Main Topic

Sermon by evangelist David Fisher from Fan Into Flames Ministry, on going through storms in life, using Mark 4:35–41 (Jesus calming the storm) and Isaiah 43:1–3 to call believers to a deeper revelation of Jesus rather than just rescue from problems.

1. Introduction: Word of God and Worship

Word of God as powerful and authoritative, likened to a hammer that breaks rock (Jeremiah, Jesus’ words never passing away).
Welcome to Pastor Dave Fisher; context of recent ministry, prayer week, and sensing an increased move of the Spirit in the church and region.
Worship as an act of defiance against the devil: choosing to shout unto God with a voice of triumph regardless of circumstances.
Isaiah 43 read as a promise to God’s people: when you go through waters, rivers, and fire, God is with you and you will not be destroyed.

2. “Going Through It”: Life’s Unrelenting Storms

Honest acknowledgement that many feel they are “going through it” (days, months, even decades of trial).
Personal testimony of Dave and Shelley facing the most difficult mental, emotional, and spiritual season of their marriage.
Introduction of Mark 4: disciples in a literal storm used as metaphor for any life trial.

3. The Main Question: “Who Is This Man?”

Common application: Jesus stills our storms; affirmation that He can, does, and will.
Central thesis: believers are not the main characters; the primary point is revelation of Jesus’ identity, not mere deliverance.
If God rescues us but we do not gain a deeper revelation of Jesus, our faith will be shaken at the next storm.
Key question from the text: “Who is this man?”—this is the heart of the narrative and the sermon.

4. Crossing to the Other Side: Assignment and Opposition

Jesus’ simple statement “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” implies divine direction and assignment, not a casual trip.
On the other side (Mark 5) is the demonized man with a legion; the crossing is about confronting hell and freeing a captive.
Any call to follow Jesus and advance His kingdom will be opposed by powers of darkness; storms often accompany assignment.
Demons recognize Jesus’ identity and authority even before the disciples do; they know His power over them.

5. Storms, the Enemy, and Our Focus

Enemy’s purpose: incite fear, paralyze faith, and block God’s purpose by overwhelming us with storms and problems.
Some storms may be directly demonic; others are used by the enemy to assault mind, emotions, and focus.
When overwhelmed by what we are going through, we forget what we are going to (our assignment).
Disciples’ early lesson: following Jesus includes storms; in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome.

6. Presence in the Storm vs. Our Perception

Fierce storm (earthquake-like on the water); seasoned fishermen are terrified as the boat fills with water.
Core promise: Jesus is in the boat—in the midst of the storm—fulfilling God’s word, “I will be with you.”
Call to defiantly declare God’s word over symptoms and senses: choose His word over sight, feelings, and thoughts.
Warning: if we fail to discern the source of the storm, we fight the storm instead of the enemy behind it.

7. Jesus’ Peace and Identity vs. Disciples’ Panic

Contrast: disciples terrified; Jesus asleep on a cushion—same boat, same storm, radically different response.
It can feel like Jesus is present but passive, silent, or indifferent; these feelings are real but not true.
Jesus’ inner rest flows from knowing His Father, His identity, His origin, His assignment, and His destiny.