Calming The Storm (Sermon Blog)
Special Guest Speaker: Pastor Mike Chong Perkinson
Storms are a part of life.
Some storms come suddenly. Others seem to linger for months or even years. Whether it's fear, loss, uncertainty, disappointment, or overwhelming circumstances, every believer will face moments when life feels out of control.
In this powerful message, Pastor Mike reminded us that while we cannot always control the storm around us, we can choose where we fix our eyes. The story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 teaches us how to trust God when a "great horde" of problems seems to be closing in from every direction.
When Fear Comes, Turn Toward God
When Jehoshaphat learned that a massive army was coming against him, the Bible says he was afraid.
That's an important reminder:
Fear is a reality.
Fear is not failure.
Fear does not disqualify us from faith.
The difference was not that Jehoshaphat had no fear. The difference was that he did not focus on his fear.
Instead:
He sought the Lord.
He gathered God's people.
He turned his attention toward God.
Faith is not pretending problems don't exist. Faith is choosing to look to God first.
Start With God's Power, Not Your Problem
One of the most powerful lessons from Jehoshaphat's prayer is the order in which he prayed.
Before presenting the problem, he reminded himself of who God is.
He declared:
God is sovereign.
God is powerful.
God has been faithful before.
God can be trusted again.
Too often we begin with the size of our problem.
Jehoshaphat began with the greatness of God.
When we remember God's faithfulness, our perspective begins to change.
Take Off the Armor
Pastor Mike spoke about the ways we protect ourselves after being hurt.
Many people build emotional armor through:
Fear
Control
Pride
Self-reliance
Isolation
While armor may feel safe, it can also keep us from fully experiencing God's healing.
Real freedom begins when we stop pretending we have everything together and honestly bring our weakness before God.
As Scripture reminds us, God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
Remember What God Has Already Done
Jehoshaphat didn't just praise God.
He remembered.
He rehearsed God's faithfulness.
He recalled what God had already done for His people.
We need to do the same.
When storms come, remember:
The prayers God has answered.
The doors He has opened.
The ways He has provided.
The times He carried you through difficulty.
Past victories become fuel for present faith.
We Are Powerless, But God Is Not
One of the most honest statements in the entire passage is:
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."
What a powerful prayer.
Jehoshaphat admitted:
We are powerless.
We don't have the answer.
We cannot fix this ourselves.
Yet he also declared:
God can.
God sees.
God will lead us.
Surrender is not weakness.
Surrender is trusting the strength of God more than our own.
Spread Your Wings and Trust God
Pastor Mike used the illustration of an eagle.
Many Christians live as though they are trapped, limited, and powerless.
But through Christ:
The cage has been opened.
The chains have been broken.
The power of sin has been defeated.
The enemy wants us to believe we are stuck.
Jesus invites us to trust Him and soar.
We may still face storms.
We may still experience trials.
But we do not face them alone.
God is with us, guiding us through every season of life.
Final Takeaways
1. Fear Is Real, But It Doesn't Have To Control You
Bring your fears honestly before God.
2. Fix Your Eyes On God First
Start with His power, not your problem.
3. Remember God's Faithfulness
What He has done before, He can do again.
4. Admit Your Need For Him
God's strength shines brightest in surrendered hearts.
5. Trust God Through The Storm
The storm may not disappear immediately, but God will never leave you in it alone.
Final Thought
Storms reveal what we truly trust.
Like Jehoshaphat, we may not always know what to do. But when we keep our eyes on God, we discover that His faithfulness is greater than our fear, His power is greater than our problems, and His presence is enough to carry us through every storm.