I. A Tale of Two Storms

• Storm 1 – Mark 4:35-41: Jesus asleep in the boat
• Strom 2 – Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus walks on water

II. Sea of Galilee Facts

• Also called the Lake of Tiberias, Lake of Genezareth, and Lake Kinneret
• About 13 miles long and 8 miles wide
• Lowest freshwater lake in the world
• Due to geography, the Galilee can experience fierce storms with waves of 10 feet

III. Common Themes of Both Storm Stories

• Disciples on a boat on Sea of Galilee and the weather is bad.
• Disciples are afraid (storm, ghost, etc) and doubt Jesus’ intentions, availability,
  and power.
• Jesus rebukes them for being afraid, doubting, and not having faith.
• Jesus wants them to know – I’m with you…I’ve got you…Trust in Me.

IV. Lessons from The Boat
1. When a storm hits, we tend TO FORGET everything Jesus told us.
“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.” Matthew 14:30 (NLT)
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
 Mike Tyson
2. When a storm hits, we tend to wonder if God is ASLEEP, AWAY or DOESN’T CARE.
“The disciples woke Him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 (NLT)
3. When a storm hits, it doesn’t mean we are being PUNISHED or we’re OUT OF GOD’S PLAN.
“That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” Mark 4:35 (NIV)
4. When a storm hits, it’s a chance to GROW.
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)
5. When a storm hits, Jesus wants us to have FAITH AND TRUST IN HIM.
“He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:40 (NIV)
“Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt Me?’” Matthew 14:31 (NLT)
 
How Can I prepare for my Next Storm?
1. Know it’s coming.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.”  1 Peter 4:12 (NLT)
2. Do what you can do. (QT, Small Group, Ministry Team)
“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!”  Exodus 14:15 (NLT)
3.Don’t go through it alone. (Small Group, Ministry Team)
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
4.Remind yourself and each other of God’s promises.
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)
5. Get more faith.
*We don’t get more faith by a FORMULA. We get more faith by SPENDING MORE TIME WITH JESUS.

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Small Group Discussion Questions