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Netarts Friends Church
2-28-2010
Netarts Friends “MASTER OF CIRCUMSTANCES”
TEXT: Matthew 8:23-27 NIV (stilling of the storm)
INTRODUCTION:
A. By the time Jesus calmed the storm His disciples had already seen many miracles,
including healing, casting out of demons, knowing things He could only know supernaturally, and
even miracles of power over nature, such as turning water into wine.
1. But when He calmed the storm, suddenly they realized this was a far more powerful man than
they had thought.
2. These men were experienced with the sea, but this was a storm of such fury that they were
scared they were all going to drown.
3. Maybe when they woke Jesus up they expected Him to pick up a bucket and start bailing water,
but they most certainly did NOT expect Him to do what He did.
4. The wind was howling, the waves were high, and pitching the boat wildly, more water coming in
with every wave.
5. And in the middle of that, Jesus stands up and shouts to the weather: “Be quiet.”
6. And suddenly, everything is quiet!
7. And the disciples are more terrified NOW than they were before the storm stopped, because
they realize they are in the presence of someone with awesome authority. Nature itself obeys Him!
Who is this man, anyway?!
B. A lot of you are going through storms in your life right now, and you may feel in danger of
being overwhelmed. But Jesus Christ is still Master of your circumstances, ruler of all that happens.
C. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
1. Those are just high sounding words until you see Him exercising His authority in your life,
commanding all nature and all of life’s circumstances to obey Him, and speaking peace to your
heart.
2. Jesus taught with authority, because He was authorized by God the Father in everything He said.
3. Last Sunday we considered how Jesus has authority to heal, and still does heal, and uses us to
bring healing
4. Today as we look at His authority and power over the very elements and forces of nature and
time, keep in mind that Jesus is not on a power trip, manipulating natural things and circumstances
for His own pleasure, but He is following the Father’s will in everything. That’s exactly what he wants
from us.
I. JESUS DID AT LEAST 9 RECORDED MIRACLES SHOWING POWER OVER
NATURE, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SURROUNDED THEM.
A. He calmed the storm, but He also walked on water, fed 5000 with practically nothing, then
turned around and fed 4000 the same way. He told Peter how to get tax money by going fishing
and then finding the coin he needed in the mouth of the first fish he caught.
1. He cursed a fig tree, which withered right away. He used that as an object lesson about faith,
and about God’s judgment on fruitlessness, like some of the people in charge of things then.
2. Twice he told some men where to throw their fishnets, and when they followed His instructions,
immediately they caught so much fish they were amazed, especially after catching nothing all night.
3. He also turned water into wine, many gallons of it. And he raised at least three people from the
dead, before his own resurrection.
B. The Bible tells us that though He wasn’t on earth physically yet, Jesus was actively involved
in Old Testament days as well, and the Old Testament is full of miracles over nature or
circumstances, such as:
C. Worldwide flood, confusion of languages, fire on Sodom, parting the Red Sea, the fall of
Jericho’s walls, the sun standing still, Elijah fed by ravens and calling down fire from heaven, a
donkey speaking to a prophet, an axehead floating on water, an enemy army of 185,000 Assyrians
annihilated overnight by one angel, and many, many others.
D. Any men you know who are looking for a wife? Abraham sent his servant on a long trip to
find a wife for his son Isaac from a family Isaac had never met, and the servant came back with a
bride Isaac had never seen before but loved instantly and deeply. And she had all the right social
qualifications. It was GOD involved.
II. JESUS IS STILL MASTER OVER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. A young woman who attended here several years ago heard me say that God was good at
finding things, if we ask him. She poo-poooed the idea, until that week she was on the beach and
came back around sunset, only to realize she had lost her keys on the beach. She started to panic,
then remembered my words and decided to pray. She went back for one last look before it was
dark, and in the last rays of the sun something glinting in the sand caught her eye. It was her keys!
