Preparing for the Storm

Anchoring in the Glory, Love, and Grace of Christ

Things to Remember in the Chaos of Trials:

The Glory of Christ
The Love of Christ
The Grace of Christ

Scripture List:

Worship Song List:

In Christ Alone
He Will Hold Me Fast
At the Cross
Turn Your Eyes
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Preparing for the Storm

In times of trial and chaos, Christ calls His disciples to remember His glory, love, and grace. As the storm approaches, we find our anchor, not in our strength, but in the finished work of our Savior.

Preparing Our Hearts for the Storm

Life inevitably brings storms of trial, loss, and confusion. Christ, in His tender care, prepares His disciples for such times by pointing them not inward, but upward—to Himself. His glory, love, and grace anchor our weary hearts.

Christ’s Glory in Our Trials

When the night darkens, Christ reminds us of His unshakable sovereignty. He has been given all authority (Daniel 7:13-14; Romans 1:4). Our suffering is not meaningless but woven into the tapestry of His triumphant plan to glorify His name.

Christ’s Love in Our Pain

Jesus' love, displayed at the cross, compels us to trust Him even when we cannot trace Him (1 John 4:19; John 15:13). In the chaos, His sacrificial love holds us fast, comforting and strengthening us.

Christ’s Grace for Our Failures

Peter’s failure, foreseen by Christ, reminds us that grace abounds even when we stumble (John 13:38; Romans 5:9-10). We do not endure by our faithfulness, but by His faithfulness to us, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Key Verses and Commentary

John 13:31-32: Christ glorified through the cross, setting the example for suffering and victory.
John 13:34-35: The command to love as He loved—essential preparation for enduring trials together.
Hebrews 12:2-3: Christ as the Author and Finisher, urging perseverance in suffering.
1 Peter 1:6-7: Trials refine and reveal genuine faith, more precious than gold.

Key Words

Glory (Doxa): The manifest weight and worth of God’s character and actions.
Love (Agape): Selfless, sacrificial, covenant-keeping affection rooted in God’s nature.
Grace (Charis): Unmerited favor and sustaining power given freely to undeserving sinners.
Trial (Peirasmos): A test or proving ground of faith under difficulty.

Key People

Jesus Christ: The glorified Son, our Savior, and sustainer through every storm.
Peter: A picture of both human frailty and divine restoration, teaching us humility and dependence.
The Disciples: Representatives of all believers who face trials and are called to trust and love as Christ loved.

Trusting Christ Amid the Storm

Having examined the unfailing glory, love, and grace of Christ, we now turn to consider what this meant for His original hearers and what it demands of us today. The anchor Christ offered them remains sure for us.

Message to Original Audience

Prepare for Christ’s departure and persecution.
Find assurance in Christ’s glory and victory.
Love one another sacrificially amidst trials.
Endure failure by relying on Christ’s restoring grace.

Applications for Believers Today

Anchor your faith in the glorified Christ, not in changing circumstances.
Love fellow believers with selfless, sacrificial love.
Rest in the grace of Christ when you stumble.
Fix your eyes on Jesus as you endure trials.
Proclaim His glory and victory in your suffering.

Faith Anchored in Christ

Trials will come, but Christ has already won the ultimate victory. By remembering His glory, embracing His love, and leaning on His grace, we can face every storm with unshakable hope.

John 13:31-38 “Preparing for the Storm”