1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,400 Ralph: Have the storms of life ever rocked your boat? 2 00:00:02,760 --> 00:00:08,160 I'm talking about those sudden crisises that come out of nowhere and they threaten to capsize your faith. 3 00:00:08,610 --> 00:00:10,770 Well, my friends, let me start by saying you're not alone. 4 00:00:11,130 --> 00:00:12,210 That's a topic for today. 5 00:00:12,210 --> 00:00:16,500 So join me on this journey and I will share some ways to weather the storm. 6 00:00:16,890 --> 00:00:18,180 I'm going to help you through that storm. 7 00:00:18,180 --> 00:00:18,810 My friends. 8 00:00:20,590 --> 00:00:39,690 Intro: Welcome to the Ask Ralph Podcast, where listening to an experienced financial professional with over 30 years of experience can help you make sense of confusing questions, current headlines, and industry trends about taxes, small business, financial decision making, investment strategies, and even the art of proper budgeting. 9 00:00:39,990 --> 00:00:46,780 Ask Ralph makes the complex simple by sharing his real world knowledge from a Christian perspective with all things financial. 10 00:00:47,020 --> 00:00:49,569 Now here's your host, Ralph Estep, Jr. 11 00:00:50,890 --> 00:00:52,989 Ralph: Welcome to our spiritual Sunday show. 12 00:00:53,230 --> 00:00:54,790 I'm so glad you chose to join us. 13 00:00:55,030 --> 00:00:58,510 I just want to thank you for listening and more importantly, supporting the program. 14 00:00:58,870 --> 00:01:05,140 I'm coming in today from the Estep Farm at the Saggio Accounting studio . It's a bit of a storm going on outside. 15 00:01:05,500 --> 00:01:15,910 Let me put on my podcaster hat and put down those overalls and let's move that adding machine to the side this morning and let's get into some financial wisdom from a Christian perspective. 16 00:01:16,390 --> 00:01:19,450 Don't forget to subscribe to the show and join our email list. 17 00:01:19,690 --> 00:01:25,606 You do that at askralphpodcast.com . So you don't miss tomorrow show tomorrow is going to be a great show. 18 00:01:25,606 --> 00:01:29,956 My friends we are going to be talking about balancing your business and your marriage. 19 00:01:30,256 --> 00:01:34,846 That's a tough topic, but I've got some ideas that may just help you find a healthier balance. 20 00:01:35,026 --> 00:01:36,496 So you don't want to miss tomorrow show. 21 00:01:37,006 --> 00:01:44,086 We also just launched an insider's group on Facebook and I encourage each of our listeners to join the group, to continue the conversation from this show. 22 00:01:44,356 --> 00:01:46,606 It's a great place to share ideas for the show. 23 00:01:46,906 --> 00:01:49,576 Discuss your triumphs and your challenges. 24 00:01:49,816 --> 00:01:52,396 I have a link to the Facebook group in the show notes. 25 00:01:52,399 --> 00:01:57,346 Well, let's start with today's Bible verse and it comes to us from the book of mark chapter four, verse 39. 26 00:01:57,346 --> 00:01:58,366 And it says this. 27 00:01:58,786 --> 00:02:02,056 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves. 28 00:02:02,086 --> 00:02:02,836 Quiet. 29 00:02:03,196 --> 00:02:07,156 Be still then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 30 00:02:07,423 --> 00:02:13,213 In mark four Jesus and his disciples encounter a fierce storm while crossing the sea of Galilee. 31 00:02:13,693 --> 00:02:14,863 The wind is howling. 32 00:02:15,373 --> 00:02:17,893 Waves are crashing over the sides of the boat. 33 00:02:18,193 --> 00:02:20,053 And the disciples are terrified. 34 00:02:20,393 --> 00:02:22,073 They cry out to Jesus teacher. 35 00:02:22,313 --> 00:02:23,713 Don't you care if we drown? 36 00:02:24,293 --> 00:02:27,413 Jesus stands up and rebukes the wind and the waves saying quiet. 37 00:02:27,743 --> 00:02:28,643 Be still. 38 00:02:29,183 --> 00:02:31,253 And just like that the storm stops. 39 00:02:31,763 --> 00:02:33,713 Everything becomes completely calm. 40 00:02:34,059 --> 00:02:38,499 What I love about this story is that Jesus is right there with the disciples in the storm. 41 00:02:39,039 --> 00:02:43,209 And with just a word from Jesus the chaos and the fear. 42 00:02:43,449 --> 00:02:46,029 Are replaced with peace and stillness. 43 00:02:46,029 --> 00:02:49,929 No matter what storms you're facing today, Jesus is right there with you. 44 00:02:50,379 --> 00:02:53,199 He has the power to speak peace into any crisis. 45 00:02:53,649 --> 00:03:01,509 My prayer is that through exploring this passage together, we'll find renewed hope and confidence that Jesus can come any storm. 