Faith
Luke 8:22-25
Trouble doesn’t mean sin
- … there came a storm of wind…(vs 22)
- Faith is nothing until its proven so trouble is necessary
- Circumstances are not an indication of you relationship with God. Carnal thinking says God is waiting to thump me.
- Blessings don’t mean you’re right with God either. God is good, He sends rain on the just and the unjust.
- Consider Job, Paul, the prophets, apostles, Jesus Christ
Find security in who God is because you don’t always know what He’s doing
- … he fell asleep…(vs 24)
- Not the sleep of apathy, but the sleep of confidence. Disciples are thinking, what is he doing?
- Find security in who God is because you won’t always like what He’s doing!
- Psalms 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God…
Fear is focusing on the wrong thing
- Where is your faith? (vs 25) – Great question
- Faith cannot exist with fear
- General George Patton after admitting to being scared during combat added this, “I never take counsel from my fears.”
- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Great advice
Never forget in the darkness what was said in the light
- (vs 25) Find ourselves forgetting what God said when the storm comes in. He said, Let us go over to the other side of the lake. They said, Master, we perish.
- It’s easy to believe God when the water is calm, but just because the waves have become boisterous and water is filling the boat doesn’t change what God said
- God trieth the hearts…
The intended outcome of your storm is a greater revelation of who God is
- What manner of man is this! (vs 25)
- The storm was instructive
- There wasn’t another way for the disciples to see that Jesus had power over the elements; wind and water than by corralling them in a storm
- How can God show you He is the Provider unless He puts you in a position of need?
- How can God show you He is the Comforter unless you are in a position of great discomfort?
