Fresh New Start Part 2 - "The Storm" - Monika Bereczki-Farkas January 15th, 2017

Psalm 121; Matthew 14:22-33; Matthew 8:23-27

How do you know that a storm is coming?  Red flags on the weather network's page, or we can see the signs: dark clouds, darkness, heavy rain.  Nowadays we have really bad storms.  This summer we were invited for a lunch and while we were eating the phone rang and somebody called our friends to see how they were.  That was the time when a tornado hit Windsor and at exactly that time we had been praying together for our food and friendship.  Of course we were so thankful but hearing what had happened in different parts of the city was scary.  This was the first time I realized that I don't like storms.  A couple of days ago the wind was so strong during the night and my first thought was to check my phone to see if a tornado was coming.  Of course, there wasn't a tornado, but I didn't sleep very well.  You don't have to remind me, I know that God is always with me, I don't have to fear but every time I hear about storms I have to remind myself of one thing, and that one thing can save my life.  I will tell you later what this one thing is.

But first let's speak about your one thing.  What is in your mind right now?  Are you really here worshipping God, or is your mind somewhere else and you can not control your thoughts?  what is on your mind?  Are you worrying about something?  Did you hear something that is bothering you?  Did somebody tell you something?  or Did you read something interesting? Or are your thinking about your next week?  What is on your mind?  Or do you not want me to ask you because its your secret "just don't ask me, I don't want to talk about it".

To focus on one thing is really important if we know what the most important thing is.

Do you remember when Jesus talked to Martha and said to her: "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

I bet some of your know this story.  Jesus visited Mary and Martha's home, but Martha was way too busy to sit down and listen to Jesus so she wanted to ask Mary to help her.  But Jesus also spoke about one thing to her which is really important.  And today when I want to speak to you about the storm and how we have faith that endures the storm, I have to speak to you about one important thing.

So, let's look at the storm story again.  We have two stories and both of them take place on the sea.  In one of them Jesus was sleeping while a storm came and the disciples were worried for their lives.  in the other one Jesus walked on the water toward his disciples, and when Peter wanted to walk too, he started to sink, because the wind and the waves.

If you look at these 2 stories you can notice the one thing which is really important.  What is common between them?  When the disciples didn't look at Jesus but instead at the surrounding situation they were in trouble and they were worried about their lives.  Today I want you to focus on this one thing, that when a storm is coming you have to look out for Jesus.  This is the most important thing.

We can watch for other things.  Do you remember I asked you what is on your mind?  When you are worrying about something or you don't know something or when you don't know what to do, Jesus wont be your one thing and you will sink like Peter.  You will worry like the disciples.  You have to notice to watch for Jesus.

That is why Jesus asked Martha to watch only for the important thing, which is Jesus himself.

In the story when the disciples got into the storm while Jesus was sleeping, they didn't focus on who Jesus is.  That the wind and waves know Jesus' name, and when He speaks to them, there will be silence.  In the other story while Peter looked for Jesus he could walk on water, walk on those waves but when he focused on something else he started to sink.

Storms are coming with different names like illness, depression, loneliness, marital problems, cancer, shame, sexual wishes, etc.  I want you to know what to do when the storm is here.  I want you to recognize the one thing, which is to pay attention to Jesus.  You have to know where He is.  This is the only thing which can save you.  Trust me, it's not only a sentence that sounds good.

How many of your have goals for 2017?  I have five goals for 2017, but I am a bit hesitant to share these goals with you.  Not because these are my secrets but because during the year you can check my progress.  So, if you are gracious to me I am ready to share my goals.

Here is my list:

1. Deepen my relationship with God - faith building
2. Deepen my relationship with my husband and children - family building
3. Deepen my relationship with my congregation
4. Love more
5. Put everything into God's hands - finances

Do you know why I put God into the first place?  because I was in storms several times in my life and my relationship with God saved my life. I know what you think, that here is Monika, who is young and always smiling; what does she know about storms in life.  But I know.  I have never ever spoken about this storm in my life and I don't think I'm ready today, but I know that I have to share my faith with you.  I know I have to do this because I don't know how many times I can speak about God to you, so I want to grab this opportunity and tell you how you can survive a storm.

I know what it means to lose friends or loved ones.

I also know how it sounds when you loved one, in my case my Dad, calls to say that he has "Cancer".

At this point, my grandma is dying and I can not be with her.

But - the biggest storm hit me in 2009.  I can not tell the whole story, not because I don't want to, but I can not speak about it.  Its still like an open wound.  I almost gave up everything.  Do you know what saved me?  Those friends who prayed with me and helped me focus on Jesus.  They helped me to focus on Jesus.  But its still like an open wound.  But I learned that if I focus on Jesus, I am at peace, I can take a breath.

Was that storm from God?  I know you have similar questions.  Is Cancer from God?  Is pain from Him?  You know I don't want to answer these questions, even though I know that these are our questions.  But God is greater than simple answers and he is also much greater than our questions.

What I know is that with Jesus you can survive the storm, you will live through it.

Today I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children.  And I'm here with you, with those whom I love.  That's why my goals for 2017 look like that list; deepen my relationship with God, my  husband, with you and love more and more.  I really believe that because God loves us we can survive the biggest storm.  He loves us, that's why He send Jesus Christ.

Friends, if the storm is coming, look at Jesus.  This one thing will save you. Amen.