WHERE ARE YOU, JESUS?

Scripture Title

Where Are You, Jesus?

Mark 4:35–41 NKJV

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Prayer

May God bless the reading, hearing, and understanding of His precious Word.

Let us have a word of prayer.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your presence. We thank You that even when life becomes difficult, You remain faithful. Speak to every hurting heart today. Encourage those who are weary. Strengthen those who feel weak. Restore those who are discouraged. Remind us that no storm is greater than our Savior. Let this Word bring hope, healing, faith, and salvation. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Confession of Faith

I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel.

I am moved by what I believe.

I believe the Word of God!

The victory is mine!

I have it now!

I can see it through the eyes of my faith!

In Jesus' Name!

Amen!

Sermon Introduction

I want to begin this message with a disturbing thought.

What if the greatest crisis in your life is not the storm you're facing?

What if the greatest crisis is what the storm is causing you to believe about God?

Think about it.

Some of us have survived cancer.

Some have survived divorce.

Some have survived bankruptcy.

Some have survived addiction.

Some have survived losing parents.

Some have survived losing spouses.

Some have survived burying children.

Some have survived depression.

Some have survived things we never talk about publicly.

Yet after all of that, there is one question that still echoes in our hearts:

"Jesus... where were You?"

Maybe you've never said it out loud.

But you've whispered it in the darkness.

You prayed and the answer didn't come.

You cried and the pain didn't leave.

You trusted and things still fell apart.

You served faithfully and still got hurt.

And if we're honest, there are moments when we begin to wonder:

"If Jesus loves me, why does it feel like I'm facing this by myself?"

The disciples felt the same way.

The wind was screaming.

The boat was sinking.

Death seemed certain.

And while they were panicking...

Jesus was sleeping.

Can you imagine that?

The Son of God asleep in the middle of their crisis.

The Savior silent while they were suffering.

The Master resting while they were drowning.

But what if Jesus being silent does not mean Jesus is absent?

What if the One you think has abandoned you is actually closer than He has ever been?

Today we are going to discover that sometimes when you cannot see Jesus working, He is doing His greatest work.

Church, help me preach this message:

The storm is real... but so is Jesus!

POINT 1

JESUS IS WITH YOU EVEN WHEN YOU CANNOT FEEL HIM

Mark 4:38

"But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow."

The disciples were looking at the storm.

Jesus was looking at the destination.

The disciples were focused on the waves.

Jesus was focused on the promise.

Notice something important:

The storm never removed Jesus from the boat.

The storm only distracted them from His presence.

Many believers today are making the same mistake.

Because of grief, they cannot feel Him.

Because of depression, they cannot sense Him.

Because of anxiety, they cannot hear Him.

Because of disappointment, they cannot see Him.

But feelings are not facts.

God never said, "I will be with you only when you feel Me."

He said: something in the last part of Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

And in Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2 NLT

2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

Notice God did not say "if."

He said "when."

Storms are inevitable.

But abandonment is impossible.

Let me give you some background

The Sea of Galilee was known for sudden violent storms. Cold air rushing down from surrounding mountains would collide with warm air over the water, creating dangerous conditions with little warning.

Many of these disciples were experienced fishermen.

If they were terrified, this was not an ordinary storm.

Yet Jesus remained calm because He already knew the outcome.

Application

Y’all we are going through it today

Health concerns.

Family conflict.

Financial pressure.

Loneliness.

Grief.

But Jesus is still in your boat.

Remember

🎵 "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"

"I know He watches me."

Hear Me Now

"The storm is real—but so is Jesus."

Don't let your storm tell you a lie about your Savior.

When you are going through, remember JESUS CARES MORE THAN YOU and I KNOW

Mark 4:38 NLT

38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

Mark 4:38 in the New King James says

"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

Let’s keep this real - many of us have been Christ followers for a long time and you would think with our relationship and what we do for the church and what we do for the kingdom of God - we could get a break

But when I read the text - I saw me saying that - I’m sure you have said some variation on this theme

I don’t believe The disciples were questioning his power

I do believe They were questioning His concern.

Many of us today are doing the same thing.

"Lord, do You care about my family?"

"Do You care about my health?"

"Do You care about my finances?"

"Do You care about my loneliness?"

Here is what the bible says in

Romans 5:8 NKJV

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

And if we are being honest - some of us respond - “I get That”, but I’m talking about right now - what I’m going through right now

But then the Holy Spirit took me to - the shortest bible verse

John 11:35 NKJV

35 Jesus wept.

Yes, Jesus does cares., Yes he does

He knew Lazarus would live again.

