THE CURE FOR OVERWHELMING STRESS

TP: The Christian life is full of struggles, but Jesus is strong enough to work bring good out of broken, evil, world.

SP: For students to realize since God is in control, there is no need to fall into paralyzing stress.

HP: To deal with times of overwhelming stress, you must recognize it, refocus your mind toward Jesus, re-engage with God’s purpose for your life.

Introduction:

Image: I almost fell to my death riding a horse named Tortuga.

Need: We all will have times in our lives where stresses of life feel overwhelming.

Subject: How Do we deal with overwhelming stress?

Context: The book of Mark was written in a time when Christians were facing high levels of stress. Through two parallel stories, Mark gives the remedy for dealing with the stressful times in our lives.

Preview: To deal with times of overwhelming stress, you must recognize it, refocus your mind toward Jesus, and re-engage with God’s purpose for your life.

Text: Turn with me to .

Body:

I. To deal with overwhelming stress, recognize its reality in your life. ( // )

A. The root of stress is fearful insecurity.

a. The scene of the sea represents chaos.

b. The scene of the demon-afflicted man presents a hopeless condition.

B. The presentation of stress may be internal or external, natural or supernatural.

C. Move to Relevance: Life and the stressors in it are in a constant state of instability.

a. Illustration: Normal stresses are constantly on the brink of becoming distresses.

b. A life dedicated to following God will lead to insecurity.

II. To deal with overwhelming stress, refocus attention toward Jesus ( // )

A. Humanistic methods of coping with stress are an illusion.

B. Move to Relevance: Where we turn to in times of trouble reveals hope.

C. Stress is only defeated through placing trust in Jesus.

a. Disciples must turn their focus toward God.

b. The importance of turning to God is that we do it, not how we do it.

III. To deal with overwhelming stress, re-engage with God’s purpose for your life. ( // 5:18-20)

A. Stressful times can produce two common responses: fear or faith.

a. The disciples remain terrified.

b. The demon-possessed man begs to be a disciple.

B. Understanding the purpose for stress is the key to getting through it.

C. Move to Relevance: Our stress becomes a stage for the Gospel.

Conclusion:

Summary: To deal with times of overwhelming stress, you must recognize it, refocus your mind toward Jesus, and re-engage in gospel mission.

Re-image: Trust Tortuga.