4 Part Series

Part 1 “Peace in the Storm”

What storms are in your life right now?
Is it financial pressure? A broken relationship? Marriage struggles? Family drama? A hostile workplace? Anxiety about the future? Loneliness? Addiction? Health issues? The list can go on. But whatever it is, Jesus sees it, Jesus cares, and Jesus is able to calm it.

Take a look with me at one of my favorite Passages: Mark 4:35–41

(Where Jesus Calms the Storm)

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’
They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’”

If we take a closer look, we see that:

Jesus Initiated the Journey (v.35)

“Let us go over to the other side…”

Why is this important? Let us look closer,

Jesus led the disciples into this journey knowing the storm would come. Why? Because He wanted to teach them something in the storm they couldn’t learn on calm waters.

My out take on this is that Sometimes God leads us into the storm not to punish us, but to reveal Himself more deeply and to grow our faith. It seems there is always an experience, for us to go through, which turns into a teachable moment, wouldn’t you agree?

Question:  Have you ever felt like you were doing the right thing, following Jesus, and still ended up in trouble? Yeah, me too and honestly speaking that’s the majority of all those whom claim to be Christians, the bible says that we all fall short.

2. The Storm Was Sudden and Violent (v.37)

“A furious squall came up…”

This wasn’t a light drizzle. This was life-threatening. The disciples were fishermen, experienced sailors, but even they were overwhelmed.

Storms in life don’t send calendar invites. They hit hard and suddenly, a diagnosis, a betrayal, a crisis.

Your storm doesn’t scare Jesus. It doesn’t catch Him off guard. He sleeps, not because He doesn’t care, but because He is at peace, and wants to give that peace to you.

3. Jesus Was Asleep (v.38)

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping…”

In the middle of chaos, Jesus is resting. Why? Because He knows who He is and what power He carries.

The disciples cry out:
“Don’t you care if we drown?”

Have you ever said this?
“God, don’t You care that I’m hurting?”
“Don’t You see what I’m going through?”

But Jesus wasn’t ignoring them. He was waiting for them to call on Him.

4. Jesus Speaks Peace (v.39)

              “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’”

Three words from Jesus, and the storm had no choice but to submit. The sea obeyed because it recognized its Creator’s voice.

 Jesus doesn’t always remove us from the storm, but He gives us peace in the storm.

5. Faith Over Fear (v.40)

“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The real issue wasn’t the storm, it was their faith.
Jesus challenges them, not to shame them, but to grow them.

Faith says:

“Even if the storm rages, I trust the One in the boat with me.”

Final Reflection: Who Is This Man? (v.41)

“Even the wind and waves obey Him.”

This is not just a good teacher or a wise prophet. This is the Son of God, the One who holds all creation together. The storm obeys His voice, and so can the chaos in your life.

Closing Encouragement

You may feel like you’re drowning. Maybe the waves are crashing over your life, and fear is all you can see. But let me encourage you:

Jesus is in your boat.

He’s not distant. He’s not sleeping on you. He’s waiting for your call.  waiting to speak peace to your heart, even before He speaks peace to the wind.

Let Him in. Trust His voice. And don’t be surprised when He calms not just your storm, but also your soul.

Reflection Questions

1. What is the “storm” in your life right now?
2. How do you usually respond when life feels out of control?
3. What does it mean to have faith even when Jesus seems silent?
4. How can we remind ourselves of Jesus’ power in the middle of our storms?

Part 2: Facing Life’s Storms with Faith

Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-33

In our last message, we learned that Jesus is with us in the boat during the storm. But what happens when He calls us to step out into the storm? What does it look like to walk in faith when everything around you scream’s fear?

Today, we dive into another storm story, this time, Peter walking on water. Let’s see what it teaches us about fear, faith, and focus.

Passage: Matthew 14:22–33 (NIV)

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. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn 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.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Let us run through a few verses,

1. Jesus Sends Us Ahead (vv. 22-24) Even when Jesus isn’t physically with the disciples, He’s watching, praying, and perfectly aware of what they’re facing.

