The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Simone Womersley at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 18 July:
We've all been through storms in life. They’re often unexpected, and powerful encounters with forces that we cannot control.
There’s a storm written about in Mark 4:35-41. In this story, Jesus had been away from the crowd, having left them behind. You may find yourself in a similar place, alone but not lonely because God is always with us.
Predictably unpredictable
Take a moment to consider where this storm occurred. In the Sea of Galilee, the water is surrounded by mountains that can cause sudden storms - furious and actually predictably unpredictable. Our lives can be just like that. But God gives us warning signs, just like in the modern day carparks of Galilee - telling visitors they must be careful of sudden inundation.
Preparing during the calm times
Navigating through wild weather is difficult. A 'red alert' day is hard to navigate through. In those times, a sailor must concentrate on staying afloat. It's where we get the expression to 'batten down the hatches'. When we walk with God, we'll need to have been prepared with the right nourishment and planning during calmer times.
Are you feasting on God's Word now rather than waiting for the sudden storm? Are you malnourished from lack of intake of God's words of life? You can be susceptible to further harm and illness when you do not prepare your mind and body.
The disciples in the storm of Mark's Gospel were naturally afraid. It was a ferocious and unrelenting time. They were tossed about and rattled.
In all of this, where was Jesus? In verse 38, we read how He was sleeping on a cushion at the back of the boat. Mark often shows the human side of Jesus, though He was still fully God. Mark was, here, showing us that human side of Jesus. Our Saviour actually understands an everyday life.
Right with us, in the storm
The disciples woke Him. They asked if Jesus cared whether they drowned. God is always right there, while we thrash about. Jesus commanded the waves and wind to calm. Right there, it became calm. Totally still and calm.
What is that like, to be in the eye of a storm where complete stillness exists. The air pressure in the middle zone is at its lowest. He restored the stillness and calm. Like the low pressure of a storm centre, He can drop the pressure on our lives.
In Isaiah 9:6, we read of how the Saviour is the Prince of Peace.
In John 14:27, we read about not needing to be afraid.
Words to hang onto
Back in Mark's account, Jesus had said they should go to the other side. It was not a question, but a strong statement of confidence to go across. They provided words to hang onto during the storm. If Jesus says you are going somewhere, then you are going somewhere.
Everything stops for Jesus' words.
He brings peace. He is powerful to get you through obstacles.
What has God told you? He has the power to bring that to reality!
Image source: By John Bell, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
We've all been through storms in life. They’re often unexpected, and powerful encounters with forces that we cannot control.
There’s a storm written about in Mark 4:35-41. In this story, Jesus had been away from the crowd, having left them behind. You may find yourself in a similar place, alone but not lonely because God is always with us.
Predictably unpredictable
Take a moment to consider where this storm occurred. In the Sea of Galilee, the water is surrounded by mountains that can cause sudden storms - furious and actually predictably unpredictable. Our lives can be just like that. But God gives us warning signs, just like in the modern day carparks of Galilee - telling visitors they must be careful of sudden inundation.
Preparing during the calm times
Navigating through wild weather is difficult. A 'red alert' day is hard to navigate through. In those times, a sailor must concentrate on staying afloat. It's where we get the expression to 'batten down the hatches'. When we walk with God, we'll need to have been prepared with the right nourishment and planning during calmer times.
Are you feasting on God's Word now rather than waiting for the sudden storm? Are you malnourished from lack of intake of God's words of life? You can be susceptible to further harm and illness when you do not prepare your mind and body.
The disciples in the storm of Mark's Gospel were naturally afraid. It was a ferocious and unrelenting time. They were tossed about and rattled.
In all of this, where was Jesus? In verse 38, we read how He was sleeping on a cushion at the back of the boat. Mark often shows the human side of Jesus, though He was still fully God. Mark was, here, showing us that human side of Jesus. Our Saviour actually understands an everyday life.
Right with us, in the storm
The disciples woke Him. They asked if Jesus cared whether they drowned. God is always right there, while we thrash about. Jesus commanded the waves and wind to calm. Right there, it became calm. Totally still and calm.
What is that like, to be in the eye of a storm where complete stillness exists. The air pressure in the middle zone is at its lowest. He restored the stillness and calm. Like the low pressure of a storm centre, He can drop the pressure on our lives.
In Isaiah 9:6, we read of how the Saviour is the Prince of Peace.
In John 14:27, we read about not needing to be afraid.
Words to hang onto
Back in Mark's account, Jesus had said they should go to the other side. It was not a question, but a strong statement of confidence to go across. They provided words to hang onto during the storm. If Jesus says you are going somewhere, then you are going somewhere.
Everything stops for Jesus' words.
He brings peace. He is powerful to get you through obstacles.
What has God told you? He has the power to bring that to reality!
Image source: By John Bell, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
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