Rest & Return // Week 3 // Pastor Priscilla Mercado

But I'm so excited to be here again. My But I'm so excited to be here again. My name is Priscilla Marcato. I am the name is Priscilla Marcato. I am the name is Priscilla Marcato. I am the young adults pastor here at the Humble young adults pastor here at the Humble young adults pastor here at the Humble Park campus. And it is an honor to be Park campus. And it is an honor to be Park campus. And it is an honor to be with you all. And I'm excited because with you all. And I'm excited because with you all. And I'm excited because today as we have broken down different today as we have broken down different today as we have broken down different reactions of what we can have as humans reactions of what we can have as humans reactions of what we can have as humans when we're in the midst of a storm. I when we're in the midst of a storm. I when we're in the midst of a storm. I have been remembering of how we've have been remembering of how we've have been remembering of how we've learned throughout this month that learned throughout this month that learned throughout this month that within a storm, we can find ourselves within a storm, we can find ourselves within a storm, we can find ourselves trusting God in the midst. And as I've trusting God in the midst. And as I've trusting God in the midst. And as I've reflected on the weeks that um our our reflected on the weeks that um our our reflected on the weeks that um our our people have brought the word, we've people have brought the word, we've people have brought the word, we've learned about how we can respond in a learned about how we can respond in a learned about how we can respond in a storm just through our human flesh and storm just through our human flesh and storm just through our human flesh and how we find ourselves in the midst of how we find ourselves in the midst of how we find ourselves in the midst of storms, either freaking out or having storms, either freaking out or having storms, either freaking out or having faith. and we've been able to reflect faith. and we've been able to reflect faith. and we've been able to reflect and pinpoint what areas of ourselves and pinpoint what areas of ourselves and pinpoint what areas of ourselves that we kind of need to lean and trust that we kind of need to lean and trust that we kind of need to lean and trust God more on when it comes to being in God more on when it comes to being in God more on when it comes to being in the midst of a storm. And today I want the midst of a storm. And today I want the midst of a storm. And today I want to talk to you about a group of people to talk to you about a group of people to talk to you about a group of people who are often immediately labeled as who are often immediately labeled as who are often immediately labeled as adrenaline junkies. A lot of times we adrenaline junkies. A lot of times we adrenaline junkies. A lot of times we see these groups of people on the news see these groups of people on the news see these groups of people on the news or we hear about them and we label them or we hear about them and we label them or we hear about them and we label them as like chaos seekers. For me, my first as like chaos seekers. For me, my first as like chaos seekers. For me, my first encounter with this group of people was encounter with this group of people was encounter with this group of people was watching the movie Twister. Have any of watching the movie Twister. Have any of watching the movie Twister. Have any of you seen that movie? The newer one for you seen that movie? The newer one for you seen that movie? The newer one for me. The older one is a little I think is me. The older one is a little I think is me. The older one is a little I think is is very old. But is very old. But is very old. But Twister is a movie that introduces us to Twister is a movie that introduces us to Twister is a movie that introduces us to a group of stormchasers.

a group of stormchasers. a group of stormchasers. And that's our sermon title today. And that's our sermon title today. And that's our sermon title today. Stormchasers. And stormchasers, again, Stormchasers. And stormchasers, again, Stormchasers. And stormchasers, again, they're labeled as adrenaline junkies. they're labeled as adrenaline junkies. they're labeled as adrenaline junkies. But as I've learned more and dug more But as I've learned more and dug more But as I've learned more and dug more into what a stormchaser or who into what a stormchaser or who into what a stormchaser or who stormchasers are, at the end of the day, stormchasers are, at the end of the day, stormchasers are, at the end of the day, they're educated people. They're groups they're educated people. They're groups they're educated people. They're groups of people who have studied weather. of people who have studied weather. of people who have studied weather. They're meteorologists, scientists, They're meteorologists, scientists, They're meteorologists, scientists, photographers. They're researchers who photographers. They're researchers who photographers. They're researchers who come together as a team because they come together as a team because they come together as a team because they know that there's something to learn know that there's something to learn know that there's something to learn from being in the middle of a storm. For from being in the middle of a storm. For from being in the middle of a storm. For a stormchaser, they know and believe a stormchaser, they know and believe a stormchaser, they know and believe that there's things to pick up on, that that there's things to pick up on, that that there's things to pick up on, that there's things to learn about, to there's things to learn about, to there's things to learn about, to research, to know on when they are in research, to know on when they are in research, to know on when they are in that they can only receive from being in that they can only receive from being in that they can only receive from being in the middle of a storm that we can't the middle of a storm that we can't the middle of a storm that we can't receive when we're just looking at it. receive when we're just looking at it. receive when we're just looking at it. So today, as we talk about that, it made So today, as we talk about that, it made So today, as we talk about that, it made me think about even Hurricane Maria in me think about even Hurricane Maria in me think about even Hurricane Maria in 2017 in Puerto in Puerto Rico and how 2017 in Puerto in Puerto Rico and how 2017 in Puerto in Puerto Rico and how there was a group of stormchasers there there was a group of stormchasers there there was a group of stormchasers there who were able to know and take data on who were able to know and take data on who were able to know and take data on the storm, the hurricane that was taking the storm, the hurricane that was taking the storm, the hurricane that was taking place, not only to just navigate the place, not only to just navigate the place, not only to just navigate the aftermath of what was taking place or aftermath of what was taking place or aftermath of what was taking place or navigate um for the people that were on navigate um for the people that were on navigate um for the people that were on the island itself, but because of the island itself, but because of the island itself, but because of Stormchasers, we were able to receive Stormchasers, we were able to receive Stormchasers, we were able to receive data and information far away from the data and information far away from the data and information far away from the island to know what was taking place in island to know what was taking place in island to know what was taking place in that moment in that real time. So, as that moment in that real time. So, as that moment in that real time. So, as I'm like learning about this group, I'm like learning about this group, I'm like learning about this group, these group of people and kind of these group of people and kind of these group of people and kind of piecing together who they are, I piecing together who they are, I piecing together who they are, I thought, okay, maybe Lord, I'm sorry I

thought, okay, maybe Lord, I'm sorry I thought, okay, maybe Lord, I'm sorry I misjudged them. They are not chaos misjudged them. They are not chaos misjudged them. They are not chaos seekers. They are not the people who seekers. They are not the people who seekers. They are not the people who like us when we go to Six Flags, they like us when we go to Six Flags, they like us when we go to Six Flags, they like to feel this the their stomach lift like to feel this the their stomach lift like to feel this the their stomach lift out of their chest. They're not seeking out of their chest. They're not seeking out of their chest. They're not seeking adrenaline. They're really doing and adrenaline. They're really doing and adrenaline. They're really doing and learning and taking in data because at learning and taking in data because at learning and taking in data because at the end of the day they realize that the end of the day they realize that the end of the day they realize that there's something to give that they that there's something to give that they that there's something to give that they that can only be taken from the middle of the can only be taken from the middle of the can only be taken from the middle of the storm. And if you're like me, you're storm. And if you're like me, you're storm. And if you're like me, you're thinking, okay, how does being a thinking, okay, how does being a thinking, okay, how does being a stormchaser relate to rest and return? stormchaser relate to rest and return? stormchaser relate to rest and return? Because it doesn't sound very restful to Because it doesn't sound very restful to Because it doesn't sound very restful to be in the middle of a storm. And if be in the middle of a storm. And if be in the middle of a storm. And if you've ever been in the middle of the you've ever been in the middle of the you've ever been in the middle of the storm, you know it doesn't feel restful. storm, you know it doesn't feel restful. storm, you know it doesn't feel restful. But what I have learned is that as a But what I have learned is that as a But what I have learned is that as a stormchaser, you aren't just picking up stormchaser, you aren't just picking up stormchaser, you aren't just picking up and packing your bags and heading to and packing your bags and heading to and packing your bags and heading to every storm that you see. Stormchasers every storm that you see. Stormchasers every storm that you see. Stormchasers have learned that preparation has to have learned that preparation has to have learned that preparation has to come before getting into the midst of a come before getting into the midst of a come before getting into the midst of a storm. And not only that, but storm. And not only that, but storm. And not only that, but preparation is more important than the preparation is more important than the preparation is more important than the pursuit that they're on. And that's the pursuit that they're on. And that's the pursuit that they're on. And that's the same for you and me as we walk through same for you and me as we walk through same for you and me as we walk through our lives and we encounter storms.

