COURAGE TO FACE LIFE’S UNEXPECTED CRISIS
Mother’s Day 2023
“Have no fear of sudden disaster … for the LORD will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:25-26
Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus and the storm
I. FIVE FACTS ABOUT CRISES
They are INEVITABLE.
“When you face trials ….” James 1:2
They are VARIABLE.
– Situational (Proverb 1:27)
– Relational (Psalm 102:7-8)
– Emotional (Job 30:22)
They are IMPARTIAL.
“He sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45
They are UNPREDICTABLE.
“Without warning a furious storm came up …” Matthew 8:24
I can choose MY RESPONSE
(vs. 24a): BE FILLED WITH PANIC.
(vs. 24b): BE FILLED WITH FEAR.
II. HOW CRISIS TEND TO AFFECT OUR LIVES
1. Crisis cause us to DRIFT (vs. 15; 17)
“… so we gave way to it and were driven along…”
2. Crisis cause us to DISCARD (vs. 18-19)
“… they began to throw the cargo overboard…”
3. Crisis cause us to DESPAIR (vs. 20)
“… we finally gave up all hope of being saved…”
III. WHAT TO HOLD ONTO IN A “CRISIS.”
1. REMEMBER GOD’S PRESENCE (vs. 23)
“… an angel of God stood beside me…”
Crisis cannot hide THE PRESENCE OF GOD
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
2. REMEMBER GOD’S PURPOSE (vs. 24)
“… Don’t be afraid… you must stand before Caesar…”
Crisis cannot change THE PURPOSE OF GOD
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 (NLT)
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
3. RECITE GOD’S PROMISE (vs. 25)
“… I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me…”
Crisis cannot destroy THE PROMISES OF GOD
“The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” Psalms 119:160 (NLT)