“Through the Storm”: What Is God Showing Us? (Jonah 1:3–4) | Sermon Notes & ‘Ohana Group Questions
Storms Reveal God
Through the Storm — Jonah 1:3–4
What if the storms in our lives are revealing more than our circumstances?
Sometimes a storm exposes what we would rather keep hidden. It can reveal our sin, our fears, our misplaced allegiances, and what we really believe about God.
But storms can also reveal something far greater:
The character and mighty mercy of God.
In Jonah 1:3–4, Jonah runs from God's calling, and the LORD sends a great wind and mighty tempest onto the sea.
“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish... But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.”
Jonah's storm becomes an opportunity to discover God.
And that may be true of our storms as well.
Opportunities to Discover God in the Storm
One way to remember this message is through the word STORM:
S — SIN
Storms can expose the consequences and fallout of disobedience.
Sin means “missing the mark.” Our choices have consequences, and storms can reveal the competing vision that caused us to run from God's calling.
Sometimes a storm reveals an idol that has taken the place of God:
Fear of people
Comfort
Control
Pride
Self-reliance
Our own plans
As Tim Keller points out in The Prodigal Prophet, our disobedience can have consequences that affect not only us but also the people around us.
But we also need to be careful.
Not every storm is the result of a particular sin.
Jesus makes this clear throughout Scripture. Difficult circumstances are not always a direct punishment for something we have done.
So when a storm comes, rather than immediately asking, “What did I do wrong?”, we can ask:
“God, what are You showing me?”
T — TRUTH
Storms force us to face difficult truths about what we actually believe and whom we fear.
When life becomes difficult, what comes out of us often reveals what is already inside of us.
Do I fear God more than I fear people?
Do I trust God more than I trust myself?
Do I really believe God is good when my circumstances are not?
Jesus said:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32
Storms have a way of stripping away our illusions and bringing us face-to-face with reality.
What truth is God showing me through this storm?
O — ORDER
God desires to be first in our hearts.
The first commandment says:
“I am the LORD your God... You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Exodus 20:1–3
Storms reveal whether God truly holds first place or whether our lives have become disordered.
Our schedules, relationships, ambitions, finances, priorities, and desires can all begin competing for the place that belongs to God.
When God is not first, everything else eventually becomes disordered.
What has taken the place that belongs to God?
R — REPRESENT
Even when sin has weakened us, God still calls us to represent Jesus.
We are not simply rescued from something; we are rescued for something.
Paul writes:
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:20
We represent the King by serving, loving, preparing the table, waiting well, and faithfully doing what God has placed in front of us.
Sometimes representing Jesus means serving when nobody notices.
Sometimes it means waiting when we desperately want to move.
Sometimes it means loving people who never thank us.
The storm does not cancel our calling.
Instead, the storm can become an opportunity to show people what it looks like to trust and follow Jesus.
How am I representing Jesus in the middle of my storm?
M — MIGHTY MERCY
Above all, Jonah is not ultimately a story about Jonah.
It is a story about the mighty mercy of God.
God's mercy means He does not give us the punishment we deserve. He graciously pursues us, reorders our lives, and works through imperfect people.
Even the storm can become an expression of God's mercy.
God may use what feels destructive to awaken us, redirect us, deepen us, and draw us back to Himself.
The storm is not always evidence that God has abandoned us.
Sometimes the storm is where we discover just how close He really is.
“The book of Jonah isn't about Jonah... it's about the mighty mercy of God.”
God's mercy is not something we earn.
It is something we receive—and then allow that mercy to move us toward active love for others.
Deep Roots for the Storm
We do not build deep roots when the storm arrives.
We build deep roots before the storm.
Regular time in Scripture, prayer, Ohana groups, worship, serving, and Christian community help us develop roots that go deeper than our circumstances.
When storms come, they reveal what has already been built beneath the surface.
Shallow roots produce shallow faith.
Deep roots produce a faith that can stand through the storm.
The goal is not to create a storm-proof life.
The goal is to become a deeply rooted follower of Jesus who knows where to turn when the storm comes.
Listen to Saturday's Message
Want to go deeper into Jonah 1:3–4?
🎧 Listen to Saturday's message, “Through the Storm.”
As you listen, ask God:
“What truth are You showing me in this storm?”
