A Hurricane Called Me

Message by:
Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church
Shepherdstown, WV

Running From the Lord

Jonah 1:1-3
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Coming Storms

We can blind ourselves of a coming storm.

Running creates Storms

Jonah 1:4-5
Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

We cause Storms

Some storms of life are caused by our disobedience.

Idea that storm was a curse or payment for something done wrong.

A Storm was a tool of God and Only stops through obedience or death.

God Disciplines

Hebrews 12:5-11
And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Discipline for Good

God’s discipline is for our good and produces righteousness and peace.

Our storms

Storms meant for us affect those around us.

Our Storms
1. Cost more money (fare for Tarshish)
2. Affected others (ship in trouble)
3. Scared them with storm
4. Endangered them
5. Heaped guilt on them for doing what was necessary

The Storms End

When we deal with our disobedience the storm will end.

Recognize

When we recognize God’s movement in storms, our lives are changed.God was able to answer prayers and chastise his son/prophet at the same time.

Other’s Should not be punished because of you

Jonah 1:13-15
Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.

The 2 Keys for Dealing with Our Disobedience
1. Repentance - turning toward God
2. Obedience - walking with God

Humble Yourself and Pray

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.