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Moore's
Chapel Home Pastors Reverend KyungMo Koo Audio Sermons
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The Purpose of the StormMark 4: 35-41
Last time, I preached about Jesus calming the stormy sea. I haven’t covered the whole message, so I will preach today about the second part of the Scripture. Let me refer back to that week’s sermon. Even though the disciples were sailing with Jesus, they still met a storm in the middle of the sea. Since they were with Jesus, they trusted Him and expected smooth sailing – the weather was perfect and the trip was incident free– but then they met an unexpected storm. Like the disciples who wanted peace and rest, but encountered a terrible storm, we sometimes meet the storm of life even though we expect smooth sailing during the journey. Once again, I want to remind you that the Christian life does not guarantee smooth sailing, successful business, and triumphant living. This story shows us not only the super power of Jesus, but also the truth that problems happen in every area of life even though we are Christians. Not only do we suffer from disasters that strike without warning, we also have difficult times of finance, relationship, family, or other personal tragedies. Faced with unexpected trouble, problems, trials, or sudden tragedy, such as the loss of health, wealth, or loved ones, we may raise the question: Why? Why did this happen? Why did it happen to us? Why did God allow this kind of problem happen to me even though I am a Christian? Where was God to be found? Is God fair? Is God fair to let these things happen to His children?” We can hear the echo of the disciples’ complaint in today’s Scripture, “Where is Jesus? How could Jesus sleep during this storm? Didn’t he realize that we all were going to drown? Don’t you care if we drown?” Why do we have to meet storms in the middle of the sea of life? There are many explanations. According to Buddhist philosophy, life itself is full of problems, struggles, and trials. The Creator designed this world and our life to be full of trouble, so there is nothing abnormal when we meet such trouble while living earthly lives. According to them, whatever stage of life we are in, there are storms that we will go through. Another explanation is the mistakes human beings make. For example, if a building collapsed, people would automatically cry, “Why?” What did those people in the building ever do to deserve this?” The simple answer, when examined carefully, could be that the builders did not make the foundation firm enough, or the building was buckling under its heavy weight. In cases of high school shootings, people all around the world would angrily retort, “Why did those innocent children have to die?” People have made the mistake of not monitoring their children, and their guns closely and effectively. As unfortunate and depressing as this seems, our mistakes cause much pain and death in the world. Even unique natural disasters have been examined thoroughly to prove that human pollution and uncontrollable development may contribute to these disasters. The other reason is this. When we become Christians, we enter a cosmic struggle because Satan hates people who believe in Jesus. So sometimes, Satan tests our belief, like he tested Job, to see if we will fail in the severe storm. Satan’s limited power is pitted against believers individually, and the church in general, hoping to sink us in the depths of the sea. That’s why sometimes; the Christian life may be even stormier than the unchristian life. The Christian life may have more stormy weather than calm seas and may encounter life-threatening challenges. The last reason we meet storms in the sea of life is that sometimes we experience suffering and trial by God’s good purpose and intention. Most of us cry out when we meet an unexpected storm in life. But we have to know that in everything God works for good for those who love him, for those who are called according to His purpose. When we draw upon His resources, God can turn the hour of tragedy into triumph. A young boy sailing his little boat on a pond began to cry when the boat got beyond his reach. A big boy, who had been watching, began to throw rocks in the direction of the boat. The little boy cried all the louder until he realized that the rocks were not sinking the boat but gently bringing it toward him. The rocks hit the water a little beyond the boat, and each ripple moved it closer to shore. Most of us cry out when stones are thrown our way; but if we are patient, we can realize that each trial may contain possibilities for good. Therefore, the most important question that we have to ask is not “Why did I encounter this unexpected storm?” “Why is it me that has to experience the suffering brought by storm?” But “What is the purpose of this storm?” “What does God want me to do through this storm?” and “How do I overcome storms?” Sometimes the storms that break our hearts can become the basis for a more beautiful design in our lives. Be patient with the hurts over which we have no control. They may become a source of beauty, healing, prayer, unity, and strength. We never know what will come after our trial or difficult time. We have to carefully listen to the promise of the Bible, “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4). In many cases, when we meet the storm in the journey of our lives, we wonder, complain, or cry out, “What did I do to deserve this?” or “Why did God have to do this to me?” Here is a wonderful illustration in explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she’s failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, “Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.” “Here, have some cooking oil,” her Mother offers. “Yuck” says her daughter. “How about a couple of eggs?” “Gross, Mom!” “Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?” “Mom, those are all yucky!” To which the mother replies: “Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves but when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! If you still believe God is smarter than us; if you really trust that God sees the bigger picture, lean on Him. God loves you more than anyone else. He sends you a sunrise every morning and flowers every spring. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He knows what you want and need every moment of life. Whenever you want to talk about your troubles, problems, and suffering, He’ll listen. Life may not be the sunshine day we hoped for. Life may not be the peace and comfort we looked forward to. Life may not be the smooth sailing we expected. However, remember this! God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Who is in your boat when you sail the journey of life? Do you have Jesus in your boat? As long as we travel our journey of life with Jesus, we are safe, secure, and in peace. Jesus’ power that calmed this storm can also help you deal with the problems you face. I hope your day is a piece of cake! |
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