B. Once the Lord told me not to spend any money on food for a whole month, but instead to
give what I normally would spend to help people in need. When I did, he fed me like a king, and I
had much more at the end of the month than at the beginning.
C. Jesus is Master of our circumstances. But if that’s so, why do Christians get diseases and
die? Why do we have financial struggles? Why do we lose loved ones and experience such
horrible grief?
1. There are probably a lot of answers to questions like these, particularly the presence of fallen
human nature and the devil in this world.
2. But also, If Christians were protected from anything bad, people would become Christians for the
wrong reasons!
D. Let me give you a basic theological understand of how to deal with circumstances and to
interpret what the Lord is up to in them:
1. God always has purpose in what he does. But that doesn’t mean we will always know what it is,
or figure out what he is doing. We need to trust him.
a. For example, Job had horrible troubles, and when we read his story we understand some of
the reasons why: God was allowing Satan to test him. But Job himself never finds out the reasons!
The Lord essentially says, “I’m taking care of the universe just fine. Do you think you need to know
everything?”
b. God never explains himself to Job. But he does bless Job for his faithfulness.
c. I don’t understand why such awful things happened in Katrina, or in Haiti, or Chile, but the
Lord is at work in those circumstances, just as he is in yours and mine.
2. Short-term, evil may seem to win. Many of the Psalms hint at this.
a. Stephen, one of the greatest leaders of the early church, was stoned to death before he
was able to accomplish very much, and the Jerusalem Christians were scattered all over the
Mediterranean world. But that’s how the gospel spread.
b. In the Old Testament, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, where he was fasely
accused of attempted rape and spent years in prison. Looking back on it years later, he told his
brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, to save lives.” (Incidentally, his story
sounds something like the story of Nelson Mandela!)
3. Sometimes we are called on to stand firm in very difficult circumstances, even to the point of
death, so our triumph is rewarded at the judgment. In the book of Revelation it says, “This is a call
for the endurance of the saints” ‒ for us to hang in there, and be overcomers by faith, even if we
die. Take up your cross and follow your Lord!
4. But in the process, you will discover a mighty Lord who can overcome anything. Nothing is
impossible.
5. As you trust the Lord and serve him, he will make your paths straight, even through the worst of
things that may happen. And our joy doesn’t come from the circumstances, but from the Lord who
is walking with us through them.
III. SO DON’T LIVE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT UNDER THE MASTER
OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. In the book of Acts, we see the disciples after Jesus ascended up into heaven, and they
are proclaiming and living the gospel message.
1. Many miracles over nature happen, such as the miraculous gift of languages at Pentecost, the
blinding of Elymas the sorcerer, and Paul being bit by a snake but not harmed by its poison.
2. Three times we read incidents where God miraculously released His people from jails, to keep
them from harm and allow them to preach.
3. But sometimes He allowed them to suffer, to stay in jail for years, even to die under cruel
oppressors, as Jesus did.
4. They found out that Jesus is still Lord of everything in heaven and earth, with authority over all
natural things, and yet His plan doesn’t always mean instant fixes. Generally it doesn’t.
B. Whatever our situation, here’s what the word of God tells us to do.
1. First, Pray about everything. Luke 18:1. Phil 4:6.
Luke 18:1 (NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray
and not give up.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Trust the Lord in everything. Romans 8:28. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
3. Third, In everything give thanks. 1 Thess. 5:18. Eph. 5:20.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ
Jesus.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV) always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Fourth, Be content, whatever the circumstances. Phil. 4:11, 12.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
5. Fifth, Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil 4:4. 1 Thess 5:16.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) Be joyful always.
CONCLUSION:
A. You may be in the storm of your life, but you are under the Lord of storms, the One who is in
authority over all nature, all the circumstances of life, including what you are going through.
B. He already knows what to do. He’s already working it out for your good. And He’s here to hear
your cry for help, and your shout of praise, and to speak His mighty words into every situation:
“Peace! Be still!”
