Sunday was an interesting day at church. We experienced a major water leak; Sunday School classes moved to the Choir Room because of a tornado warning; and electrical power went out early in the worship service. Nevertheless, God moved and changed lives!
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms caused considerable damage throughout many southern states over the weekend, including our area. My heart goes out to the many families, grieving the death of loved ones and the loss of personal possessions.
The Sea of Galilee is known for violent storms. One day Jesus’ disciples found themselves in the center of an intense storm, leading them to think that death was imminent. Mark 4:35-41 reads, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
What do we know about personal storms? Storms may be physical, relational, vocational, financial, or spiritual. No one is immune from storms in life. You and I are in one of three categories. (1) We’re currently in a storm; (2) we just came through a storm; or (3) we’re headed into a storm. Personal storms often come without warning.
How should you and I respond to personal storms?
1. Obey. Jesus asked His disciples to go to the other side of the lake, and they obeyed. What is Jesus leading you and me to do? My appeal is for you to obey Him.
2. Pray. As the disciples faced an epic storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat. What woke Jesus up? He heard the voices and pleas of His disciples. Jesus hears us as we pray. May you and I never grow weary in prayer! Prayer touches God’s heart and changes us.
3. Resist. It’s possible for storms to come from the enemy. We’re at war! James said, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7). Relaying on the Holy Spirit allows you and me to overcome the enemy’s wicked schemes and plans.
4. Watch. As you and I face storms, we need to watch our attitudes, hearts, and tongues. Jesus may appear to be doing nothing. We may think He is asleep. God’s silence doesn’t mean He isn’t at work. God is in control, and His timing is always perfect.
5. Grow. Why does God allow us to face storms? One priceless result of personal storms is often spiritual growth. God uses the mountains peaks and valleys of life to conform us to the likeness of His Son.
6. Expect. As you and I face storms, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and maintain expectations. We expect God to be faithful, expect Him to use us, and expect other people to watch us. Storms allow us to be a powerful witness for Christ!
7. Understand. Storms often cause pain and tears. You and I need to understand that storms don’t last forever. As you and I face storms, God promises to calm the storm or calm us in the storm.
As life darkens and the winds blow, always remember, you’re not alone in the storms of life. Jesus is in your “boat.” I hope this article helps you navigate the storms of life.
He’s Still Calming Storms,
Pastor Ronny
Hebrews 13:8