our lives and we encounter storms. our lives and we encounter storms. because I'm sorry to tell you but as because I'm sorry to tell you but as because I'm sorry to tell you but as people of God the same way people who people of God the same way people who people of God the same way people who don't know God we are promised storms in don't know God we are promised storms in don't know God we are promised storms in life John 16:33 Jesus tells us in this life John 16:33 Jesus tells us in this life John 16:33 Jesus tells us in this world you will have tribulation but take world you will have tribulation but take world you will have tribulation but take heart because what I have overcome the heart because what I have overcome the heart because what I have overcome the world the storms are unavail unavoidable world the storms are unavail unavoidable world the storms are unavail unavoidable and there might be a moment for you and there might be a moment for you and there might be a moment for you where God calls you into purpose God where God calls you into purpose God where God calls you into purpose God calls calls you into a moment and a calls calls you into a moment and a calls calls you into a moment and a place and he says you need to get up and place and he says you need to get up and place and he says you need to get up and go. But the moment you look towards the go. But the moment you look towards the go. But the moment you look towards the direction that he's sending you, you're direction that he's sending you, you're direction that he's sending you, you're saying, "Oh God, it looks it looks a saying, "Oh God, it looks it looks a saying, "Oh God, it looks it looks a little dark over there. Oh God, the little dark over there. Oh God, the little dark over there. Oh God, the winds are picking up over there. Lord, winds are picking up over there. Lord, winds are picking up over there. Lord, my hair I can't walk that way. It's my hair I can't walk that way. It's my hair I can't walk that way. It's going to rain. I straightened it today." going to rain. I straightened it today." going to rain. I straightened it today." There might be a time where God calls There might be a time where God calls There might be a time where God calls you to a place where you can't see the you to a place where you can't see the you to a place where you can't see the other side of it. But you have to know other side of it. But you have to know other side of it. But you have to know and trust and be able to know who God is and trust and be able to know who God is and trust and be able to know who God is and know that you can walk in what it and know that you can walk in what it and know that you can walk in what it says in Isaiah 43:2.

says in Isaiah 43:2. says in Isaiah 43:2. When you go through deep waters, I will When you go through deep waters, I will When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers be with you. When you go through rivers be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When of difficulty, you will not drown. When of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you walk through the fire of oppression, you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. The flames you will not be burned up. The flames you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you because each and will not consume you because each and will not consume you because each and every one of you in this room are every one of you in this room are every one of you in this room are stormchasers. stormchasers. stormchasers. Can you tell the person next to you, I Can you tell the person next to you, I Can you tell the person next to you, I am a stormchaser? am a stormchaser? am a stormchaser? We have to believe that for ourselves. We have to believe that for ourselves. We have to believe that for ourselves. If you're not next to somebody, look If you're not next to somebody, look If you're not next to somebody, look behind you. Say, I am a stormchas. Tell behind you. Say, I am a stormchas. Tell behind you. Say, I am a stormchas. Tell yourself, affirm yourself, I am a yourself, affirm yourself, I am a yourself, affirm yourself, I am a stormchaser. stormchaser. stormchaser. Because we have to believe that for Because we have to believe that for Because we have to believe that for ourselves. And in order to believe that ourselves. And in order to believe that ourselves. And in order to believe that we're stormchasers, we have to know who we're stormchasers, we have to know who we're stormchasers, we have to know who God is. We have to know that we are God is. We have to know that we are God is. We have to know that we are equipped with every piece of equipped with every piece of equipped with every piece of information, every piece that we need to information, every piece that we need to information, every piece that we need to walk in the midst of a storm. Because walk in the midst of a storm. Because walk in the midst of a storm. Because when we look at a storm, it doesn't look when we look at a storm, it doesn't look when we look at a storm, it doesn't look too good. It doesn't look like we can too good. It doesn't look like we can too good. It doesn't look like we can come out on the other side. But knowing come out on the other side. But knowing come out on the other side. But knowing and knowing who your God is, you will and knowing who your God is, you will and knowing who your God is, you will know that you have everything you need know that you have everything you need know that you have everything you need to get to the victory on the end of it.

to get to the victory on the end of it. to get to the victory on the end of it. Amen. Amen. Amen. And what I've been learning about storms And what I've been learning about storms And what I've been learning about storms is that they do a lot of things. And if is that they do a lot of things. And if is that they do a lot of things. And if you're like me, you look at a storm and you're like me, you look at a storm and you're like me, you look at a storm and you look at it through a physical lens. you look at it through a physical lens. you look at it through a physical lens. And for me, Chicago has been crazy with And for me, Chicago has been crazy with And for me, Chicago has been crazy with this rain. I feel like I'm in Florida this rain. I feel like I'm in Florida this rain. I feel like I'm in Florida half the time. But through LA, a few half the time. But through LA, a few half the time. But through LA, a few months ago, there were a a few storms months ago, there were a a few storms months ago, there were a a few storms happening. And my block had power, happening. And my block had power, happening. And my block had power, didn't have power. There was a power didn't have power. There was a power didn't have power. There was a power outage. And I remember just the storm outage. And I remember just the storm outage. And I remember just the storm coming and I'm like, "Yo, we've seen coming and I'm like, "Yo, we've seen coming and I'm like, "Yo, we've seen these type of storms before." But then these type of storms before." But then these type of storms before." But then when it was done, the power lines were when it was done, the power lines were when it was done, the power lines were down, the roots, the trees were down, the roots, the trees were down, the roots, the trees were uprooted. and you're looking like we're uprooted. and you're looking like we're uprooted. and you're looking like we're just in the middle of I don't know, it just in the middle of I don't know, it just in the middle of I don't know, it was like a war zone of trees everywhere. was like a war zone of trees everywhere. was like a war zone of trees everywhere. You have to climb over things, under You have to climb over things, under You have to climb over things, under things. And for us in my house, our things. And for us in my house, our things. And for us in my house, our lights went out and it was very hot and lights went out and it was very hot and lights went out and it was very hot and our AC went out and it was, you know, our AC went out and it was, you know, our AC went out and it was, you know, terrible. But at first, I'm like, "Okay, terrible. But at first, I'm like, "Okay, terrible. But at first, I'm like, "Okay, I'm Puerto Rican." I tell my aunt, I'm I'm Puerto Rican." I tell my aunt, I'm I'm Puerto Rican." I tell my aunt, I'm like, "Ti, it's like we're on the like, "Ti, it's like we're on the like, "Ti, it's like we're on the island." I never lived a day of my life island." I never lived a day of my life island." I never lived a day of my life on the island, but you know, I'm built on the island, but you know, I'm built on the island, but you know, I'm built for this. A few hours go by, I'm for this. A few hours go by, I'm for this. A few hours go by, I'm sweating. And I'm like, "Lord, we got to sweating. And I'm like, "Lord, we got to sweating. And I'm like, "Lord, we got to send Comet out here. Bring your A team send Comet out here. Bring your A team send Comet out here. Bring your A team because I can't last this long." I'm because I can't last this long." I'm because I can't last this long." I'm like, "Did what am I going to eat?" And like, "Did what am I going to eat?" And like, "Did what am I going to eat?" And she's like, "Girl, your gas, your stove she's like, "Girl, your gas, your stove she's like, "Girl, your gas, your stove is gas." And I'm like, "Okay, is gas." And I'm like, "Okay, is gas." And I'm like, "Okay, I can't do this. I can't do this." But I can't do this. I can't do this." But I can't do this. I can't do this." But when I look at a storm, I'm looking at when I look at a storm, I'm looking at when I look at a storm, I'm looking at it through a physical lens. And I'm it through a physical lens. And I'm it through a physical lens. And I'm like, "Wow, this storm really uprooted like, "Wow, this storm really uprooted like, "Wow, this storm really uprooted or changed up the trajectory of what I or changed up the trajectory of what I or changed up the trajectory of what I had planned for my dayto day." And a lot had planned for my dayto day." And a lot had planned for my dayto day." And a lot of times when we look through storms

