Recognizing Jesus in the Storm
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus in the midst of life's storms and trusting Him during trials.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus during life's storms, illustrating how the disciples, despite their previous experiences with Him, failed to see Him amidst their trials. Jesus intentionally led them into a storm to teach them a vital lesson about His presence and power in difficult times. While they had known Him as a miracle worker and teacher, their fear blinded them to His presence when they needed Him most. Wilkerson reminds us that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is near, inviting us to trust Him fully. The sermon encourages believers to seek and recognize Jesus in their own storms, understanding that He is always there to guide and support them.
Text
Jesus ordered his disciples into a boat that was headed for a collision. The Bible said, "Jesus made His disciples get into the boat" (Matthew 14:22) -- which was headed for troubled waters. It would be tossed about like a bobbing cork and Jesus knew it all along.
Where was Jesus? Up in the mountains overlooking that sea, praying for the disciples that they would not fail the test he knew they must go through. The boat trip, the storm, the tossing waves, the winds were all part of a trial the Father had planned. The disciples were about to learn the greatest lesson they would ever learn: how to recognize Jesus in the storm.
Up to this point, they recognized Jesus as the miracle worker, the Man who turned loaves and fishes into miracle food. They recognized him as the friend of sinners and the supplier of their needs. They even recognized him as the Son of God and the one who taught them how to pray, to forgive, and to bind and loose. But those who thought they really knew Jesus best did not recognize him when the storm hit.
That is the root of many problems today. We trust Jesus for miracles, believe him for our salvation, and look to him to supply our needs, but when it seems like everything is falling apart, we are never quite sure he is nearby.
"The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear" (Matthew 14:24-26). Here is the danger we all face -- not being able to see Jesus in our troubles.
Jesus always draws near to us to reveal himself as the Savior in storms. He wants you to trust him in every storm of your life. That is what the presence of Jesus is all about!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the storm and the disciples' journey
- Jesus' awareness of the disciples' struggle
- The purpose of the trial
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II
- Recognizing Jesus in different aspects
- The disciples' previous understanding of Jesus
- The challenge of recognizing Him in adversity
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III
- The disciples' fear during the storm
- Jesus' approach and reassurance
- The importance of trusting Jesus in trials
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IV
- The danger of not seeing Jesus in troubles
- Jesus' desire to reveal Himself as Savior
- The significance of His presence in our storms
Key Quotes
“Jesus always draws near to us to reveal himself as the Savior in storms.” — David Wilkerson
“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” — David Wilkerson
“We trust Jesus for miracles, believe him for our salvation, and look to him to supply our needs.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Look for Jesus in your struggles and remember He is always near.
- Trust in Jesus not just for miracles, but also in the trials of life.
- Acknowledge your fears and allow Jesus to reveal Himself as your Savior.