Yet He still cried.

Why?

Because He loved the people who were hurting.

Hebrews 4:15–16 NKJV

15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus understands grief.

Jesus understands betrayal.

Jesus understands suffering.

Jesus understands rejection.

There is no pain in my life or in your life that Jesus cannot identify with.

This may or may not be your current situation, but I have opportunity to talk with members who are tired

Tires emotionally.

Tired of doctor's appointments.

Tired of medications.

Tired of worrying.

Tired of being strong.

Tired of carrying burdens.

Tired of smiling when their hearts are breaking.

Tired of praying the same prayer.

And because we get tired, the enemy whispers:

"Jesus has forgotten you."

But the devil is a liar.

If Jesus wanted to leave you, He would have left a long time ago.

He was with you in the hospital room.

He was with you at the funeral.

He was with you during the divorce.

He was with you through the depression.

He was with you through the financial struggle.

And if He carried you through all of that—

He is not going to abandon you now.

🎵 "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

"All our sins and griefs to bear."

Key Statement

The Cross proves He cares. Don't let your storm tell you a lie about your Jesus .

"The storm is real—but so is Jesus."

Lean In

JESUS STILL HAS THE FINAL WORD

Mark 4:39 NKJV

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

The disciples thought the storm was in control.

The storm looked powerful.

The storm sounded powerful.

The storm felt powerful.

But appearances can be deceiving.

The storm was never in charge.

Jesus was.

The wind was blowing.

The waves were crashing.

The boat was filling with water.

But all it took was one word from Jesus.

"Peace."

And everything changed.

Ya’ll - I just want to encourage you :

The storm may have a voice.

But Jesus still has authority.

The problem may be speaking.

The diagnosis may be speaking.

The bank account may be speaking.

Fear may be speaking.

Anxiety may be speaking.

The news may be speaking.

But none of them have the final word.

Jesus does.

A Storm Is Never Bigger Than Jesus

Many of us spend so much time talking about our storms that we forget how big our God is.

We tell everybody about our problems.

We tell everybody about our struggles.

We tell everybody about our fears.

But when was the last time we reminded ourselves how powerful Jesus really is?

The same Jesus who spoke to the storm is:

The One who opened the Red Sea.

The same Jesus who spoke to the storm is: The One who fed five thousand with a boy's lunch.

The same Jesus who spoke to the storm is: The One who raised Lazarus from the dead.

The same Jesus who spoke to the storm is: The One who defeated death, hell, and the grave.

If He conquered death, He can certainly handle my situation and your situation.

Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV

27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

The answer is no.

Nothing is too hard for God.

But here is the reality - for some of us

Sometimes Jesus Calms The Storm

There are moments when God performs a miracle.

The doctor changes the diagnosis.

The test results come back better.

The financial breakthrough arrives.

The family relationship is restored.

The addiction is broken.

The door unexpectedly opens.

And we praise God because He calmed the storm.

Many of us can testify:

"I've seen God do it before."

Can I get a witness?

For some of us

Sometimes Jesus Calms His Child

So what happens when the storm doesn't stop immediately?

What happens when the healing takes time?

What happens when the answer is delayed?

What happens when God says, "Not yet"?

Here's what I've learned:

Sometimes God calms the storm.

Sometimes He calms the saint.

Paul prayed for the thorn to be removed.

God didn't remove it.

Instead He said:

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul discovered that God's presence was greater than his problem.

Sometimes God doesn't change the situation right away.

Sometimes He changes us while we're in the situation.

But we can still have peace, because

The Peace Of God Doesn't Make Sense

Philippians 4:7 NKJV

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This peace is supernatural.

The world says:

"I'll have peace when the bills are paid."

God says:

"You can have peace before the bills are paid."

The world says:

"I'll have peace when the doctor's report changes."

God says:

"You can have peace while waiting for the report."

The world says:

"I'll have peace when everything works out."

God says:

"You can have peace because I am working it out."

That kind of peace doesn't make sense.

That's why Paul said it surpasses understanding.

Somebody Needs To Hear This Today

Your story is not over.

Your chapter is not the end.

Your struggle is not the conclusion.

Your setback is not your destiny.

The devil wants you to believe that this storm is permanent.

But storms don't last forever.

The rain stops.

The wind settles.

The clouds move.

And the sun shines again.

Psalm 30:5 NKJV

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Notice it didn't say joy might come.

It says joy comes.

Morning is coming.

Healing is coming.

Peace is coming.

