Today the sermon was about “Calming The Storm” Mark 4:35-40. I have MANY notes from this sermon of things that “hit close to home” that I would like to share. You have to understand that I am a very guarded person, and I don’t let many past my walls, or I haven’t until now… I want to take the time to thank each and every one that has come through the doors of my work or my life and has had an impact some way or another to help drive me to the position I am in now.
~ Now On To The Show! ~
Oh NO! Question and Answer time again! Pastor Mark why must you lead me into a comfortable place and make me gaze upon my inner self and do some serious reflecting?! The nerve…
(All answers are honest, and what I wrote on my “note pad” i.e. the bulletin.)
· What storm are you facing? My relationship with my daughter, accepting my wife getting remarried, and my health. Biggest storm à getting to where I need to be with God and my life.
Hopefully everyone can understand those are some serious squalls heading my way. But I am ready. And honestly this makes me want to share a couple poems I wrote for a co-worker some time ago that fits this sermon in a way…
The Raging Storm (Sept 27th, 2008)
My body assaulted by torrent winds and rain,
Mind broken tormented attempting to stay sane.
Another day survived in the world we call home,
Lonesome spirit to always and forever roam.
Eternally I stand stoically against the raging storm,
Placidly awaiting the coming in which I may transform.
Knotted inside by my grief and weight that I carry,
Taking control of my destiny within never to tarry.
Finally I have endured my last tribulation well,
Free from bondage from the storm-like hell.
I blossom from inside radiating tranquil wonder,
Never again will the raging storm tear me asunder.
Drama filled life,
Plagued with endless strife.
Striving to find peace within,
Not knowing where to begin.
A path hidden for no one to see,
Where is my shelter, where can it be?
Struggling to find balance and Zen,
Always a battle to find peace within.
Before I start breaking down the message and what I think, I want to drop this tidbit. Your storm might be bad, but always could be worst. Many have had the strength to die for Christ, but do you have the strength to live for Him?
Mark 4:35-40 starts out with [35]Jesus wanting to traverse the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret, Lake Kinneret or Sea of Tiberias. At six hundred and ninety feet below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake, and second lowest lake on Earth. This area, due to the mountains, volcanic, and seismic activity, was known to “flare” up trouble to those on the waters every now and then. [36]So they set out with Jesus on their boat, but other boats soon followed. [37]A storm arose and waves began filling the boat, dragging it down. They would succumb to their doom. [38]Meanwhile Jesus is sleeping down below while chaos ensues. I think this proves God’s humor in the world around. His disciples wake him crying out to Him and they believe He is not worried about the end. [39]Now that Jesus is awake, He silences the wind and commands the sea to cease its violent nature. [40]Jesus turns to His brothers and asks them why they are so afraid and where is their faith.
Faith is such a powerful blessing. It promotes and drives healing, hope, miracles, calms “storms”, and calms the heart of man. In the first place, storms only test our faith for a reason; they bring us closer to God. Jesus all ready knew what was to pass as they went out to sea.
Like I said, this story is just a parallel to everyone’s lives. We all have a “storm” raging around. We can’t “sleep” through our storms because we dwell too much. It sinks us as a spiritual person. But then God is never surprised, so why are we? Though he is unseen, he is always there, he is everywhere. But we are still afraid. Many of us are afraid of living with God, but faith will help bring the understanding we need to succeed. Remember God doesn’t do something because lack of love, but rather for all of His love.
So why do people live in areas, and stay in them, when they are constantly tormented by storms? What strengthens them? Whatever the reasons may be, know this: it is because of those storms that they can appreciate the beauty of life.
Many years ago with the death of my father, I wrote an idiom that brought me peace. And I had the courage to share it at his memorial service and would also like to share it with you in closing as well...
“Do not count the days of sadness, but rather cherish the days of happiness.” Jonathan Boyd Oct ‘97
