Jesus calms our storms...

December 5th, 2025

Several years ago, on our annual men’s float trip, my boys and I, along with a small army of other men and their sons, found ourselves in a situation that felt straight out of a Discovery Channel special. One minute, we were floating peacefully down the river, soaking in the sunshine and pretending we were skilled outdoorsmen. And what seemed like only a few minutes later, a severe thunderstorm rolled in so fast it was like someone flipped a switch from “relaxing adventure” to “survival mode.”

As the clouds darkened, we watched sheets of rain sweep across the water. Before we could even react, the wind picked up, and our canoe literally blew over. I’m still not sure if this was an official “straight wind”, but either way, we suddenly found ourselves soaking wet and splashing after our cooler and belongings floating ahead of us.

After chasing down gear, paddles, snacks, and even a shoe, we made it to the riverbank, shaking from the cold. Several canoes pulled over behind us, so there we all were, huddled under a cluster of trees, soaked to the bone, praying the storm would pass. A few guys rationed out what little food they had left, and for a solid 20 minutes, we were convinced we had entered a real-life episode of Survivor: Ozark Edition.

But the good news? We survived. Praise the Lord. We laughed about it later… much later. I share that because storms, real ones and the ones inside our hearts, have a way of reminding us how small and helpless we can feel. And yet, they also remind us how deeply we long for peace. Not just calm weather… but real, soul-level peace.

This Sunday, Pastor Jeff will continue our Advent series, ”God With Us”, by preaching from Mark 4:35–41, where Jesus calms the storm. The disciples knew fear, uncertainty, and the chilling realization that they were not in control. But they also discovered something far more powerful: Peace isn’t a situation, it’s a Person.

Jesus didn’t shout encouragement from the shore. He didn’t send advice from a distance. He stepped into the boat. He lived with them. And in the middle of the chaos, He spoke peace.

This is the heart of Advent.

God didn’t save from afar, He came near. He stepped into our world. And He still whispers to the wind and waves in us today: “Peace. Be still.”

I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we celebrate the One who brings calm to every storm and peace to every heart. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Have a great evening,

Troy