of times when we look through storms of times when we look through storms through the physical lens, that's our through the physical lens, that's our through the physical lens, that's our automatic reaction. It's like, okay, you automatic reaction. It's like, okay, you automatic reaction. It's like, okay, you disrupted what I was trying to get to. disrupted what I was trying to get to. disrupted what I was trying to get to. So now either I have to stop, it's the So now either I have to stop, it's the So now either I have to stop, it's the end of the world, I can't move forward. end of the world, I can't move forward. end of the world, I can't move forward. But we're not called to walk through But we're not called to walk through But we're not called to walk through life looking through a human lens. Each life looking through a human lens. Each life looking through a human lens. Each and every one of you, whether it's your and every one of you, whether it's your and every one of you, whether it's your first time in this building, whether you first time in this building, whether you first time in this building, whether you have been a Christian for years or have been a Christian for years or have been a Christian for years or generations, whoever you are, you have generations, whoever you are, you have generations, whoever you are, you have full authority and opportunity to look full authority and opportunity to look full authority and opportunity to look through your life through a spiritual through your life through a spiritual through your life through a spiritual lens. You pray and you ask God to give lens. You pray and you ask God to give lens. You pray and you ask God to give you the mind of Christ, to give you his you the mind of Christ, to give you his you the mind of Christ, to give you his vision, to allow him to hear what he is vision, to allow him to hear what he is vision, to allow him to hear what he is speaking to you, to allow him to make speaking to you, to allow him to make speaking to you, to allow him to make your heart beat for what what beats his. your heart beat for what what beats his. your heart beat for what what beats his. Each and every one of us can look Each and every one of us can look Each and every one of us can look through life through a spiritual lens. through life through a spiritual lens. through life through a spiritual lens. And when we look at a storm with the And when we look at a storm with the And when we look at a storm with the mind of Christ, we learn a lot about who mind of Christ, we learn a lot about who mind of Christ, we learn a lot about who our God is. And a storm can reveal God's our God is. And a storm can reveal God's our God is. And a storm can reveal God's presence around you. When you are in the presence around you. When you are in the presence around you. When you are in the midst, and I'm talking about when you midst, and I'm talking about when you midst, and I'm talking about when you are in the middle of it. We we've talked are in the middle of it. We we've talked are in the middle of it. We we've talked about when you see it. We've talked about when you see it. We've talked about when you see it. We've talked about when you feel it, but when you are about when you feel it, but when you are about when you feel it, but when you are in the middle of the storm, God's in the middle of the storm, God's in the middle of the storm, God's presence, a storm can reveal God's presence, a storm can reveal God's presence, a storm can reveal God's presence around you. And I want to talk presence around you. And I want to talk presence around you. And I want to talk about Mark chapter 4. We talked about about Mark chapter 4. We talked about about Mark chapter 4. We talked about this chapter last week, but there's a this chapter last week, but there's a this chapter last week, but there's a lot to learn about how the disciples

lot to learn about how the disciples lot to learn about how the disciples were in this storm. And we hear about were in this storm. And we hear about were in this storm. And we hear about this moment where Jesus calls the this moment where Jesus calls the this moment where Jesus calls the disciples onto the boat and he tells disciples onto the boat and he tells disciples onto the boat and he tells them, "We're going to we're going to them, "We're going to we're going to them, "We're going to we're going to sail in the Sea of Galilee." But a sail in the Sea of Galilee." But a sail in the Sea of Galilee." But a little fact about this part of the sea little fact about this part of the sea little fact about this part of the sea is that it was known for violent is that it was known for violent is that it was known for violent windstorms because of where it windstorms because of where it windstorms because of where it physically was. There were mountain, it physically was. There were mountain, it physically was. There were mountain, it was surrounded by mountains and was surrounded by mountains and was surrounded by mountains and highlands. So being hit by a violent highlands. So being hit by a violent highlands. So being hit by a violent storm wasn't a surprise. It wasn't like, storm wasn't a surprise. It wasn't like, storm wasn't a surprise. It wasn't like, "Oh, the winds are picking up. Let's "Oh, the winds are picking up. Let's "Oh, the winds are picking up. Let's start freaking out automatically." They start freaking out automatically." They start freaking out automatically." They knew that this could possibly happen. knew that this could possibly happen. knew that this could possibly happen. Hitting this storm was not a surprise Hitting this storm was not a surprise Hitting this storm was not a surprise for these group this this group of for these group this this group of for these group this this group of people, for the disciples. So just like people, for the disciples. So just like people, for the disciples. So just like a stormchaser, Jesus led the disciples a stormchaser, Jesus led the disciples a stormchaser, Jesus led the disciples directly into a place where it was directly into a place where it was directly into a place where it was common to face a storm. They followed common to face a storm. They followed common to face a storm. They followed him in obedience. Can you say obedience? him in obedience. Can you say obedience? him in obedience. Can you say obedience? Obedience is a word that might just Obedience is a word that might just Obedience is a word that might just grind your gears a little bit. It might grind your gears a little bit. It might grind your gears a little bit. It might make you feel a little uncomfortable make you feel a little uncomfortable make you feel a little uncomfortable because here's the thing about because here's the thing about because here's the thing about obedience. When you are walking in obedience. When you are walking in obedience. When you are walking in obedience to the Lord, it does not obedience to the Lord, it does not obedience to the Lord, it does not disqualify you or exempt you from being disqualify you or exempt you from being disqualify you or exempt you from being in a storm.