Victory is coming.

Because Jesus still has the final word.

Check this out

Years ago, sailors understood something important.

The captain's voice carried authority.

When the captain spoke, everybody listened.

The storm didn't determine the direction of the ship.

The captain did.

Likewise, the storm in your life does not determine your destiny.

Jesus does.

The waves may rock your boat.

But they cannot change God's purpose for your life.

Now the Song -the Lord will make a way somehow makes perfect sense

Like a ship that’s tossed and driven, battered by an angry sea; When the storms of life are raging, and their fury falls on me, I wonder what I have done, that makes this race so hard to run; Then I say to my soul, don’t worry, the Lord will make a way somehow.

[Chorus] The Lord will make a way somehow, when beneath the cross I bow, He will take away your sorrow, let Him have your burdens now; When the loads of life are heavy the weight is shown upon my brow, There’s a sweet relief in knowing the Lord will make a way somehow.

🎵 "The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow"

Lean In

The storm is loud, but Jesus has the final word. Don't let your storm tell you a lie about Jesus.

"The storm is real—but so is Jesus."

Some of us are looking for an explanation.

But God did not send me to give you an explanation.

He sent me to remind you of His presence.

Because sometimes God does not explain the storm.

He simply climbs into the boat and says:

"You're not going through this alone."

The disciples asked:

"Where are You, Jesus?"

But they were looking in the wrong direction.

They were looking at the waves.

They were looking at the wind.

They were looking at the water.

If they had looked behind them, they would have discovered that Jesus had never left the boat.

And somebody listening to me today needs to stop looking at the storm and start looking at the Savior.

Church, help me one more time:

Pastor: "The storm is real—but so is Jesus."

Pastor: The pain is real! —but so is Jesus

Pastor: The grief is real! —but so is Jesus

Pastor: The struggle is real! —but so is Jesus

Pastor: The storm is real! —but so is Jesus

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are still in the boat.

Thank You for being with us through every storm.

Thank You for Your presence in our pain.

Thank You for Your peace in our problems.

Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us.

Jesus , Strengthen every hurting heart.

Encourage every weary soul.

Heal every broken family.

Comfort those who are grieving.

Provide for those who are struggling financially.

Give peace to those battling anxiety and fear.

And remind us this week that no matter how fierce the storm becomes, You are still with us.

For we ask it all in the mighty, name of Jesus Christ.

And all God's people said,

Amen.

Invitation To Accept Jesus Christ

Perhaps today you've heard this message and realized that you've been asking one of life's most important questions:

"Who is Jesus?"

Or maybe you've been asking:

"Where are You, Jesus?"

Maybe life has knocked you down.

Maybe you've experienced disappointment, loss, grief, loneliness, or uncertainty.

Maybe you've been trying to carry burdens that were never meant for you to carry alone.

The good news is that Jesus has been closer than you think.

While you were searching for Him, He was searching for you.

While you were calling His name, He already knew yours.

The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9:

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Notice the scripture doesn't say you have to be perfect.

It doesn't say you have to have all the answers.

It doesn't say you have to clean up your life before coming to God.

It simply says believe.

Today, Jesus stands ready to forgive.

Ready to restore.

Ready to heal.

Ready to save.

Ready to walk with you through every storm of life.

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to pray with me right now.

Bow your heads wherever you may be.

In your living room.

In your kitchen.

In your car.

In your hospital room.

Wherever you're watching from, pray this prayer with me.

Repeat after me:

"Lord Jesus,

I come to You today just as I am.

I confess that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness.

I believe that You died on the cross for my sins.

I believe that God raised You from the dead.

Come into my heart.

Be my Lord.

Be my Savior.

Lead me and guide me for the rest of my life.

Thank You for saving me.

Thank You for loving me.

Thank You for never giving up on me.

In Jesus' name,

Amen."

If you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, according to the Word of God, you are now part of the family of God.

Come on, UCF family, let's celebrate what God has done today!

If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, or if you would simply like more information about our ministry, we would love to hear from you.

We invite you to become a part of our church family at:

United Christian Fellowship Where God's Word Meets Your World

Visit our website ucf-sv.com and click the "Join UCF" link.

Provide your contact information, and a member of our ministerial staff will personally reach out to you, pray with you, and help you take your next steps in your walk with Christ.

Thank you for allowing us to share God's Word with you today.

It has been our privilege to worship with you, pray with you, and grow together in faith.

Until we meet again, remember:

The storm may be real...

But so is Jesus.

May God bless you, keep you, and surround you with His peace.