I wanted to share another great message in the series at our church “Are You Squeezed?” This message was given by Pastor Ron Lewis (our Senior Minister). On a personal level, Pastor Ron is a hoot and really keeps me and my husband smiling — spiritually, he is a mighty weapon for the Kingdom (as is our other pastors). We are SO blessed to be serving the Lord with them!
Pastor Ron started out his message by sharing the story of Jesus in the boat with his disciples.
Matthew 8:23-27
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Pastor Ron shared the following points with us:
1. JESUS LED THEM INTO THE STORM.
The storm revealed their weaknesses and also revealed His power!
When you get into the boat with Jesus, He will take you into the storms, but He is WITH you!
2. JESUS LEADS THROUGH THE STORM.
Psalm 84:6
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. (Bacca means WEEPING)
What will you get in the storm? You will get a testimony and you will receive the gift of brokenness.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Pastor Ron pointed out a different time when the disciples were in a boat.
Matthew 14:22-27
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
When we can’t “feel” the Lord, it does NOT mean He isn’t with us. God is not distant.
As Jesus was on the mountain watching them, He is also watching us!
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
3. HE IS LORD OVER THE STORMS.
Hallelujah! If you are in the midst of a storm, I pray this message brings you hope.
Amen, praise God.
Thank you Beth,,,,I NEEDED this.
Great message and easy to remember points. Thanks for sharing this.
Excellent message…I wish I lived closer so I could visit your church sometime…it sounds awesome!
Love ya,
Beth
I Love this message! I learned something new about how the Lord leads us through the tears, but that isn’t our destination. I liked that! I also learned from a sermon last year that in the 2nd storm, Jesus waited until the 4th watch (4th hour in the morning). The disciples were toiling and rowing since approximately 8pm and they didn’t even get far. Jesus waited until the fourth watch when they knew they couldn’t go at it anymore, and the second he arrived on the boat, they were immediately on land. Isn’t that wonderful? Sometimes we all have to make it to our fourth watch, but he will overcome all obstacles (no storm or sea can keep him away from us) and bring us immediate relief 🙂