in a storm. in a storm. Obedience doesn't mean that you're not Obedience doesn't mean that you're not Obedience doesn't mean that you're not going to get hit. You're not going to going to get hit. You're not going to going to get hit. You're not going to find yourself in the midst of a storm. find yourself in the midst of a storm. find yourself in the midst of a storm. But the difference between you walking But the difference between you walking But the difference between you walking in obedience to the Lord and you walking in obedience to the Lord and you walking in obedience to the Lord and you walking in disobedience is the fact that when I in disobedience is the fact that when I in disobedience is the fact that when I am in step with how the Lord has called am in step with how the Lord has called am in step with how the Lord has called me to walk, I can look at my storm. I me to walk, I can look at my storm. I me to walk, I can look at my storm. I can look behind me, see a storm, in can look behind me, see a storm, in can look behind me, see a storm, in front of me, see a storm. But I can step front of me, see a storm. But I can step front of me, see a storm. But I can step in faith knowing that the one who can in faith knowing that the one who can in faith knowing that the one who can tell the winds and waves to stop is on tell the winds and waves to stop is on tell the winds and waves to stop is on my side, is walking with me, is my side, is walking with me, is my side, is walking with me, is surrounding me, and I will not drown by surrounding me, and I will not drown by surrounding me, and I will not drown by the storm that is around me. the storm that is around me. the storm that is around me. Walking in disobedience is when panic Walking in disobedience is when panic Walking in disobedience is when panic can settle in, anxiety settles in, fear can settle in, anxiety settles in, fear can settle in, anxiety settles in, fear begins to take control. And let me tell begins to take control. And let me tell begins to take control. And let me tell you something, the the disciples in the you something, the the disciples in the you something, the the disciples in the boat, they weren't they didn't they boat, they weren't they didn't they boat, they weren't they didn't they weren't people who didn't know how to weren't people who didn't know how to weren't people who didn't know how to fish. They weren't like rookies at this. fish. They weren't like rookies at this. fish. They weren't like rookies at this. They knew how they were fishermen. They They knew how they were fishermen. They They knew how they were fishermen. They knew exactly what to do in a storm. They knew exactly what to do in a storm. They knew exactly what to do in a storm. They knew that how to maneuver a boat in knew that how to maneuver a boat in knew that how to maneuver a boat in general. So when they saw this storm, it general. So when they saw this storm, it general. So when they saw this storm, it makes me think like, man, this must have makes me think like, man, this must have makes me think like, man, this must have been a big one to really shake them in been a big one to really shake them in been a big one to really shake them in their boots. It must have been a big one their boots. It must have been a big one their boots. It must have been a big one for them to wake up Jesus. And I can for them to wake up Jesus. And I can for them to wake up Jesus. And I can imagine it like when you have to wake up imagine it like when you have to wake up imagine it like when you have to wake up your mom um or or somebody like from a your mom um or or somebody like from a your mom um or or somebody like from a deep sleep and you're just kind of deep sleep and you're just kind of deep sleep and you're just kind of staring at them and you're like you do staring at them and you're like you do staring at them and you're like you do it. No, you do it. No, you do it. Like it. No, you do it. No, you do it. Like it. No, you do it. No, you do it. Like it must have been something really big it must have been something really big it must have been something really big for them to go and wake up Jesus and for them to go and wake up Jesus and for them to go and wake up Jesus and make him aware of what was happening in make him aware of what was happening in make him aware of what was happening in the physical realm. But here's what I

the physical realm. But here's what I the physical realm. But here's what I don't want you to miss in Mark 4 verse don't want you to miss in Mark 4 verse don't want you to miss in Mark 4 verse 35. Jesus is telling the disciples on 35. Jesus is telling the disciples on 35. Jesus is telling the disciples on that day when evening came uh when that day when evening came uh when that day when evening came uh when evening had come he told them let's evening had come he told them let's evening had come he told them let's cross over to the other side of the sea. cross over to the other side of the sea. cross over to the other side of the sea. Jesus started the journey with a promise Jesus started the journey with a promise Jesus started the journey with a promise to the disciples. He said let's cross to the disciples. He said let's cross to the disciples. He said let's cross over. And Jesus is intentional with over. And Jesus is intentional with over. And Jesus is intentional with every single word that he speaks, with every single word that he speaks, with every single word that he speaks, with every single way that he delivers the every single way that he delivers the every single way that he delivers the word to the people around him. When he word to the people around him. When he word to the people around him. When he said, "Let's cross over," there was a said, "Let's cross over," there was a said, "Let's cross over," there was a promise in that. He wasn't just giving promise in that. He wasn't just giving promise in that. He wasn't just giving them a, "Maybe if we make it to the them a, "Maybe if we make it to the them a, "Maybe if we make it to the other side, we'll get off the boat and other side, we'll get off the boat and other side, we'll get off the boat and then we'll have dinner." He was saying, then we'll have dinner." He was saying, then we'll have dinner." He was saying, "No, we're going to make it. It's not a "No, we're going to make it. It's not a "No, we're going to make it. It's not a travel plan. It's this is our travel plan. It's this is our travel plan. It's this is our destination and this is what how and destination and this is what how and destination and this is what how and we're going to get there. No, no matter we're going to get there. No, no matter we're going to get there. No, no matter what comes in between, we can trust and what comes in between, we can trust and what comes in between, we can trust and believe that we are going to get there. believe that we are going to get there. believe that we are going to get there. But when it got rocky, when doubt began But when it got rocky, when doubt began But when it got rocky, when doubt began to creep in, fear began to settle, they to creep in, fear began to settle, they to creep in, fear began to settle, they didn't abandon the storm that they were didn't abandon the storm that they were didn't abandon the storm that they were in. They didn't jump ship. They weren't in. They didn't jump ship. They weren't in. They didn't jump ship. They weren't making plans on how to turn around. They making plans on how to turn around. They making plans on how to turn around. They called on the one who was in control.

called on the one who was in control. called on the one who was in control. They called on the one whose power could They called on the one whose power could They called on the one whose power could settle the waves itself. They saw settle the waves itself. They saw settle the waves itself. They saw because they called on the Lord, they because they called on the Lord, they because they called on the Lord, they saw the depth of the power that Jesus saw the depth of the power that Jesus saw the depth of the power that Jesus had in that moment. had in that moment. had in that moment. When you are in the middle of a storm, When you are in the middle of a storm, When you are in the middle of a storm, when the wind and waves begin to pick when the wind and waves begin to pick when the wind and waves begin to pick up, when you feel like you're about to up, when you feel like you're about to up, when you feel like you're about to get rocked out of your path, do not get rocked out of your path, do not get rocked out of your path, do not abandon your storm. Don't look to what's abandon your storm. Don't look to what's abandon your storm. Don't look to what's ahead and try to make a plan on how to ahead and try to make a plan on how to ahead and try to make a plan on how to get out. Don't try to jump ship because get out. Don't try to jump ship because get out. Don't try to jump ship because just because you're in the midst of a just because you're in the midst of a just because you're in the midst of a storm doesn't mean that God has storm doesn't mean that God has storm doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. Just because you feel abandoned you. Just because you feel abandoned you. Just because you feel like you don't have your feet grounded like you don't have your feet grounded like you don't have your feet grounded to the floor doesn't mean that God has to the floor doesn't mean that God has to the floor doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. It is a very moment where abandoned you. It is a very moment where abandoned you. It is a very moment where you have an opportunity to call on the you have an opportunity to call on the you have an opportunity to call on the name of the Lord knowing that he is the name of the Lord knowing that he is the name of the Lord knowing that he is the creator of all things and has full creator of all things and has full creator of all things and has full authority to tell the wind the waves authority to tell the wind the waves authority to tell the wind the waves around you to stop to freeze to to calm around you to stop to freeze to to calm around you to stop to freeze to to calm down and show you the power of his down and show you the power of his down and show you the power of his presence. Do not abandon the storm presence. Do not abandon the storm presence. Do not abandon the storm because he will see you to the other because he will see you to the other because he will see you to the other side. He will lead you to the other side. He will lead you to the other side. He will lead you to the other side. And while you're on the way to it, side. And while you're on the way to it, side. And while you're on the way to it, you better believe. You better be you better believe. You better be you better believe. You better be praising him in the process, declaring praising him in the process, declaring praising him in the process, declaring your victory in the process because he your victory in the process because he your victory in the process because he has promised victory for each and every has promised victory for each and every has promised victory for each and every one of you in every single season.

