WHO ARE YOU JOURNEYING WITH?

 

Sermon by: Oladipo Oluwatosin 

Text: Jonah 1:1-17, Mark 4:35-41

Introduction

Life is a journey, and who you travel with determines your destiny, safety, and survival in times of storms. The stories of Jonah and Jesus reveal two types of storms—storms caused by disobedience and storms that test faith. Your associations will determine whether you perish or overcome in the storms of life.

I. The Case of Jonah: A Storm of Disobedience (Jonah 1:1-17)

Jonah was a prophet who received a divine assignment to preach to Nineveh, but he chose to run from God and boarded a ship to Tarshish. His disobedience caused a violent storm that endangered everyone on board.

Lessons from Jonah's Storm:

1. Wrong Associations Can Bring Trouble (Jonah 1:4-5)

   • The sailors did nothing wrong, but they suffered because they traveled with Jonah.
   • Some storms in life are not yours; they come because of who you associate with.
   • Proverbs 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

2. Disobedience to God Affects Others (Jonah 1:7-8)

   • Jonah thought his rebellion was a personal choice, but it endangered the entire crew.
   • Many lives are in danger today because of leaders, friends, or family members making wrong choices.

3. Until You Remove the Wrong Person, the Storm Won’t Cease (Jonah 1:15)

   • The sailors tried to row harder, but the storm worsened.
   • Some people try to fix their problems without addressing the root cause—wrong associations.
   • Once Jonah was thrown overboard, the storm stopped immediately.

4. Repentance Can Bring Deliverance (Jonah 1:17)

   • Even though Jonah caused the storm, God showed him mercy.
   • If you are in a storm caused by disobedience, repentance is the way out.

II. The Case of Jesus: A Storm of Faith (Mark 4:35-41)

Jesus and His disciples were crossing to the other side when a mighty storm arose. Unlike Jonah, Jesus was not running from God; He was fulfilling His purpose.

Lessons from Jesus’ Storm:

1. Storms Can Arise Even When You Are Obedient (Mark 4:37)

   • The disciples followed Jesus, yet they still faced a storm.
   • Obedience to God does not mean a trouble-free life.
   • Storms in the will of God are different from storms caused by disobedience.

2. Jesus Was in the Boat, Yet the Storm Came (Mark 4:38)

   • Having Jesus in your life does not mean storms won’t arise.
   • It means you have the solution inside your boat.

3. Fear Makes Storms Look Bigger (Mark 4:40)

   • The disciples panicked, forgetting that Jesus had authority over the storm.
   • Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.”

4. Jesus Calms Every Storm (Mark 4:39)

   • When Jesus said, “Peace, be still,” the storm ceased immediately.
   • Every storm has an expiry date when Jesus is in your life.

III. The Contrast Between Jonah and Jesus

IV. Who Are You Journeying With?

• Are you in a Jonah situation? Are you traveling with someone whose disobedience is bringing trouble into your life?
• Are you with Jesus? Even if storms arise, He will give you victory.

Application:

1. Examine Your Associations

   • 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”
   • Are the people in your life leading you closer to God or leading you into trouble?

2. Repent If You Are in a Jonah Storm

   • If your storm is due to disobedience, return to God and surrender.
   • Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”

3. Trust Jesus in the Storms of Life

   • No matter the storm, Jesus is in control.
   • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Conclusion

Who you journey with determines your faith, safety, and destiny. If you are in a storm because of disobedience, repent and return to God. If you are in a storm of faith, trust Jesus—He will bring peace.

Who is in your boat? Jonah or Jesus?