Netarts Friends “MASTER OF CIRCUMSTANCES”
TEXT: Matthew 8:23-27 NIV (stilling of the storm)
INTRODUCTION:
A. By the time Jesus calmed the storm His disciples had already seen many miracles,
including healing, casting out of demons, knowing things He could only know supernaturally, and
even miracles of power over nature, such as turning water into wine.
1. But when He calmed the storm, suddenly they realized this was a far more powerful man than
they had thought.
2. These men were experienced with the sea, but this was a storm of such fury that they were
scared they were all going to drown.
3. Maybe when they woke Jesus up they expected Him to pick up a bucket and start bailing water,
but they most certainly did NOT expect Him to do what He did.
4. The wind was howling, the waves were high, and pitching the boat wildly, more water coming in
with every wave.
5. And in the middle of that, Jesus stands up and shouts to the weather: “Be quiet.”
6. And suddenly, everything is quiet!
7. And the disciples are more terrified NOW than they were before the storm stopped, because
they realize they are in the presence of someone with awesome authority. Nature itself obeys Him!
Who is this man, anyway?!
B. A lot of you are going through storms in your life right now, and you may feel in danger of
being overwhelmed. But Jesus Christ is still Master of your circumstances, ruler of all that happens.
C. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
1. Those are just high sounding words until you see Him exercising His authority in your life,
commanding all nature and all of life’s circumstances to obey Him, and speaking peace to your
heart.
2. Jesus taught with authority, because He was authorized by God the Father in everything He said.
3. Last Sunday we considered how Jesus has authority to heal, and still does heal, and uses us to
bring healing
4. Today as we look at His authority and power over the very elements and forces of nature and
time, keep in mind that Jesus is not on a power trip, manipulating natural things and circumstances
for His own pleasure, but He is following the Father’s will in everything. That’s exactly what he wants
from us.
I. JESUS DID AT LEAST 9 RECORDED MIRACLES SHOWING POWER OVER
NATURE, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SURROUNDED THEM.
A. He calmed the storm, but He also walked on water, fed 5000 with practically nothing, then
turned around and fed 4000 the same way. He told Peter how to get tax money by going fishing
and then finding the coin he needed in the mouth of the first fish he caught.
1. He cursed a fig tree, which withered right away. He used that as an object lesson about faith,
and about God’s judgment on fruitlessness, like some of the people in charge of things then.
2. Twice he told some men where to throw their fishnets, and when they followed His instructions,
immediately they caught so much fish they were amazed, especially after catching nothing all night.
3. He also turned water into wine, many gallons of it. And he raised at least three people from the
dead, before his own resurrection.
B. The Bible tells us that though He wasn’t on earth physically yet, Jesus was actively involved
in Old Testament days as well, and the Old Testament is full of miracles over nature or
circumstances, such as:
C. Worldwide flood, confusion of languages, fire on Sodom, parting the Red Sea, the fall of
Jericho’s walls, the sun standing still, Elijah fed by ravens and calling down fire from heaven, a
donkey speaking to a prophet, an axehead floating on water, an enemy army of 185,000 Assyrians
annihilated overnight by one angel, and many, many others.
D. Any men you know who are looking for a wife? Abraham sent his servant on a long trip to
find a wife for his son Isaac from a family Isaac had never met, and the servant came back with a
bride Isaac had never seen before but loved instantly and deeply. And she had all the right social
qualifications. It was GOD involved.
II. JESUS IS STILL MASTER OVER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. A young woman who attended here several years ago heard me say that God was good at
finding things, if we ask him. She poo-poooed the idea, until that week she was on the beach and
came back around sunset, only to realize she had lost her keys on the beach. She started to panic,
then remembered my words and decided to pray. She went back for one last look before it was
dark, and in the last rays of the sun something glinting in the sand caught her eye. It was her keys!