Even when you can’t see Jesus, know that He sees you and is interceding for you (Romans 8:34).

How does it comfort you to know that Jesus prays for you in your storms?

2. Jesus Comes into the Chaos (vv. 25-27) He walks into the storm. The very thing that threatened to sink them, Jesus walked on.

What feels over your head is under His feet.

When have you experienced Jesus showing up in a surprising way?

3. Faith Means Stepping Out (vv. 28-29) Peter took a bold step out of the boat. Faith is not the absence of fear; it’s obedience in the midst of it.

Faith requires risk. Sometimes you have to leave the safety of the boat to meet Jesus in deeper waters.

What is Jesus calling you to step into, even if it feels scary?

4. Focus Determines Stability (v. 30) Peter walked on the water until he looked at the wind. When he shifted focus from Jesus to the storm, he began to sink.

Fear grows when we focus on the problem. Faith grows when we focus on the Savior.

What is taking your focus off Jesus right now?

5. Jesus Rescues and Restores (vv. 31-33) Jesus immediately reached out to Peter. He didn’t let him drown in his doubt. Then the storm ceased, and worship rose.

Even when we fail, Jesus is quick to rescue. And our response should be worship.

What do you need to be rescued from today?

Reflection Questions

1. What part of Peter’s experience do you relate to most?
2. Why do you think Jesus allowed Peter to step out and then begin to sink?
3. What does this story teach us about where our faith is anchored?
4. What steps can you take to keep your eyes on Jesus this week?
5. In what way can your storm become a story of worship?

Closing Encouragement:

Storms may come, but we are not alone. Jesus not only comes into the storm; He invites us to walk with Him through it. Keep your eyes on Him. Take courage. Step out. And know that when you stumble, His hand is already reaching for yours.

Next time fear starts shouting, let faith speak louder: “Jesus is here. I will not be afraid.”

Part 3: Trusting God in the Storm

Always remember:  God Is Still in Control
Scripture Focus: Acts 27:13–44

We’ve studied Jesus calming the storm, and Peter stepping out into the storm. Now we turn to the Apostle Paul, who found himself caught in a violent storm not because of disobedience, but because of God’s bigger purpose.

Sometimes the storm isn’t a quick test. Sometimes it lasts for days, weeks, and shakes everything. But even then, God is still in control. Let’s dive into Acts 27 and see how Paul stayed anchored in faith when everything around him was falling apart.

Passage: Acts 27:13–44 (Highlights)

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity so, they weighed anchor and sailed… Before very long, a wind of hurricane force… swept down from the island… we took such a violent battering… they began to throw the cargo overboard… neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging. We finally gave up all hope of being saved…

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed… Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul… God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So, keep up your courage… for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Let us break down these verses:

1. The Storm Lasted a Long Time (vv. 13–20) They were battered by a hurricane for many days. They threw out cargo. They stopped eating. They gave up hope.

Some storms are short. Some are prolonged seasons of suffering. But even in the darkness, God is still present.

What long storm have you endured where it felt like all hope was lost?

2. God Speaks in the Storm (vv. 21–26) In their lowest moment, God sent a message through an angel to Paul. He reminded Paul: You are not alone. You will survive. God’s purpose still stands.

When we can’t see the sun or stars, we must trust the unchanging Word of God more than our circumstances.

What promise from God are you holding onto in your storm?

3. Paul’s Faith Encouraged Others (vv. 33–36) Paul stood in peace while everyone else panicked. He thanked God and broke bread, even in the storm.

When we walk by faith, it strengthens those around us. People are watching how you weather the storm.

How can your faith in the storm become a testimony to others?

4. The Ship Broke, But They Survived (vv. 41–44) The ship ran aground and was destroyed, just as God said it would be. But every person survived.

God may allow some things to break, your plans, your job, your comfort, but you will not be lost if you stay anchored in Him.

