Being Steadfast through the Clouds of Storm
Deaf Baptist Ladies Retreat 2016
Karen Langin
Introduction: Mark 4:35-41
What are the Clouds of Storm? (Asking God, “Why me?)
- Discouraged
- Fear
- Spiritual Issues
- Depressed
- Unbelieving husband
- Tragedy
- Anxious
- Prodigal child
- Financial situation
- Stressed-out
- Addiction
- Job/Work place
- Cluttered mind
- Health Issues
- People
How can we be steadfast through the Clouds of Storm?
- Remember what Christ has done for us. 2 Timothy 2: 8-9
Remember His burial, death, and resurrection. Remember that His suffering gave us eternal life. Remember Him while we suffer. Also, it is good that we suffer that we can learn from Him. Psalm 119:75
- Count it all joy. James 1:2-3; I Thessalonians 5:16
Joy here does not mean “happy”, but it is knowing that at the end testing and trials will build in us a stronger character and faith. We can use testing and trials as learning experiences, and they can teach us patience.
- Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Isaiah 25:4; 26:3
Connecting with God in prayer…we are letting Him know we need Him. “…a strength to the needy in his (her) distress, a refuge from the storm…” Being on the knees in prayer can stand before any tragedy.
- Be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning you.”
No matter what the situation is, we need to thank Him for carrying us through the hardships in our lives.
- Spend time in His Word. Psalm 119: 1-16
These verses primarily focus on the Word of God. These tell us that we need to read His Word to keep us strong. The Word of God is our internal guide, and we can teach it to others.
- Forgiving others. Ephesians 4:32
This may be the hardest thing to do. If we have the love of Christ in us, through Him we can love others. Forgiving others is one of the keys to have God’s peace in our lives.
- Trust in God.
Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 15:13 Joshua put his trust in God knowing God will lead him through many obstacles in his way. Putting our trust in Him will lead us into joy and peace.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Be ye stedfast …” Don’t give up, stick with it, be patience, persevere, endure, do it for God’s glory.
“By perseverance a snail reached the ark.” Charles Spurgeon
