Our problem is not the storm that is currently raging. Storms will brew in all of our lives. No one becomes of age without walking through a storm a time or two. But it is not the storm that gives us angst. It’s not the fires, nor the raging winds, or the torrential rains that will from time to time pop up that causes worry. No, our true problem is what we believe while in the storm.
Jesus and the disciples are in the boat together. A storm arises. Winds are blowing, tossing the boat to and fro. Rain is coming down in buckets filling the boat. Jesus believed He was going to the other side. The disciples believed the lie that they were going to drown. Jesus slept. The disciples panicked. It wasn’t the storm. They each experienced the same storm. It was what they believed while in the storm.
What are you believing during the storm that’s raging?
Years back, my husband and I went through a very difficult time. While in the storm, I stood on this verse from Lamentations, “Because of His great love, I am not consumed.” When the winds blew, I stood firmly on that word. When the rain poured, I declared that verse. When I could not see a way out of the storm, I decreed, “I will not be consumed.”
I have often looked back at those times and thought, “Man what little faith I had. My only hope was not to be consumed.” But this morning, God has given me a fresh perspective. It takes great faith to stand in the midst of difficult times, to face sickness, lack, disappointment, heartache and declare, “Storm, you will not defeat me. You will not destroy me. I will not be consumed by this storm. I am walking out of this storm. I may come out soaking wet but out, I’m coming. Storm, you will nor, cannot, consume me! I got a promise and a mighty God!”
See, if we believe the storm is temporary, that eventually the sun will shine again, that we will make it to our promised destination, the storm looses it power. Fear and worry subsides, when I believe truth in a storm.
What are you believing in the storm?
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?””
Mark 4:38-40 NLT