And another thing a storm can teach us And another thing a storm can teach us is redirection of God's purpose. is redirection of God's purpose. is redirection of God's purpose. When we look through the lens of a When we look through the lens of a When we look through the lens of a stormchaser, we're able to see the stormchaser, we're able to see the stormchaser, we're able to see the beauty in a storm. A lot of times, the beauty in a storm. A lot of times, the beauty in a storm. A lot of times, the only way I see beauty in a storm is when only way I see beauty in a storm is when only way I see beauty in a storm is when I'm home and I have my blinds up and I I'm home and I have my blinds up and I I'm home and I have my blinds up and I just can hear it like I'm listening to just can hear it like I'm listening to just can hear it like I'm listening to white noise and it's just trickling out white noise and it's just trickling out white noise and it's just trickling out my window. I'm like, "Thank you, Lord. my window. I'm like, "Thank you, Lord. my window. I'm like, "Thank you, Lord. I'm not out there because that looks I'm not out there because that looks I'm not out there because that looks crazy." A stormchaser though has a crazy." A stormchaser though has a crazy." A stormchaser though has a completely different point of view. When completely different point of view. When completely different point of view. When they're in the midst of a storm, they they're in the midst of a storm, they they're in the midst of a storm, they feel and they see the beauty of it. And feel and they see the beauty of it. And feel and they see the beauty of it. And I believe that there well there's a man I believe that there well there's a man I believe that there well there's a man named Jonah. And Jonah had a call on his named Jonah. And Jonah had a call on his named Jonah. And Jonah had a call on his life. And Jonah 1:2 said Jesus tells life. And Jonah 1:2 said Jesus tells life. And Jonah 1:2 said Jesus tells him, "Get up, go to the great city of him, "Get up, go to the great city of him, "Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because Nineveh and preach against it because Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me." God their evil has come up before me." God their evil has come up before me." God placed a call on Jonah's life at this placed a call on Jonah's life at this placed a call on Jonah's life at this moment. He gave him a direction to walk moment. He gave him a direction to walk moment. He gave him a direction to walk in. He gave him exactly what he needed in. He gave him exactly what he needed in. He gave him exactly what he needed to do when he got to the place that he to do when he got to the place that he to do when he got to the place that he was going. But the thing about Nineveh was going. But the thing about Nineveh was going. But the thing about Nineveh was that it was a land full of violent was that it was a land full of violent was that it was a land full of violent people. They tortured people. They people. They tortured people. They people. They tortured people. They killed people. Then they mocked the killed people. Then they mocked the killed people. Then they mocked the people that they killed. And knowing all people that they killed. And knowing all people that they killed. And knowing all of this, hearing the direct plans from of this, hearing the direct plans from of this, hearing the direct plans from God, Jonah heard it. He said, "Got you, God, Jonah heard it. He said, "Got you, God, Jonah heard it. He said, "Got you, understood, and went the other understood, and went the other understood, and went the other direction." He said, "That's not my direction." He said, "That's not my direction." He said, "That's not my call. That's not for me. It must be the call. That's not for me. It must be the call. That's not for me. It must be the wrong person that you're trying to wrong person that you're trying to wrong person that you're trying to reach."

reach." reach." But some of us are like Jonah because But some of us are like Jonah because But some of us are like Jonah because when he heard that call and he felt like when he heard that call and he felt like when he heard that call and he felt like it was too big, too dangerous, too much. it was too big, too dangerous, too much. it was too big, too dangerous, too much. He didn't even want those people to get He didn't even want those people to get He didn't even want those people to get saved because of how ugly they were. He saved because of how ugly they were. He saved because of how ugly they were. He turned straight from the call that God turned straight from the call that God turned straight from the call that God had for him. Meaning, he was walking in had for him. Meaning, he was walking in had for him. Meaning, he was walking in disobedience to the Lord. He was leaving disobedience to the Lord. He was leaving disobedience to the Lord. He was leaving the presence of God in that choice. And the presence of God in that choice. And the presence of God in that choice. And some of us, God has called us to a plan. some of us, God has called us to a plan. some of us, God has called us to a plan. God has called us to a purpose. God has God has called us to a purpose. God has God has called us to a purpose. God has called you to walk away from the called you to walk away from the called you to walk away from the addiction. leave the relationship, step addiction. leave the relationship, step addiction. leave the relationship, step into an opportunity that might look into an opportunity that might look into an opportunity that might look costly to you. Some of you have received costly to you. Some of you have received costly to you. Some of you have received the purpose that God has called you to the purpose that God has called you to the purpose that God has called you to walk in and you've heard it, but you're walk in and you've heard it, but you're walk in and you've heard it, but you're refusing to walk in it because it seems refusing to walk in it because it seems refusing to walk in it because it seems like it'll cost you more than it you'll like it'll cost you more than it you'll like it'll cost you more than it you'll receive from it. But you have to trust receive from it. But you have to trust receive from it. But you have to trust and believe that when God gives you a and believe that when God gives you a and believe that when God gives you a purpose in life, no matter what it looks purpose in life, no matter what it looks purpose in life, no matter what it looks like, even if you don't understand it, like, even if you don't understand it, like, even if you don't understand it, he's going to give you what you need to he's going to give you what you need to he's going to give you what you need to get to the other side.

And Jonah, And Jonah, Jonah walked away from God's call, found Jonah walked away from God's call, found Jonah walked away from God's call, found himself on a boat. I don't know, but I himself on a boat. I don't know, but I himself on a boat. I don't know, but I would just a avoid boats at all costs in would just a avoid boats at all costs in would just a avoid boats at all costs in these stories. But Jonah found himself these stories. But Jonah found himself these stories. But Jonah found himself on a boat. And in this boat were other on a boat. And in this boat were other on a boat. And in this boat were other people, other sailors. And Jonah, people, other sailors. And Jonah, people, other sailors. And Jonah, Jonah's boat began to face a storm, Jonah's boat began to face a storm, Jonah's boat began to face a storm, right? And then all of the sailors on right? And then all of the sailors on right? And then all of the sailors on there, they didn't know who God was. there, they didn't know who God was. there, they didn't know who God was. They they were not believers. And they They they were not believers. And they They they were not believers. And they looked and they were like, "Why is this looked and they were like, "Why is this looked and they were like, "Why is this storm coming? Who has caused this?" In storm coming? Who has caused this?" In storm coming? Who has caused this?" In Jonah 1:13-15, it says, "Instead, the Jonah 1:13-15, it says, "Instead, the Jonah 1:13-15, it says, "Instead, the men did their best to row back to land, men did their best to row back to land, men did their best to row back to land, but they could not, for the sea grew but they could not, for the sea grew but they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before." Then they even wilder than before." Then they even wilder than before." Then they cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's not let us die for taking this man's not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for life. Do not hold us accountable for life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man. for you, Lord, killing an innocent man. for you, Lord, killing an innocent man. for you, Lord, have done as you please." Then they took have done as you please." Then they took have done as you please." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the Jonah and threw him overboard, and the Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men raging sea grew calm. At this the men raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they greatly feared the Lord, and they greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. When you look at this vows to him. When you look at this vows to him. When you look at this story, you might think, man, Jonah ran story, you might think, man, Jonah ran story, you might think, man, Jonah ran away from God and put all of these other away from God and put all of these other away from God and put all of these other people at risk. Jonah refused to walk in people at risk. Jonah refused to walk in people at risk. Jonah refused to walk in his purpose, and then all of these other his purpose, and then all of these other his purpose, and then all of these other people were put in the midst of a storm people were put in the midst of a storm people were put in the midst of a storm because of him. And I want to tell you because of him. And I want to tell you because of him. And I want to tell you about how God is such a redeeming God.

