Before God Calms the Storm

St. Charles | Bob Ingle
June 14, 2026

Jonah 1:11-12

“Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.”” Jonah 1:11-12 (ESV)

* Storms Are Meant to Move Us…

1. FROM SELF-RELIANCE TO DEPENDENCE.

“Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous.” Jonah 1:11 (ESV)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a, 10b (ESV)

When self is EXHAUSTED, God is EXALTED.

2. FROM SELF-DECEPTION TO CONFESSION.

“…for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” Jonah 1:12b (NIV)

Sin BLINDS us before it BINDS us.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (ESV)

“Godly sorrow brings repentance…” 2 Corinthians 7:10a (NIV)

3. FROM SELF-WILL TO SURRENDER.

“Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you.” Jonah 1:12a (ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

God’s goal for storms is never calmer SEAS around you;
it’s a surrendered HEART within you.