46 00:03:01,719 --> 00:03:02,829 So let's dive right in. 47 00:03:03,629 --> 00:03:08,019 Friendi of 2020 taught us anything it's that storms will inevitably come. 48 00:03:08,096 --> 00:03:10,766 No one is immune to hardships in crisis. 49 00:03:11,336 --> 00:03:16,346 At some point in all of our lives, the winds and the waves will threaten to overwhelm us. 50 00:03:16,886 --> 00:03:18,146 But just like disciples. 51 00:03:18,536 --> 00:03:21,356 We have a savior who is greater than any storm. 52 00:03:22,136 --> 00:03:26,456 Jesus has a Supreme power over every force of nature and circumstance. 53 00:03:26,966 --> 00:03:28,376 With just a word. 54 00:03:28,586 --> 00:03:31,106 He can transform chaos into calm. 55 00:03:31,156 --> 00:03:32,416 So what are some action steps? 56 00:03:32,446 --> 00:03:34,786 We can take the weather life stars with Jesus. 57 00:03:35,446 --> 00:03:38,116 How can we lean into his peace when trials come? 58 00:03:38,866 --> 00:03:40,636 Here are three truths to remember. 59 00:03:41,236 --> 00:03:41,836 Number one. 60 00:03:42,586 --> 00:03:45,496 Storms reveal places where our faith needs to grow. 61 00:03:46,366 --> 00:03:50,986 When a crisis hit it quickly exposes, cracks and weaknesses in our faith foundation. 62 00:03:51,826 --> 00:03:55,876 Sudden storms test what we really believe about God's goodness and sovereignty. 63 00:03:56,776 --> 00:03:59,776 The disciples had seen Jesus perform many miracles. 64 00:04:00,506 --> 00:04:02,296 Yet these still panicked in the storm. 65 00:04:03,346 --> 00:04:04,336 Saying don't you care? 66 00:04:04,336 --> 00:04:05,896 If we drown, they cried out. 67 00:04:06,706 --> 00:04:09,016 Clearly their faith had some room for growth. 68 00:04:09,796 --> 00:04:12,556 But Jesus, wasn't mad at them for their doubt and fear. 69 00:04:13,246 --> 00:04:18,376 He simply spoke peace into the chaos, then gently asked why are you so afraid? 70 00:04:19,186 --> 00:04:20,716 Do you still have no faith? 71 00:04:21,766 --> 00:04:23,956 God often allows storms for this very reason. 72 00:04:24,826 --> 00:04:27,706 To reveal places where our faith needs to be refined. 73 00:04:28,036 --> 00:04:28,996 And matured. 74 00:04:29,626 --> 00:04:32,806 So don't beat yourself up when trials expose, fear or doubt. 75 00:04:33,166 --> 00:04:37,006 Bring it to Jesus so he can replace it with deeper trust. 76 00:04:37,696 --> 00:04:38,536 Number two. 77 00:04:39,196 --> 00:04:42,286 Focus on the presence of Jesus in the storm. 78 00:04:43,216 --> 00:04:50,746 Notice that Jesus was right there in the boat during the violent squall, he never left or abandoned his disciples though. 79 00:04:50,746 --> 00:04:52,396 They accused them of not caring. 80 00:04:52,786 --> 00:04:54,406 Jesus remained present. 81 00:04:54,976 --> 00:04:56,776 Despite their lack of faith. 82 00:04:57,856 --> 00:05:02,146 In the same way we can be confident that Jesus is always with us in our storms. 83 00:05:02,896 --> 00:05:09,436 He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, no matter how high the waves or windy the night. 84 00:05:09,996 --> 00:05:13,626 It's easy to think Jesus is distant or asleep when storms come. 85 00:05:14,496 --> 00:05:17,676 But scripture says he is an ever present help in trouble. 86 00:05:18,456 --> 00:05:20,046 As Psalm 46 1. 87 00:05:20,856 --> 00:05:23,766 He promises to be with us to the end of the age. 88 00:05:24,336 --> 00:05:25,956 That's Matthew 28, 20. 89 00:05:26,826 --> 00:05:31,386 So focus on Jesus' presence when storms come, not the overwhelming waves. 90 00:05:32,106 --> 00:05:34,446 Call out to him in your fear and uncertainty. 91 00:05:34,776 --> 00:05:36,336 He is Immanuel. 92 00:05:36,816 --> 00:05:38,316 That is God with us. 93 00:05:39,006 --> 00:05:40,026 And number three. 94 00:05:40,746 --> 00:05:43,806 Allow Jesus to speak peace into your storm. 95 00:05:44,676 --> 00:05:47,826 The disciples had zero ability to calm the storm on their. 96 00:05:47,856 --> 00:05:48,216 Own. 97 00:05:48,766 --> 00:05:54,826 But with one divine word from Jesus, the winds and the waves became completely still. 98 00:05:55,036 --> 00:05:56,026 It was that quick. 99 00:05:56,956 --> 00:06:02,116 Friend only Jesus has the power to speak peace into the chaos you're facing today. 100 00:06:02,956 --> 00:06:05,986 No storm is too big for the prince of peace. 101 00:06:06,826 --> 00:06:09,226 So come to him in complete dependence. 