When You Encounter God?

Wentzville | Matt Hess
June 21, 2026

Jonah 1:13-16

Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. Jonah 1:13-16 

1. Striving STOPS 

“Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not…” Jonah 1:13 
 
“All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Isaiah 64:6 
 
“By works of the law no human being will be justified…” Romans 3:20 

2. Control BREAKS  

“Therefore they called out to the LORD…” Jonah 1:14 
 
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 
 
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 
 
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:2 

3. Worship BEGINS 

“Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.” Jonah 1:16 
 
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10 
 
“With you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” Psalm 130:4