B. Once the Lord told me not to spend any money on food for a whole month, but instead to
give what I normally would spend to help people in need. When I did, he fed me like a king, and I
had much more at the end of the month than at the beginning.
C. Jesus is Master of our circumstances. But if that’s so, why do Christians get diseases and
die? Why do we have financial struggles? Why do we lose loved ones and experience such
horrible grief?
1. There are probably a lot of answers to questions like these, particularly the presence of fallen
human nature and the devil in this world.
2. But also, If Christians were protected from anything bad, people would become Christians for the
wrong reasons!
D. Let me give you a basic theological understand of how to deal with circumstances and to
interpret what the Lord is up to in them:
1. God always has purpose in what he does. But that doesn’t mean we will always know what it is,
or figure out what he is doing. We need to trust him.
a. For example, Job had horrible troubles, and when we read his story we understand some of
the reasons why: God was allowing Satan to test him. But Job himself never finds out the reasons!
The Lord essentially says, “I’m taking care of the universe just fine. Do you think you need to know
everything?”
b. God never explains himself to Job. But he does bless Job for his faithfulness.
c. I don’t understand why such awful things happened in Katrina, or in Haiti, or Chile, but the
Lord is at work in those circumstances, just as he is in yours and mine.
2. Short-term, evil may seem to win. Many of the Psalms hint at this.
a. Stephen, one of the greatest leaders of the early church, was stoned to death before he
was able to accomplish very much, and the Jerusalem Christians were scattered all over the
Mediterranean world. But that’s how the gospel spread.
b. In the Old Testament, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, where he was fasely
accused of attempted rape and spent years in prison. Looking back on it years later, he told his
brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, to save lives.” (Incidentally, his story
sounds something like the story of Nelson Mandela!)
3. Sometimes we are called on to stand firm in very difficult circumstances, even to the point of
death, so our triumph is rewarded at the judgment. In the book of Revelation it says, “This is a call
for the endurance of the saints” ‒ for us to hang in there, and be overcomers by faith, even if we
die. Take up your cross and follow your Lord!
4. But in the process, you will discover a mighty Lord who can overcome anything. Nothing is
impossible.
5. As you trust the Lord and serve him, he will make your paths straight, even through the worst of
things that may happen. And our joy doesn’t come from the circumstances, but from the Lord who
is walking with us through them.
III. SO DON’T LIVE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT UNDER THE MASTER
OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. In the book of Acts, we see the disciples after Jesus ascended up into heaven, and they
are proclaiming and living the gospel message.
1. Many miracles over nature happen, such as the miraculous gift of languages at Pentecost, the
blinding of Elymas the sorcerer, and Paul being bit by a snake but not harmed by its poison.
2. Three times we read incidents where God miraculously released His people from jails, to keep
them from harm and allow them to preach.
3. But sometimes He allowed them to suffer, to stay in jail for years, even to die under cruel
oppressors, as Jesus did.
4. They found out that Jesus is still Lord of everything in heaven and earth, with authority over all
natural things, and yet His plan doesn’t always mean instant fixes. Generally it doesn’t.
B. Whatever our situation, here’s what the word of God tells us to do.
1. First, Pray about everything. Luke 18:1. Phil 4:6.
Luke 18:1 (NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray
and not give up.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Trust the Lord in everything. Romans 8:28. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
3. Third, In everything give thanks. 1 Thess. 5:18. Eph. 5:20.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ
Jesus.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV) always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Fourth, Be content, whatever the circumstances. Phil. 4:11, 12.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
5. Fifth, Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil 4:4. 1 Thess 5:16.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) Be joyful always.
CONCLUSION:
A. You may be in the storm of your life, but you are under the Lord of storms, the One who is in
authority over all nature, all the circumstances of life, including what you are going through.
B. He already knows what to do. He’s already working it out for your good. And He’s here to hear
your cry for help, and your shout of praise, and to speak His mighty words into every situation:
“Peace! Be still!”