When You're Drowning, But Still Pretend You're Fine | Adam Workman | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

When You're Drowning, But Still Pretend You're Fine

Sandals Church • Jul 13, 2025 • 37 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In the midst of life's sudden storms, believers often panic or fear that God has abandoned them, but being directly in God's will does not guarantee a trouble-free life. Jesus invites us not merely to ask for immediate rescue from our trials, but to experience His comforting presence and rest right in the middle of them. As we learn to trust Him during chaotic moments, our faith deepens and reveals His power, authority, and unfailing love.

Themes

Trusting God in StormsGod's Unfailing LoveResting in God's PresenceSpiritual Growth through TrialsBiblical Community

Pastor's Points

1.

There's no storm-free life.

2.

Remember who's in your boat.

3.

Experience His presence.

Key Points

1.
There is no storm-free life, and being right where God wants you to be does not prevent sudden trials from coming.
2.
In the chaotic moments of life, remember who is in your boat and trust that Jesus is present even when He seems silent.
3.
Jesus invites us to value and experience His comforting presence in the storm just as much as we desire His rescuing power.
4.
The enemy often whispers lies during hard times, suggesting that God is angry with us, untrustworthy, or has changed His mind about us.
5.
Nothing in all creation—neither present fears, past mistakes, nor future uncertainties—can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
6.
Small faith is an understandable starting place in frightening situations, but God calls believers to actively build their faith within biblical community.
7.
God uses life's storms to reveal His authority and character in deep ways that we could never fully learn during calm times.
8.
Spiritual maturity grows when we stop relying on worry or self-reliance and learn to rest in Jesus amidst life's chaos.

Sermon Moments

“The illustration of young Elijah held at the ocean, gripping his father tightly and needing assurance that he was safe and loved in rough waters.”

“The story of being an eight-year-old in the hospital wanting to be rescued while his father looked through the window with a perspective of love and compassion.”

“The pastor's heart attack story, where in a moment of intense fear he heard God whisper promises of His presence and unfailing love.”

“The contrast between demanding to be rescued from a trial and choosing to rest in the storm alongside Jesus.”

“The metaphor of a child locked in a room, where God climbs through the window not just to open the door, but to sit beside us in our distress.”

“The recovery room memory where a friend offered comfort simply by standing silently and placing a hand on the pastor's hand, demonstrating the gift of presence.”

This Week

When an unexpected trial or storm arises this week, pause before reacting and remind yourself that God is in your boat.

Identify and reject the lies of the enemy when facing hardship, replacing thoughts of punishment with the truth of God's unfailing love.

Practice resting in Christ's presence by spending quiet time in prayer rather than immediately demanding an instant rescue from discomfort.

Turn to Philippians 4:6 when anxiety arises, handing over your worries to God instead of relying solely on yourself.

Engage intentionally with a Christian community or small group to nurture and grow your faith alongside other believers.

Reflect on past difficult seasons in your life to identify what God revealed about His character and authority during those times.

Offer the gift of your presence to someone going through a tough season this week by sitting with them, listening, and praying for them.

Remember This

Instead of only asking God to rescue you out of life's storms, learn to rest in His loving presence right in the middle of them.

A Challenge for You

The next time a storm comes, before you run to anything else, would you choose just to remember to sit down and rest with Jesus?

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.