Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:22

Galatians 5:22 identifies peace as a quality included in the fruit of the Spirit. Peace is not the subtraction of problems from life; it is the addition of power to meet our problems.

Sooner or later, we will find ourselves in a storm. But if we want to keep our peace in the midst of our storms, we must remember what God has promised to us now, in the stillness.

There are five words of encouragement to remember when facing a storm.

Providence: “His purpose brought me here.”

In Matthew 14, Jesus’ disciples were caught up in a treacherous storm at sea. The storm they faced did not take Jesus by surprise; nor were the disciples there by mistake. Every storm we face is allowed by God as a correcting or perfecting storm. When we face unexpected storms, we must remember that we are exactly where God has placed us and His providence is there, too.

Entreaty: “His prayers protect me here.”

Matthew 14:23 reveals that before He appeared to the disciples on the waves, Jesus was alone on the mountain top, praying for them. Jesus sees us and prays for us, especially when we are in the midst of a storm.

Assurance: “His presence comes to me here.”

Matthew 14:26-27 says, “And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”

Adrian Rogers says, “In your storm, there is a center that is calm; it’s the heart of God. You need to understand that He is there, He is the ‘I Am’ in the midst of your storm.”

Comfort: “His power enables me here.”

Comfort is a compound word that means “with strength.” To be comforted by God means to be sustained by His power. God’s will does not take us where His grace cannot keep us. Anything over our heads is already under His feet.

Expectation: “His promise assures me here.”

God will see us through every perfecting or correcting storm. We do not need to know how, we simply know He will keep His word.

Apply it to your life

Are you in a storm? Remember the promises of God! Take heart; He has overcome the world, and He is walking on the water, headed straight for you.