102 00:06:09,946 --> 00:06:16,126 Surrender your helplessness and ask him to quiet the storms in your heart and in your mind. 103 00:06:16,876 --> 00:06:19,246 Listen for his gentle whisper saying peace. 104 00:06:19,246 --> 00:06:20,086 Be still. 105 00:06:21,136 --> 00:06:24,946 Allow his voice to drown out the howling winds of fear and doubt. 106 00:06:25,746 --> 00:06:30,396 Jesus's words, bring supernatural, calm that transcends any circumstance. 107 00:06:31,206 --> 00:06:35,886 As you continue to lean into his presence and power, he will give you grace to weather. 108 00:06:35,886 --> 00:06:36,756 Any storm. 109 00:06:37,206 --> 00:06:38,916 Allow me to ask a closing prayer. 110 00:06:39,366 --> 00:06:39,996 Lord Jesus. 111 00:06:39,996 --> 00:06:41,526 You are the prince of peace. 112 00:06:42,036 --> 00:06:43,956 The one whom wind and waves obey. 113 00:06:44,886 --> 00:06:47,676 Thank you for promising to be with us through every storm. 114 00:06:48,546 --> 00:06:51,276 Forgive us for doubting your goodness in hard times. 115 00:06:51,996 --> 00:06:56,496 Teach us to fix our eyes on you rather than the surrounding storms. 116 00:06:57,336 --> 00:07:01,086 Remind us of your constant presence, even in our darkest night. 117 00:07:02,046 --> 00:07:05,946 Still the winds of fear and anxiety raging within us. 118 00:07:06,606 --> 00:07:09,606 Speak peace and calm into our chaos. 119 00:07:10,326 --> 00:07:12,366 Surround us with your powerful love. 120 00:07:12,906 --> 00:07:18,156 Give us unwavering confidence that you will lead us safely through storms now and forevermore. 121 00:07:18,576 --> 00:07:18,996 Amen. 122 00:07:19,896 --> 00:07:24,276 In this episode, we explored how to weather the storms of life and find peace in Jesus. 123 00:07:24,576 --> 00:07:32,526 Through examining the story of Jesus calming the storm from mark four, we discussed how storms reveal places our faith needs to grow. 124 00:07:33,036 --> 00:07:42,336 Keeping our focus on Jesus's presence in the chaos and surrendering to his power to speak supernatural peace into any circumstance. 125 00:07:43,286 --> 00:07:45,896 No wind or wave is too big for our savior. 126 00:07:46,436 --> 00:07:49,976 Call out to him in your time of need and allow his voice to quiet. 127 00:07:49,976 --> 00:07:50,846 The storms within. 128 00:07:51,506 --> 00:07:51,746 Friends. 129 00:07:51,746 --> 00:07:52,106 I pray. 130 00:07:52,106 --> 00:07:52,766 Today's message. 131 00:07:52,796 --> 00:07:55,076 Encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. 132 00:07:55,406 --> 00:08:00,206 In the midst of life's storms, he is indeed our shelter in the storm. 133 00:08:00,476 --> 00:08:02,546 And will speak supernatural peace. 134 00:08:02,756 --> 00:08:04,316 If we only call out to him. 135 00:08:05,096 --> 00:08:06,866 Don't lose heart or give way to fear. 136 00:08:07,256 --> 00:08:11,516 Our savior is greater than any force on heaven or on earth. 137 00:08:12,206 --> 00:08:14,096 To dig deeper into God's word on this topic. 138 00:08:14,126 --> 00:08:18,266 Visit askralphpodcast.com . And check out the show notes. 139 00:08:18,746 --> 00:08:24,866 Be sure to share this episode with a friend or family member who needs reminding of Jesus's power and presence today. 140 00:08:25,316 --> 00:08:26,846 And remember when storms come. 141 00:08:27,686 --> 00:08:30,446 Fix your eyes on the prince of peace. 142 00:08:30,836 --> 00:08:32,756 He is in your boat. 143 00:08:33,176 --> 00:08:35,996 And he'll calm the wind and waves with just a word. 144 00:08:36,476 --> 00:08:40,616 As I always say, stay financially savvy and may God bless you on this Sunday. 145 00:08:42,316 --> 00:08:45,166 Outro: Thank you for joining us on the AskRalph podcast. 146 00:08:45,296 --> 00:08:48,936 And with a simple click to subscribe, we'll invite you back to our next episode. 147 00:08:49,116 --> 00:08:52,186 And remember, financial issues don't have to be complicated. 148 00:08:52,486 --> 00:08:53,526 Just AskRalph. 149 00:08:53,946 --> 00:08:59,556 The information contained in this episode of AskRalph is based on data available as of the date of its release. 150 00:08:59,616 --> 00:09:02,526 Saggio Accounting Plus and AskRalph Media Inc. 151 00:09:02,686 --> 00:09:06,036 is under no obligation to update this content if changes occur. 152 00:09:06,126 --> 00:09:16,776 Applying this information to your specific situation requires careful consideration of all facts and circumstances, and any information provided is not to be considered as financial, tax, or legal advice. 153 00:09:16,916 --> 00:09:20,866 Please consult your tax advisor or attorney before acting on any material covered.