Download and Use the Sermon Handout
We created a simple handout to help you remember the S–T–O–R–M framework and discuss the message with others.
Consider downloading, saving, or sharing this handout with your family, friends, or ‘Ohana Group.
Discovering God in the Storm
Jonah 1:3–4
The handout includes:
S — SIN
T — TRUTH
O — ORDER
R — REPRESENT
M — MIGHTY MERCY
It also includes seven discussion questions based on themes from Tim Keller's The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy.
‘Ohana Group Discussion
You don't have to go through life's storms alone.
Consider talking with a friend, family member, or your ‘Ohana Group this week about these themes from Rediscovering Jonah, Chapter 2: “The World's Storms.” Quotes are directly from book, and page numbers are listed on handout:
1. Storms Attached to Sin
Tim Keller writes, “Every act of disobedience to God has a storm attached to it.”
What do you think Keller means by this?
How have you seen disobedience create consequences or “storms” in your own life or in the lives of others?
2. Our Selfish Interests
“We cannot put our own selfish interests ahead of the common good.”
How can our selfishness affect the people around us?
What are some ways following Jesus calls us to consider others instead of simply pursuing what we want?
3. The Deeper Effects of Sin
“Sin is a suicidal action of the will upon itself.”
What stands out to you about that statement?
Why do you think sin can feel attractive or satisfying at first, even though it ultimately damages us?
4. Not Every Storm Is Because of Our Sin
“Most often the storms of life come upon us not as the consequence of a particular sin.”
Why is this distinction important?
How should this change the way we respond when we or someone else is going through suffering or difficulty?
5. God Can Use Our Storms
“Every difficulty can help reduce the power of sin over our hearts.”
Can you think of a difficult season that God used to grow something in you, such as faith, humility, patience, hope, or dependence on Him?
What did you learn through that storm?
6. God's Heart in Our Suffering
“God has tied his heart to us such that when he sees the sin and suffering in the world his heart is filled with pain.”
How does it change your view of God to know that He is not distant or indifferent toward our suffering?
How might this truth help you trust Him when you do not understand what He is doing?
7. Mercy Deep Inside the Storm
“God can save through weakness, suffering, and apparent defeat.”
How do we see this truth in Jonah?
How do we see it most clearly in Jesus and the cross?
What “storm” in your life might God be using to draw you closer to Himself right now?
One Thing to Remember
After listening to the message and discussing these questions, ask yourself:
What's one thing you want to remember and put into practice this week?
Write it down.
Pray about it.
Share it with someone.
Then take one practical step.
When the Storm Comes
When a storm hits, stop and ask God:
“God, what truth are You showing me in this storm?”
Then slow down.
Pray.
Listen.
Write down what God brings to your heart.
Consider:
Where is my vision competing with God's vision?
What am I afraid of — God or people?
Am I trusting God or relying on myself?
Is there an “other god” or idol taking first place in my heart?
How can I represent Jesus faithfully in this season?
What can I do now to deepen my roots before the next storm?
Build Your Roots Before the Storm
Build deeper roots now through:
Scripture.
Prayer.
‘Ohana.
Worship.
Serving.
Community.
Then, when the storm comes, let it reveal strength rather than shallow or hollow faith.
Don't wait until the storm to start growing roots.
Start today.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your mighty mercy.
Thank You that You are with us in the storms of life. Give us eyes to see what You are revealing. Show us where sin, fear, pride, comfort, control, or self-reliance have taken Your rightful place.
Help us put You first.
Help us trust You when we don't understand.
Help us grow deep roots through Your Word, prayer, community, worship, and serving.
And when storms come, help us represent Jesus well.
Use even our weakness and suffering for Your glory.
Thank You that our story is ultimately not about the storm.
It is about You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Final Reminder
Storms reveal.
Storms reorder.
Storms deepen.
Storms give us opportunities to represent Jesus.
And through it all, we remember:
The story is not ultimately about the storm.
The story is about the God who is with us in the storm.
The book of Jonah is not ultimately about Jonah.
It is about the mighty mercy of God.
Deeper: Nicole Marburger shares about her journey through a storm where her faith and fear collided and God revealed her purpose to represent Him in a deeper way: www.oneloveskate.org/updates/deeper
Keep Going in Jonah
Listen to more messages from the Jonah series at Hope Chapel North Shore.
[Listen to the Jonah Series →]
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