Trusting God in your Storm

When we watch the news how many times we see how storms can cause so much damage and wreak havoc in the lives of many. While the news focuses on the physical storms, there are other storms just as devastating that people experience every day. These storms of life threaten our peace, comfort, and joy, and often bring about fear, doubt, and hopelessness.

In Mark we see the disciples found themselves caught in a ferocious storm while on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee all together experiencing a spiritual storm of fear and doubt.

Mark 4:35-41(NKJV)

³⁵ On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ³⁶ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” ³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” ⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

The disciples learned significant lessons that day that transformed their lives. We can learn much from their experience as we face the storms of our own lives. The idea that God permits bad things to happen to His children is a very hard pill for some of us to swallow. “It doesn’t make sense for a loving God to allow His Children to suffer.”

John 16:33 (NKJV)

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,  I have overcome the world.”

When storms hit, we often wonder, “Why is this happening?” In James, we see that God has a purpose for every trial that we experience. God uses trials to test the genuineness of our faith.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV)

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 

At times we may questioned the very character of Jesus, implying that He did not care about us when we face a health crisis or a financial hardship that may cause us to lose our home.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

 Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

The disciples were filled with great fear when Jesus rebuked the wind and told the sea, “Peace! Be still!”  Jesus displayed amazing supernatural power over nature. We learn, along with the disciples, that Jesus can be trusted in the storm. This is because He is sovereign.

God is in perfect control of the universe. He is involved in everything in this world and is directing all things, people, nature, etc., to fulfill His divine purposes. When facing the storms of life, understanding the sovereignty of our amazing God is essential.

The disciples showed us both what to do and what not to do. They were right to go to Jesus in the storm. However, they fell short because they went to Him in fear and doubt. Jesus wanted them to have faith in Him in the midst of the terrible storm.

We are released from the grip of fear and anxiety when we thank Him for His sovereign power and purpose for the storms. We can trust His promise that His peace will guard our hearts and minds so that we will not be fearful or anxious during the storm.

In their fear, the disciples questioned if Jesus cared for them. He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Not only did Jesus rebuke the wind and the waves, but He rebuked the disciples for their unbelief. Their unbelief fueled their fear, and their fear led them to question whether Jesus truly cared. Jesus expected them to know that He was for them and that He did not want to destroy them. 

Believing that God is for you can transform your life. When trials come, you will not be tempted to doubt God’s love, care, and concern for you. When it seems like there is no sound coming from Heaven, you can still believe that God is for you.

The storms of life are part of God’s sanctification plan, revealing your heart and growing you into His image. Do not let the difficult storms become bigger than the promises of Jesus. He promises to be with you through any storm that He allows in your life

Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Allow the storms of life to propel you to trust God as your refuge and deliverer.

God Bless, Israel