by Ed Ostrom

Created on: July 22, 2008

Being Christ followers does not guarantee that we will always have crystal clear seas to sail upon. Stormy gales will blow whipping up the salty spray and churning waves. Christians often will face storms in their daily lives. Being a Christian does not prevent storms arising in our lives. But we can be assured that we do not need to face the storms alone because the Lord is with us. If Jesus is in the ship of our lives, He will help us deal with the storms that come our way. Matthew 28:20 proclaims this great promise of the Lord Jesus Christ " teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

Mark's Gospel paints a vivid picture of a storm that Jesus and His disciples faced on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4: 35-41 says "And the same day when evening was come Jesus said unto the disciples "Let us pass over to the other side." And when they had sent away the multitudes they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow and they awoke Him and said unto Him, "Master, do you care not that we perish?" And He arose, and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea "Peace be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. And He said unto them "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly and said one to another, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Over twenty years ago a Street Mission Church in British Columbia I preached a sermon I called Storm warnings. It was based on this passage in Mark 4: 35-41. When storms are imminent the weather authorities release watches and warnings. Often during the summer months we hear Environment Canada release Thunder Storm Watches or Warnings. In the winter they release watches and warnings regarding Snow squalls, lake effect snow or blizzards. All of these warnings are to ensure that we are safe and able to survive adverse conditions that we face. I believe that this Scriptural episode from Mark's Gospel gives to us as Christ followers storm warnings to help us face the circumstances of life. In reality it is not if storms come but rather it is when storms do come. If we are following Christ we will face circumstances that are designed to capsize our faith and send us for a spin spiritually.

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