. This has been hard on our whole family. Pastor Viars leads and equips Faith Church as Senior Pastor with a focus on preaching and teaching God's Word and using his organizational skills in guiding the implementation of the Faith Church mission and vision. We must understand that there will be storms. Give Him the glory. He will never stop loving you. But sometimes, as you go there, the journey first takes you through a powerful storm. BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIP ON A STRONG FOUNDATION. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you (Acts 27:24). These seasoned sailors knew the chances of survival at this point. It melted the plowshare, stripped most of his clothing from him, singed off his beard, branded his naked back with the initials of a neighboring cattleman, and hurled him through a barbed wire fence. Listen to the positive message of Paul here. He understands our loss as He too gave his only Son that we might be forgiven and have the hope of heaven. Are we being punished as the children of Israel were? What faith she had. AMEN. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. convenience can be as big of an enemy as it can be friend. On top of that, the ship is headed for a place called Fair Havens to spend the winter. the winds were against us. Thanks, . and it may be that convenience will cost too much in the end. In our daily lives, the Scriptures are great when we feel hopeless, but how quick are we to jump ship the moment a more practical solution appears? Psalm 91:2-6 states: I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Lift her head above all of the terrible things that she has gone through. and if the winds keep on blowing in my life. Try using these in your prayers, place your name in each one and let them, minister to your soul as you remember that He is God in the storm. It disorganizes or destabilizes the structure in an attempt to remove it from existence. Required fields are marked *. When difficulty comes, remember God's providence is over it all. because when the storm is over, even if you don't make it, I will. But is America still, Why is it that people are believing the worst about others? Only to encounter the harsh conditions of the winter season that was enhanced by the rainy month of September and find that his sandy oasis was really a river bed. Father, we lift up Jons Pastor and ask that you speak healing and life into every cell of his body. Was she hurting inside, yes, she sure was But she trusted her Heavenly Father, even when it was the worst pain she had ever experienced. We ask that you will strengthen her marriage. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. God is able! As the waves crashed over the boat, threatening to sink it, they remembered that they were not alone: Jesus was also there. Where is God in the storm? Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. Oz is a Hebrew word for strength. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about faith in hard times, to help you get through the storm. Here are ten such promises to help you get started. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Finally, when you are done, thank him. God bless you dear sister, I thank God for you & your family & much love from me & my family here in the UK. And the strength he needed did not come from a new promise, but an old one a promise God had given to him years before. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. G.K. Chesterson (An English writer) While talking about the United States, said it is, "A nation with the soul of the church." We ask you for healing and protection. . Read more for encouragement to trust God to see you through. God is the only one, in fact, who can bring good out of such a day. They were often sudden, fierce, and incredibly chaotic. He instills hope, courage, and dependence on Gods provision in these. . When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. Thank you so much for contacting us Kenny, we are praying for you. Then we are given a sharp contrast of a foolish man who heard His words and allowed them to fall to the ground. We ask that you kill this virus and restore her strength. In Mathew 7:24 it tells us, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.". I need Your power and strength to face each one. My husband and I was blessed with a kidney transplant in march. This is a time only God can carry me through. It may feel like you are all alone in this place. We are so sorry to hear about your divorce. Comfort and let him feel your peace. "God sends the storm to show that He is the only shelter." "We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. Firstly, God promises us his presence. "Help." The Church Office will be open Monday thru Wednesday for the foreseeable future. AMEN. You lose your job. All Strength Comes From God. "Remember to play after every storm." Continue to pray, to seek Him, to spend quiet moments in your Bible. Before the end of the 2017 year, we would be plagued with more storms. We too place our faith in our own strength and skills every time we take matters into our own hands without acknowledging Jesus' Lordship. Where is God in the storm? Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. I think it's safe to say we're in the midst of a storm. "It is only during a storm that a tree knows how strong it is.". When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well . That night, Paul strengthened the crew with the assurance of that promise (Acts 27:2126). Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. . As I've spent some time pondering some of the recent storms of life, I've learned a few lessons, including the fact that we are meant to go through the storms of lifenot camp out there. Mexico, was struck by an 8.2-magnitude quake, the strongest in decades, killing at least 58 people and leveling areas in some southern states. In Acts 27,after more than two years of waiting, Paul was finally sailing for Rome. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.". This is a minute by minute storm that only He can turn around. MY LORD! A time when the prediction from the weatherman was really no more than prophecy. But on the journey from Jerusalem to Rome, Paul faced one of the fiercest storms of his life. Let him find salvation and healing and new life in and through you. God stripped everything away from Paul and his companions so they couldnt put their hope in cargo, tackle, or even the ship itself. Want to go deeper? Blessed are those who mourn, for they WILL receive comfort. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. In seasons like this, many of us (myself included) feel like we need something new a new word from God that applies directly to our situation. the one He says to be wise, and the other is declared to be foolish. The truth is we need the storms. The sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ships boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow. Three interventions of Paul follow in verses 21-38. We ask that you to strengthen both she and Mike. V30. Its a foregone conclusion God will keep his promise because he always does. In Jesus name amen. Let His peace fill you and heal you my friend. But never once did he fail to keep his promise., Chad Ashby is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Grove City College. Help me learn to patiently endure the hard times and honor You in the midst of them as I walk by faith. Numbers 23:19. Please help me pray. His love is not thin, fleeting, or fragile. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will . Amen. Thats the question we find ourselves asking over and over again in the storm: How? But often the storm is used to compound what we learned when everything was going just right. you may not see it in the natural, but you can build safeguards against the different obstacles and circumstances that would and could come in and choke out the possibility of its' fulfilment. Lets pray. Thatnight, the sailors were tempted to take a more pragmatic approach: About midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He. had we not been so near sighted, we would have better prepared ourselves for the future. Learn more. Which would of course cost him everything that he had worked for and leave him empty and without anything to show for his labour. the wise man was willing to put forth the effort. For you who are fighting the despair of hope, there are four anchors which can keep you from the rocks and bring the dawn of hope. People would work without sleep, desperately trying to find anyone. , walking on the sea, and to ask questions keep your eyes on.... Elements beat upon the house, it stands firm because it is right that Gods for... Had not understood about the loaves, because soon there comes a stormy situation sea... Suddenly a great windstorm arose, and would have better prepared ourselves for the 21years. Has said, & quot ; the Church Office will be open Monday thru Wednesday for past! 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