In the darkness of night
Opening Video: September 11, tribute
When are we most venerable to something happening? When we are unaware.
I am reminded of what happened on this day in 2001 when everyone’s live were changed for ever in just a few moment.
Who would of thought that 19 people could have struck such a fear and unrest in our society as they had. They opened our eyes to something we had really never seen before.
Our world has forever changed because of them and what they did.
We have been at war now with terrorism for 10 years and a lot has changed but at times there is still a unrest and fear that grips this country.
But I don’t just think of this tragedy but others as well. Like the one we all have been facing these past few days. As we have seen fires rage across central Texas, and in our own backyard in Bastrop.
People became afraid of what might happen around them as well. With understanding.
I remember hearing and then looking with amazement of all the fires that started on Monday. It seemed like the whole area was going to burn.
With these tragedies in mind. Have you have ever faced some kind of tragedy in your life, (maybe not as big as these last 2 events) but they are big to you?
Are you still facing your tragedy? Are you still having to deal with all the emotions that come along with it? (Fear, anger, uncertainness, isolation,).
Maybe you would not say it’s a tragedy but a major event in your life and it’s been hard to deal with.
Today I want you to know first of all you are not alone!
This is one of Satan’s tricks, he try’s to make you feel isolated. You are NOT!
Secondly, while you are going through this time, you can have love, joy, peace, patience, and even more positive attitudes while encountering life itself.
Now I did not say this would be easy but we can have this in our life.
Now today I only want us to focus on one of them and we will come back to the others soon.
Today’s big idea: Peace in the storm
Gal 5:22-24 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. NLT
You know we all want peace. Peace in our heart, our family, our society. Makes me kinda think of the comical quote on Miss Congeniality: “If you could have anything what would it be? World Peace”
Well the peace I am talking about is really a lot deeper than most of these and if we can have this kind of peace take place in our lives then the others will start to follow.
1. To have peace in the storm, you have to KNOW Jesus is in control.
A. Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. TEV
B. You can find multiple passages in all 4 Gospels that Jesus was in control of His environment.
(When Satan tried test Him, When Lazarus rose from the dead, When the storm hit the boat and He spoke to it and it was still)
C. If He did this in the Bible and the Bible is true then he is able to take care of our present and future needs.
D. When we truly take a hold of this we can start to realize what real peace is.
2. To have peace in the storm we have to remember God’s faithfulness.
A. I know many people are asking God, “Do you not care if we are falling apart? Do you not care that we are hurting?” What does the future hold? Is our economy going to collapse? Are we going to make it? Jesus, are you there?
B. The answer to these questions are right in front of us. Jesus is with us right now, and God is in control.
C. Ps 107:28-29 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 29 He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet. TEV
D. Once again He took care of the Israelites, (even in there rebellion), He took care of Jonah even when he was running from what God told him to do, He took care of Esther when she was in a crisis, He will take care of you too.
(Possible time for a testimony)
E. Story: How God has been faithful to me.
3. To have peace in the storm we have to give control over to God.
A. Gal 5:22-24 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. `Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. NLT
B. It is this simple but yet this hard we have to give complet control over to God!
C. This means we have to not only confess Him as our Lord and Savior we have to allow Him to have control in our life.
D. When we allow Him to have control of our life there will be changes that take place, but when He is in control we will find wholeness, and contentment like nothing else.
Closing: You cannot buy peace. You cannot learn peace. You cannot hope it finds you someday. Peace comes only because the Holy Spirit lives inside of you when you allow Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life.
