Coping With the Storms of Life

Mark 4:34-41

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."

36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.

37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

Mark 4:35-41

The Storms of Life• The storms are coming• List of life’s stress factors

Measuring Life’s Stress Factors• Death of spouse 100 • Divorce 73 • Marital Separation from mate 65 • Detention in jail or other institution 63• Death of a close family member 63• Major personal injury or illness 53• Marriage 50• Being fired at work 47• Marital reconciliation with mate 45• Retirement from work 45• Major change-health/behavior in family 44• Pregnancy 40• Sexual Difficulties 39• Family change--birth/adoption/new in-laws 39• Major business readjustment 39• Major change in financial state 38

Measuring Life’s Stress Factors•Death of a close friend 37•Changing to a different line of work 36•Major change/arguments w/spouse/partner 35•Taking on a mortgage (for home, business) 31•Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan 30•Major change in responsibilities at work 29 •Son or daughter leaving home 29 •In-law troubles 29•Outstanding personal achievement 28•Spouse starting/stopping work 26•Beginning or ceasing formal schooling 26•Major change in house or neighborhood 25•Change in personal habits (i.e. smoking)24 •Troubles with the boss 23• Major changes in working hours/conditions 20 • Changes in residence 20

The Storms of Life• The storms are coming• List of life’s stress factors• Unexpectedly, we do not know the future• Universal, it happens to all• Abraham, Job, Joseph, Mary

The Storms of Life• The storms are coming • The storms are “going”• Bible phrase, “And it came to pass . . .”• Remember this as the storms increase• Spiritual growth comes with trials (James 1:4)• Facing the storms with or without faith

The Storms of Life• The storms are coming • The storms are “going”• The Master of storms is always present• He is calm when we are most stressed• “The Lord was with him . . .”• He will never leave us or forsake us—Heb. 13:5• As storms arise, open your eyes, He is there

Prepare For the Coming Storms

• Believe in Him John 3:16

• Turn (repent) from sin Luke 13:3

• Confess Christ Rom. 10:9

• Baptized into Christ Gal. 3:27

Added to His Kingdom, Church, FAMILY

• Be faithful until deathRev. 2:10