Bgroup Lesson Mar 24
Big Idea: We all go through storms. Someone said it this way; Everyone is either coming out of a storm, is in a storm, or is about to go through a storm. For God to bring us to someplace He will often bring us through someplace. The psalmist said that even though we walk through the valley, He is with us and will bring us through (Psalm 23)!
Key Scripture: Mark 6:45-51 (NIV) ”Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,"
Introduction: In the Gospel of Mark chapter 6 we read the account of the disciples in the middle of a literal storm. After a tremendous time of ministry, Jesus directed His disciples to get into a boat and cross the sea back to Bethesda. During the night as the disciples were on the water a fierce storm arose and the disciples were struggling against the wind and waves. Jesus, seeing their distress, walked out across the water towards them. Not realizing it was Jesus, the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost! Jesus called out to them saying, “It is alright, I am here! Don't be afraid!” When Jesus stepped into the boat, immediately the winds and waves were calm! In this lesson we will look at three observable truths from scripture and three actionable truths that we can apply to our lives when we go through storms.
The disciples were being obedient to the directive given them by Jesus. He told them to get in the boat and go across to the other side. It is not always disobedience that leads us into a trial. Sometimes it happens even when we are walking in obedience to the commands of God.
Jesus had gone up on the mountainside to pray. Even though the disciples could not see Him, He saw them struggling in the storm. Jesus’ eyes are always on us no matter what we are walking through. The enemy will lie to us and tell us that we are alone in our trials but the truth is He will never leave us and He is ever watching our lives.
In Matthew chapter 14 we read the account of not only Jesus walking on the water but also calling Peter to come out with Him. When Jesus got into the boat with the disciples they exclaimed, “You really are the son of God!” When we see Jesus moving in our storm we often see Him from a fresh perspective and in a new way.
Question: Share with the group a storm that you have walked through. Was it the result of your own decisions or did it happen even when you were being obedient? Did you realize in the storm that Jesus was still with you? In what way? How did the storm change or reinforce the way you see Jesus? Explain.
So many times we can fixate so much on the storm around us that we lose sight of Jesus. In the book of Hebrews 12:2, the bible says that we should keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. The one who originates and perfects our faith (NASV). When things around us are out of control, fix your eyes on the one who never changes.
When trials come, if we look at our own ability to make our way out, we have reason to fear. We are not adequate in ourselves. However, Jesus is not worried or fearful no matter what we may walk through because all power and authority belong to Him. Remember, we are not in control; Jesus is.
We must take Jesus at His word. When you lay hold of a promise from God, you can trust that He will accomplish what He says. Jesus has a proven track record!
Question: Your testimony of answered prayer can be an encouragement to someone else. Think of a time when Jesus came through for you when you were going through it. How were you able to endure? What are some of your favorite scriptures that give you hope, courage, or comfort? Take a few minutes and pray for group members that may be going through a storm right now in their life.
Storms are inevitable but they do not need to destroy us. If we plan accordingly, we can be ready no matter what may come our way. Begin now to settle in your heart that no matter what I go through, God sees me and I am going to set my eyes on Him, take courage, and know that I can take Him at His word!