about how God is such a redeeming God. about how God is such a redeeming God. Even as we walk in disobedience to him, Even as we walk in disobedience to him, Even as we walk in disobedience to him, even if we refuse to walk in the purpose even if we refuse to walk in the purpose even if we refuse to walk in the purpose that he has or the path that he has for that he has or the path that he has for that he has or the path that he has for us, he's still going to turn that story us, he's still going to turn that story us, he's still going to turn that story around for his good and for his glory. around for his good and for his glory. around for his good and for his glory. Because without this storm that took Because without this storm that took Because without this storm that took place, without the moment of Jonah place, without the moment of Jonah place, without the moment of Jonah walking away and finding this boat and walking away and finding this boat and walking away and finding this boat and getting on it, the the men on that boat, getting on it, the the men on that boat, getting on it, the the men on that boat, the sailors on that boat would have the sailors on that boat would have the sailors on that boat would have never experienced the power of God. They never experienced the power of God. They never experienced the power of God. They would have never came to know who God would have never came to know who God would have never came to know who God was and surrender to him and become was and surrender to him and become was and surrender to him and become followers of him. They would have never followers of him. They would have never followers of him. They would have never came to Christ. Jonah without repentance came to Christ. Jonah without repentance came to Christ. Jonah without repentance would have never been a part of change would have never been a part of change would have never been a part of change bringing the gospel to Nineveh. There bringing the gospel to Nineveh. There bringing the gospel to Nineveh. There are so many things that could have never are so many things that could have never are so many things that could have never took place if Jonah would have never took place if Jonah would have never took place if Jonah would have never found himself in the midst of a storm. found himself in the midst of a storm. found himself in the midst of a storm. Sometimes God has to redirect us back to Sometimes God has to redirect us back to Sometimes God has to redirect us back to where we're supposed to be. But you can where we're supposed to be. But you can where we're supposed to be. But you can trust and believe that he's going to use trust and believe that he's going to use trust and believe that he's going to use that moment for his good and for his that moment for his good and for his that moment for his good and for his glory. and other people around you are glory. and other people around you are glory. and other people around you are going to be a witness of who God is and going to be a witness of who God is and going to be a witness of who God is and the power of what he can do in your life the power of what he can do in your life the power of what he can do in your life and those around you. So, we got to stop and those around you. So, we got to stop and those around you. So, we got to stop wasting time, wasting moments creating wasting time, wasting moments creating wasting time, wasting moments creating escape plans of how to get out of the escape plans of how to get out of the escape plans of how to get out of the storms that we're in the midst of. Some storms that we're in the midst of. Some storms that we're in the midst of. Some of us have been spending our time and of us have been spending our time and of us have been spending our time and even our prayers asking God, "How do I

even our prayers asking God, "How do I even our prayers asking God, "How do I get out of this? Why is this happening get out of this? Why is this happening get out of this? Why is this happening to me?" Can we change our prayers and to me?" Can we change our prayers and to me?" Can we change our prayers and ask God, where are you trying to direct ask God, where are you trying to direct ask God, where are you trying to direct me to? Who are you trying to use me to me to? Who are you trying to use me to me to? Who are you trying to use me to pour out and teach who you are to? What pour out and teach who you are to? What pour out and teach who you are to? What is the plan and the purpose of me being is the plan and the purpose of me being is the plan and the purpose of me being in the middle of this storm? Because in the middle of this storm? Because in the middle of this storm? Because there is a plan. There is a purpose. But there is a plan. There is a purpose. But there is a plan. There is a purpose. But do you have the eyes to see what he's do you have the eyes to see what he's do you have the eyes to see what he's doing at that moment? doing at that moment? doing at that moment? Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, "Trust in the Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, "Trust in the Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on Lord with all your heart. Lean not on Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your your own understanding. In all your your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will he will ways, submit to him and he will he will ways, submit to him and he will he will make your paths straight. make your paths straight. make your paths straight. And I can I know for me personally in my And I can I know for me personally in my And I can I know for me personally in my life, I can walk in this truth. I can be life, I can walk in this truth. I can be life, I can walk in this truth. I can be in the middle of the storm and declare in the middle of the storm and declare in the middle of the storm and declare that he will make my path straight. I that he will make my path straight. I that he will make my path straight. I can make a mistake and get up and repent can make a mistake and get up and repent can make a mistake and get up and repent to God and say, "Lord, I trust in you to to God and say, "Lord, I trust in you to to God and say, "Lord, I trust in you to shift and redirect me around because I shift and redirect me around because I shift and redirect me around because I know that not only does a storm reveal know that not only does a storm reveal know that not only does a storm reveal God's power, but it reveals God's power God's power, but it reveals God's power God's power, but it reveals God's power within me."

within me." within me." And that's my final point today is that And that's my final point today is that And that's my final point today is that a storm can reveal God's power within a storm can reveal God's power within a storm can reveal God's power within each and every one of you. each and every one of you. each and every one of you. Paul entered a storm that we learn about Paul entered a storm that we learn about Paul entered a storm that we learn about in Acts 27. in Acts 27. in Acts 27. And on this at this point of Paul's And on this at this point of Paul's And on this at this point of Paul's story, he's a prisoner. Difference story, he's a prisoner. Difference story, he's a prisoner. Difference between Paul and Jonah. Jonah was a free between Paul and Jonah. Jonah was a free between Paul and Jonah. Jonah was a free man, but he chose to walk away from the man, but he chose to walk away from the man, but he chose to walk away from the call that God had for him. Paul, a call that God had for him. Paul, a call that God had for him. Paul, a literal prisoner. literal prisoner. literal prisoner. Sometimes when you're walking in the Sometimes when you're walking in the Sometimes when you're walking in the will of God, it can feel like in the will of God, it can feel like in the will of God, it can feel like in the physical that you're a prisoner. that physical that you're a prisoner. that physical that you're a prisoner. that you have to say no to things that feel you have to say no to things that feel you have to say no to things that feel like you really need. You have to walk like you really need. You have to walk like you really need. You have to walk away from people that you feel like are away from people that you feel like are away from people that you feel like are really benefiting you. You feel like really benefiting you. You feel like really benefiting you. You feel like when you're following in the ways of the when you're following in the ways of the when you're following in the ways of the Lord, it's costing you something. If you Lord, it's costing you something. If you Lord, it's costing you something. If you feel like your walk with God is costing feel like your walk with God is costing feel like your walk with God is costing you something, then you're doing it you something, then you're doing it you something, then you're doing it right. right. right. Paul was a prisoner at this moment and Paul was a prisoner at this moment and Paul was a prisoner at this moment and he was operating in full obedience to he was operating in full obedience to he was operating in full obedience to the Lord. Want to know how I know this?

