23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 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. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

We all face storms, sometimes expected, sometime not…hardships, difficulty, broken relationships, physical problems, spiritual, …. Psalm 91:1 Call 911 Psalm 91:1 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” God will shelter us. Psalm 34: Psalm 34: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

The follower is the one who builds his house on the rock, a person who hears the Word of God and does it. The one who builds his house on the sand is the one who hears the Word of God and doesn’t follow it.

23 Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Some of these guys were seasoned sailors, they were fearful in the storm, yet Jesus was sleeping. God allows storms: To direct us, to inspect us, to test our faith James 1 : 2-4 James 1 : Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Jesus did this on the cross when he called out to God, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Ever feel like God is not listening to you? The storm didn’t wake Jesus, but the cries of His disciples did. The sailors tried to do it themselves, but then cried out to Jesus.

Psalm 91:14 Psalm 91:14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” “When God lays men on their backs, then they look up to heaven.” -Thomas Watson

For instance while Paul was in prison he wrote some of the books of the New Testament. God allows storms: correct To correct us… Psalm 119:71 Psalm 119:71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Hebrews 12 : 6 Hebrews 12 : 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.

In Psalm 23, it states that “your rod and your staff, they comfort me. How does a rod comfort? Discipline shows His love. He promises us He will be there for us. God allows storms: protect To protect us… Sometimes He brings difficulty into our lives to keep us from something worse… Jude 1 : 24 Jude 1 : 24 “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling …” Psalm 91:1 Call 911 Psalm 91:1 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” God will shelter us.

God allows storms: perfect To perfect us… This comes as a result of following Him. God is more interested in your character than in your comfort. Character and your relationship with God are two things you take with you to heaven. Romans 5 : 3-4 Romans 5 : Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8 : 28 Romans 8 : 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God allows storms: project To project us… Phil. 1 : 12 Phil. 1 : 12 “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Isaiah 40 : 31 Isaiah 40 : 31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Eagles use storms to soar higher, while it rages below