When I speak at parishes and conferences around the country, one of my favorite Bible passages to discuss is “Jesus Calms The Storm At Sea” (Matthew 8:23-27). Basically, the disciples follow Jesus into a boat, a great storm arises, and the Lord calms the sea. Simple, right? Unfortunately, this story is so simple that we often miss some key points. If you’re struggling to stop worrying about Ebola, Isis, the stock market, personal health issues, job loss or many other problems, here are 5 important lessons you can learn from this powerful story:
1. The Disciples Followed Jesus – When Jesus got into the boat, the disciples followed Him. We should do the same thing every day. Following Jesus faithfully will not only help you to stop worrying, but it will get you to heaven!
2. Even Followers Of Jesus Have Problems – Just because we’re followers of Jesus doesn’t mean that we won’t have storms in our lives. On the other hand, following Jesus will give you peace, even in the midst of those storms. (Matthew 11:28)
3. Don’t Panic If Jesus Is Silent – Even though Jesus was asleep in the boat, He was very much in control of the situation. If it seems like He has deserted you, don’t worry…He is right beside you!
4. Cry Out For Help – While it is true that the disciples panicked when the storm arose, they had enough faith to do something very productive – they asked Jesus to help them. Worry is always useless, but prayer is always effective. Although we may not get exactly what we want, we will get what we need.
5. Learn To Look Back – After Jesus calmed the storm, “the men marveled” (Mt. 8:27). Looking back at the many times Jesus has helped you is sure to increase your faith and help you to deal with future problems.
Just as He did 2,000 years ago, Jesus can calm the storms in your life and help you to experience peace. Imitating the disciples at sea is a great idea. Give it a try and see what happens!
Very encouraging verse
Loved this…very straight forward. I will be using some of your ideas to teach a class of young, 5 year old Bible students tomorrow. (-: Thank you!
I love the sermon , thank you ,may the good Lord keep you and bless you Amen
Very encouraging, Jesus calms our storms
A verse to help me in difficult times.
Thank you soo much for this five Lessons we can learn about Jesus.
Very nice lessons to learn from this sermon. Indeed it is very true and very encouraging especially Lesson 2 – Even with Jesus we will still have problems but He is there to calm our storms.
Be blessed.
Thanks for sharing the wisedom you got with us.. God Bless
Am very encouraged
Very encouraging, Jesus calms our storms
god spoke to me through this message i loved short ,precise and powerful.
Very encouraging message. it provided me strength for my faith that being with Jesus doesn’t mean that problems will not be there ur Jesus will be there to help me.
God intervenes everyday in our challenges .Great message
My church was closed today due to covid-19 and this is what we shared in my house
My God bless you for highlighting the five important points to note
Simple but very powerful lessons for today Christians, I will be using these lesions to encourage my members at my Annual Convention this December 2020 in Liberia. Our theme is “the God of possibilities has calmed the storm”
Jesus is lord. Thanks for this piece!