the Lord. Want to know how I know this? the Lord. Want to know how I know this? A um Acts 27, he's on his way to Rome. A um Acts 27, he's on his way to Rome. A um Acts 27, he's on his way to Rome. He had been arrested. He was going to He had been arrested. He was going to He had been arrested. He was going to face trial. Acts 23, this is why you got face trial. Acts 23, this is why you got face trial. Acts 23, this is why you got to read the whole Bible. Acts 23 11 to read the whole Bible. Acts 23 11 to read the whole Bible. Acts 23 11 tells us, "The following night the Lord tells us, "The following night the Lord tells us, "The following night the Lord stood by Paul and said, have courage for stood by Paul and said, have courage for stood by Paul and said, have courage for as you have testified about me in as you have testified about me in as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome." testify in Rome." testify in Rome." Paul was exactly where he was supposed Paul was exactly where he was supposed Paul was exactly where he was supposed to be. Maybe not how he thought it would to be. Maybe not how he thought it would to be. Maybe not how he thought it would be, be, be, but he was walking in the will of the but he was walking in the will of the but he was walking in the will of the Lord. He was alongside 276 people on a Lord. He was alongside 276 people on a Lord. He was alongside 276 people on a boat for 14 days. And let me tell you, boat for 14 days. And let me tell you, boat for 14 days. And let me tell you, hope was dwindling. Acts 27:20 tells us, hope was dwindling. Acts 27:20 tells us, hope was dwindling. Acts 27:20 tells us, for many days, neither sun or stars for many days, neither sun or stars for many days, neither sun or stars appeared, and the severe storms kept appeared, and the severe storms kept appeared, and the severe storms kept raging. All hope was fading. Some of us raging. All hope was fading. Some of us raging. All hope was fading. Some of us don't see the sun for 4 days and we have don't see the sun for 4 days and we have don't see the sun for 4 days and we have seasonal depression. Imagine 14 days seasonal depression. Imagine 14 days seasonal depression. Imagine 14 days without the sun and the stars. Hope was without the sun and the stars. Hope was without the sun and the stars. Hope was really at the ground at this point. But really at the ground at this point. But really at the ground at this point. But the an angel visited Paul and told him a the an angel visited Paul and told him a the an angel visited Paul and told him a promise and he shared that promise with promise and he shared that promise with promise and he shared that promise with the people on that boat. Acts 27:34, he the people on that boat. Acts 27:34, he the people on that boat. Acts 27:34, he says, "So I urge you to take some food, says, "So I urge you to take some food, says, "So I urge you to take some food, for this is for your survival since none for this is for your survival since none for this is for your survival since none of you will lose a hair from your head."

of you will lose a hair from your head." of you will lose a hair from your head." You and I have a promise on our lives. You and I have a promise on our lives. You and I have a promise on our lives. And the moment that the Lord defeated, And the moment that the Lord defeated, And the moment that the Lord defeated, Jesus defeated death and the grave, he Jesus defeated death and the grave, he Jesus defeated death and the grave, he stamped a promise on our lives that we stamped a promise on our lives that we stamped a promise on our lives that we can and will overcome anything we face can and will overcome anything we face can and will overcome anything we face in this life. in this life. in this life. Some of you are walking hopeless. Some Some of you are walking hopeless. Some Some of you are walking hopeless. Some of you haven't seen the sun in your own of you haven't seen the sun in your own of you haven't seen the sun in your own situation, in your own circumstances. situation, in your own circumstances. situation, in your own circumstances. But let me tell you, the minute you But let me tell you, the minute you But let me tell you, the minute you start to learn that what you visually start to learn that what you visually start to learn that what you visually see in your life, the circumstances of see in your life, the circumstances of see in your life, the circumstances of your life does not determine what God is your life does not determine what God is your life does not determine what God is doing in the midst of it, you'll begin doing in the midst of it, you'll begin doing in the midst of it, you'll begin to walk with joy. You'll begin to walk to walk with joy. You'll begin to walk to walk with joy. You'll begin to walk in victory. Every step that you take, in victory. Every step that you take, in victory. Every step that you take, every move you make, you'll be able to every move you make, you'll be able to every move you make, you'll be able to declare declare declare the ending of your story. And it ends in the ending of your story. And it ends in the ending of your story. And it ends in victory because of the God you serve. victory because of the God you serve. victory because of the God you serve. And not only is that storm to teach you And not only is that storm to teach you And not only is that storm to teach you what God can do, to show you who your what God can do, to show you who your what God can do, to show you who your God is, but there are people watching God is, but there are people watching God is, but there are people watching you. I don't care if you're a parent or you. I don't care if you're a parent or you. I don't care if you're a parent or you're not. I don't care if every single you're not. I don't care if every single you're not. I don't care if every single person in your house is a believer.

person in your house is a believer. person in your house is a believer. There is somebody that the Lord has There is somebody that the Lord has There is somebody that the Lord has placed close to you that is watching placed close to you that is watching placed close to you that is watching you. parents, your kids are watching you. parents, your kids are watching you. parents, your kids are watching you. When I think back on my life and I you. When I think back on my life and I you. When I think back on my life and I see all of the troubles that we have see all of the troubles that we have see all of the troubles that we have faced, I remember the actions that my faced, I remember the actions that my faced, I remember the actions that my parents took and they might not have had parents took and they might not have had parents took and they might not have had physical things to to bring solutions to physical things to to bring solutions to physical things to to bring solutions to problems, but they were on their knees. problems, but they were on their knees. problems, but they were on their knees. They were praying and surrendering to They were praying and surrendering to They were praying and surrendering to the Lord. And that taught me something. the Lord. And that taught me something. the Lord. And that taught me something. You have people watching you. And God You have people watching you. And God You have people watching you. And God has placed power within you to overflow has placed power within you to overflow has placed power within you to overflow into their lives, into their habits. into their lives, into their habits. into their lives, into their habits. There are people who are not believers There are people who are not believers There are people who are not believers in your life that need to know what it in your life that need to know what it in your life that need to know what it is to walk in the midst of a storm and is to walk in the midst of a storm and is to walk in the midst of a storm and still testify that the Lord is good. still testify that the Lord is good. still testify that the Lord is good. They might be confused on how you can They might be confused on how you can They might be confused on how you can have so much joy. But when they ask you, have so much joy. But when they ask you, have so much joy. But when they ask you, your answer better be because of the God your answer better be because of the God your answer better be because of the God that I serve.

That is one of the greatest things that That is one of the greatest things that I have learned in this life is that my I have learned in this life is that my I have learned in this life is that my circumstances do not determine how God circumstances do not determine how God circumstances do not determine how God works or how good God is or how powerful works or how good God is or how powerful works or how good God is or how powerful he is. And my circumstances should not he is. And my circumstances should not he is. And my circumstances should not determine the level of my praise. If determine the level of my praise. If determine the level of my praise. If not, it should amplify it. Whether not, it should amplify it. Whether not, it should amplify it. Whether you're in joy, amplify your praise. you're in joy, amplify your praise. you're in joy, amplify your praise. Whether you're in sorrow, struggle, Whether you're in sorrow, struggle, Whether you're in sorrow, struggle, amplify your praise. Whether you can't amplify your praise. Whether you can't amplify your praise. Whether you can't even get up to praise him, you better even get up to praise him, you better even get up to praise him, you better find a way because know that he is find a way because know that he is find a way because know that he is working all things out for your good. working all things out for your good. working all things out for your good. Can you stand with me at this moment? Because I truly believe that there are Because I truly believe that there are people in this room who are walking people in this room who are walking people in this room who are walking through a storm right now. You're in the through a storm right now. You're in the through a storm right now. You're in the midst of a storm and you are fighting so midst of a storm and you are fighting so midst of a storm and you are fighting so hard to get away, to get out of it. hard to get away, to get out of it. hard to get away, to get out of it. You're telling the Lord, "Anything you You're telling the Lord, "Anything you You're telling the Lord, "Anything you anything I got to do to get out of this anything I got to do to get out of this anything I got to do to get out of this moment, create the way." And I'm there. moment, create the way." And I'm there. moment, create the way." And I'm there. But God is calling you to stay in the But God is calling you to stay in the But God is calling you to stay in the midst of it. He's telling you, you're midst of it. He's telling you, you're midst of it. He's telling you, you're exactly where you need to be. Even if exactly where you need to be. Even if exactly where you need to be. Even if you don't feel like it's doing things to you don't feel like it's doing things to you don't feel like it's doing things to you, it is building you up for your you, it is building you up for your you, it is building you up for your next. It is building you up for a new.