What has “broken” in your life recently, and how has God sustained you through it?

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think God allowed Paul to go through such a violent storm?
2. What role does faith play when you’re in a prolonged crisis?
3. How can we learn to listen to God more clearly when everything around us is chaotic?
4. Has there ever been a time you lost something but realized God preserved what truly mattered?
5. How does trusting God’s purpose change your perspective on suffering?

Closing Encouragement:

Storms may break the ship, but they will not break you, because God is faithful. Like Paul, we may be tossed, bruised, and scared, but if we stay anchored in God’s promises, we will reach the shore.

Take courage. Trust the One who commands the wind. Even if it doesn’t look like it, you’re still in His hands.

Next time you feel like you’ve lost control, remember: You don’t have to be in control when you know the One who is.

Part 4: Hope After the Storm

This is where we see, Beauty from Brokenness!
Scripture Focus: John 20:19–29

 We’ve studied storms with Jesus in the boat, walking on water, and weathering long storms with Paul. But what comes after the storm? For the disciples, the greatest storm was watching their Savior die. It shattered their hope, scattered their faith, and left them behind locked doors.

But then came resurrection. Jesus didn’t just survive the storm, He overcame it. And through Him, we have hope of full restoration, new life, and unshakable peace.

Let’s look at the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples and see how He brings beauty from brokenness.

Passage: John 20:19–29 (NIV)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord…

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came… A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Let us break down the scripture

1. Fear Often Follows the Storm (v.19) The disciples were locked away in fear. Even after the storm passed (the crucifixion), fear lingered.

 Just because the storm is over doesn’t mean fear disappears. But Jesus meets us right there.

Have you ever experienced fear or anxiety even after the worst had passed?

2. Jesus Brings Peace and Presence (vv. 19–20) Jesus doesn’t rebuke them. He offers peace, shows His scars, and restores their joy.

Jesus meets us in our fear with grace, not guilt. He brings peace that the world can’t give (John 14:27).

How has Jesus brought you peace when you needed it most?

3. Even Doubt is Met with Compassion (vv. 24–27) Thomas needed proof. Jesus didn’t shame him. He invited him to touch and believe.

Doubt doesn’t disqualify you. Jesus wants a real relationship, not a perfect record.

What are your honest doubts or questions? Have you brought them to Jesus?

4. Worship Is the Right Response (v. 28) Thomas moved from doubt to declaration: “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus doesn’t just calm storms. He brings resurrection, and that leads to worship.

What is one area of your life where you want to worship instead of worry?

Reflection Questions  

1. What stood out to you most about Jesus’ interaction with the disciples after His resurrection?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose to show them His scars?
3. How does resurrection change the way we see our past storms?
4. What does this story teach us about how Jesus handles our doubts?
5. How can you live in resurrection hope this week?

Closing Encouragement:

The story doesn’t end with the storm. It ends with a risen Savior, peace in our hearts, and purpose for our lives. Jesus didn’t erase the scars, He used them to prove victory.

Whatever you’ve walked through, Jesus can redeem it. The brokenness, the loss, the fear, it’s not wasted. There is life after the storm. There is resurrection power working in you.

So open the locked doors. Let peace in. And step into the new day with hope.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Questions  

1. What stood out to you most about Jesus’ interaction with the disciples after His resurrection?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose to show them His scars?
3. How does resurrection change the way we see our past storms?
4. What does this story teach us about how Jesus handles our doubts?
5. How can you live in resurrection hope this week?

Closing Encouragement:

The story doesn’t end with the storm. It ends with a risen Savior, peace in our hearts, and purpose for our lives. Jesus didn’t erase the scars, He used them to prove victory.

Whatever you’ve walked through, Jesus can redeem it. The brokenness, the loss, the fear, it’s not wasted. There is life after the storm. There is resurrection power working in you.

So open the locked doors. Let peace in. And step into the new day with hope.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)