next. It is building you up for a new. next. It is building you up for a new. It is building those around you up for It is building those around you up for It is building those around you up for the walk and the journey that they have the walk and the journey that they have the walk and the journey that they have in their lives. God is doing something in their lives. God is doing something in their lives. God is doing something in the middle of your storm. But you're in the middle of your storm. But you're in the middle of your storm. But you're worrying about how do I get out of it? worrying about how do I get out of it? worrying about how do I get out of it? When whole time God is telling you one When whole time God is telling you one When whole time God is telling you one thing, you need to armor up in the midst thing, you need to armor up in the midst thing, you need to armor up in the midst of it. What is the armor? How do I armor of it. What is the armor? How do I armor of it. What is the armor? How do I armor up? Ephesians, for our struggle is not up? Ephesians, for our struggle is not up? Ephesians, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the against flesh and blood, but against the against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against rulers, against the authorities, against rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world, against the power of this dark world, against the power of this dark world, against the spiritual forces and evil in the spiritual forces and evil in the spiritual forces and evil in heavenly realms. This is spiritual. heavenly realms. This is spiritual. heavenly realms. This is spiritual. And you can either claim defeat or walk And you can either claim defeat or walk And you can either claim defeat or walk in victory because the Lord has given in victory because the Lord has given in victory because the Lord has given you every single piece of armor that you you every single piece of armor that you you every single piece of armor that you need to stand up, stand bold, and speak need to stand up, stand bold, and speak need to stand up, stand bold, and speak with the authority that he has given you with the authority that he has given you with the authority that he has given you and say, "I am victorious. I will and say, "I am victorious. I will and say, "I am victorious. I will overcome this. I will see the other side overcome this. I will see the other side overcome this. I will see the other side of it." of it." of it." You are a stormchaser.

You are a stormchaser. You are a stormchaser. There will be a time to walk away. There There will be a time to walk away. There There will be a time to walk away. There will be a time to sit down. There will will be a time to sit down. There will will be a time to sit down. There will be a time where you get a taste of the be a time where you get a taste of the be a time where you get a taste of the storm and then you get that exit out of storm and then you get that exit out of storm and then you get that exit out of it. But this is not the time. it. But this is not the time. it. But this is not the time. This is not the time. This is not the time. This is not the time. And there is rest to be had in the And there is rest to be had in the And there is rest to be had in the middle of a storm. middle of a storm. middle of a storm. Because Because Because rest, being in a season of rest, rest, being in a season of rest, rest, being in a season of rest, declaring rest over our lives doesn't declaring rest over our lives doesn't declaring rest over our lives doesn't mean that there is an absence of storms. mean that there is an absence of storms. mean that there is an absence of storms. But I can rest in the middle of it But I can rest in the middle of it But I can rest in the middle of it because I have the confidence because I have the confidence because I have the confidence that Christ is within it. That Christ is that Christ is within it. That Christ is that Christ is within it. That Christ is with me. And every single storm that I with me. And every single storm that I with me. And every single storm that I face, every single storm that you're in, face, every single storm that you're in, face, every single storm that you're in, the storm that you're in right now is an the storm that you're in right now is an the storm that you're in right now is an invitation invitation invitation to allow God to breathe purpose and to to allow God to breathe purpose and to to allow God to breathe purpose and to speak promises into your life. And my speak promises into your life. And my speak promises into your life. And my question is, are you going to accept question is, are you going to accept question is, are you going to accept that invitation or are you going to walk that invitation or are you going to walk that invitation or are you going to walk away from it?

away from it? away from it? And I just want you to close your eyes And I just want you to close your eyes And I just want you to close your eyes at this moment. And I want you to think, at this moment. And I want you to think, at this moment. And I want you to think, have I invited the Lord to breathe life have I invited the Lord to breathe life have I invited the Lord to breathe life into my storm, to speak purpose into my into my storm, to speak purpose into my into my storm, to speak purpose into my storm, storm, storm, to use me in the middle of my storm, or to use me in the middle of my storm, or to use me in the middle of my storm, or are you allowing the storm to wither you are you allowing the storm to wither you are you allowing the storm to wither you away? away? away? And right now, we're going to open up And right now, we're going to open up And right now, we're going to open up this altar and we're going to worship. this altar and we're going to worship. this altar and we're going to worship. And I'm going to ask you to just not let And I'm going to ask you to just not let And I'm going to ask you to just not let this moment pass you by. There are this moment pass you by. There are this moment pass you by. There are people here who are ready to pray with people here who are ready to pray with people here who are ready to pray with you, to speak life into you, to help you you, to speak life into you, to help you you, to speak life into you, to help you armor up so that you can step out there armor up so that you can step out there armor up so that you can step out there and face your storm with a new set of and face your storm with a new set of and face your storm with a new set of eyes, with a new armor, with a new mind, eyes, with a new armor, with a new mind, eyes, with a new armor, with a new mind, because you have the mind of Christ. And because you have the mind of Christ. And because you have the mind of Christ. And you know that you can walk in victory. you know that you can walk in victory. you know that you can walk in victory. So, if you are in the middle of a storm So, if you are in the middle of a storm So, if you are in the middle of a storm and you know and believe and you feel and you know and believe and you feel and you know and believe and you feel the Lord tugging at your heart that you the Lord tugging at your heart that you the Lord tugging at your heart that you are a stormchaser and you just need are a stormchaser and you just need are a stormchaser and you just need somebody to get alongside you, I'm going somebody to get alongside you, I'm going somebody to get alongside you, I'm going to ask you to come to this altar. I'm to ask you to come to this altar. I'm to ask you to come to this altar. I'm going to ask you to either praise in the going to ask you to either praise in the going to ask you to either praise in the middle of it or praise for your victory middle of it or praise for your victory middle of it or praise for your victory or step along somebody who needs the or step along somebody who needs the or step along somebody who needs the that boost of the Lord.

So Lord, I just ask you to move in this So Lord, I just ask you to move in this moment, God. moment, God. moment, God. Lord, I ask you to speak into the hearts Lord, I ask you to speak into the hearts Lord, I ask you to speak into the hearts of your people. May we take a bold step of your people. May we take a bold step of your people. May we take a bold step of faith. of faith. of faith. >> Lord, may we feel that you are here to >> Lord, may we feel that you are here to >> Lord, may we feel that you are here to refresh us and renew us. refresh us and renew us. refresh us and renew us. And God, I pray that we can be people And God, I pray that we can be people And God, I pray that we can be people who step into your spirit. Who in the who step into your spirit. Who in the who step into your spirit. Who in the midst of a storm, we don't back away midst of a storm, we don't back away midst of a storm, we don't back away from what you are doing, but that we from what you are doing, but that we from what you are doing, but that we step right into it. step right into it. step right into it. Holy Spirit, have your way in this Holy Spirit, have your way in this Holy Spirit, have your way in this moment, God.