When God is asleep Part 4

Noel Merrick

Sermon • Submitted 9 months ago • Presented 9 months ago

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4) We see the PREPARATION of the ALMIGHTY in the PURPOSE of the STORM. Mark 4:37

Mark 4:37 (KJV 1900)

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

The Sea of Galilee In Israel

The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in northern Israel, part of the Jordan River system.

The lake itself is rather small—only nine miles long and five miles wide, and less than 150 feet deep.

In the Old Testament the lake was known as Chinnereth, which is derived from the Hebrew word for "harp," which describes the shape of the lake (Num. 34:11; Josh. 12:3).

Numbers 34:11 (KJV 1900)

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:

Joshua 12:3 (KJV 1900)

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Beth-jeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdoth-pisgah:

The New Testament contains numerous references to the lake itself, and fishing, the casting of nets, catches and boats.

The Romans referred to this lake as the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1).

John 6:1 (KJV 1900)

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

In the first century cured fish from this lake were sent as far away as Rome.

This small sea is surrounded by a high and almost unbroken wall of hills, on account of which it is exposed to frequent sudden and violent storms.

Most of our Lord's public ministry was spent around this body of water—at least nine very populous cities could be found on the banks surrounding this small sea.

Allow us to note this was when the Storm came, Storms Do come in the Christians Life.

allow us to mention some types of Storms .

Storms have several causes.

There are four categories of storms we’ll consider; in each case, God commands the wind and waves.

This is true when the storm is

1) “natural” (one that falls indiscriminately on the just and the unjust)

2) a result of one’s own sin,

3) sent by God to woo someone to Him or to develop His child, and

4) caused by the actions of others (sometimes malevolent actions).

Some storms are unavoidable, but some can be prevented through wise actions on our parts.

Once in a storm, the Christian, riding in the Good Ship Grace, is secure and is equipped for an encouraging spiritual outcome; those without Christ are not.

Christians must trust God’s sovereignty even when they are submerged by suffering, forsaken by friends, and dismayed by darkness in the midst of the storm.

There is a spiritual place of stillness in the center of God’s will that mirrors the physical eye in the center of a hurricane.

From this place, the Christian is not only able to praise God in the storm but is also able to help restore other storm victims with meekness, humility and love.

1. DETECTING Storms

1) The storm reveals the importance of the foundation.

2) The storm reveals the importance of preparation

3) The storm reveals the importance of how genuine our faith really is

We need to be reminded that God is doing something in our storms.

First, storms reveal areas of need or sin.

I thought I was a patient person, until I had kids.

I thought I was pretty smart, until I went to seminary.

I thought I was a hopeful person, till we lost a child in the womb and our world was shaken.

It is often in the storm that God reveals how much we need his grace and strength.

Second, storms REVEALS how desperate we need God.

The Psalms are a prime example of this.

It is often when we go through trouble, that we “cry to the Lord, and he delivers us from our distress” (Ps. 107:28).

It wasn’t till Peter started to sink that he turned his eyes back to Jesus (Matt. 14:22-33).

When our cares abound, we are reminded of whom we must cast our cares on (1 Pt. 5).

Rather than shaking your fist at God, allow the storm to drive you to him.

Psalm 107:28 (KJV 1900)

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses.

Matthew 14:22–33 (KJV 1900)

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

1 Peter 5 (KJV 1900)

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Third, storms REVEALS how God creates glorious good for us.

All things work for our good, even storms (Rom. 8:28).

And not just good, storms are producing glory!

This is why Paul says we need not “lose heart” for our “light momentary affliction is working for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

God uses even storms to create glorious good for his children.

Romans 8:28 (KJV 1900)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (KJV 1900)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Finally, storms REVEALS how God teachers us.

The heavy hand of God in our lives shows his love for us so that we might partake in his holiness (Heb. 12:5-13).

Storms teach us to trust.

They make our faith real (1 Pet. 1:6-9).

They affirm our union with Christ (1 Pet. 4:13).

And in specific ways, God uses storms to teach us what it means to imitate Christ, fight against sin, live as exiles in this world, and to hope in the promises of God.

Hebrews 12:5–13 (KJV 1900)

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

1 Peter 1:6–9 (KJV 1900)

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:13 (KJV 1900)

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Truly, God is doing all these things and far more in our storms.

If we don’t have a perspective that sees the sovereign ways God is using our storms, we will quickly fall back into despair.

2. PERFECTING Storms

God’s Purpose for Storms of Life

Don’t be afraid to face your own mistakes and/or messes left behind by life storms.

Acknowledge your part of the mess and ask forgiveness for missing the mark.

Then make things as right as you can with other people.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal strategies and ideas.

All you need is the next step.

Ask Him for the next step.

List what you could do to actively get prepared for the next storm.

You can become a strong, storm-resilient Christian with these 7 keys to understanding God’s purpose for storms.

As hurricane Sally edged closer, we watched as 24 inches of rain rushed down the dirt road and onto our land.

We saw the neighbors’ water wash onto our newly purchased land, we saw the culvert overflow onto our land, and we watched as the storm-surge waves pounded in from the bay. Flooding waters came from every direction.

And then storm winds blew all night long.

The next morning our small earthen retaining wall (we had worked so hard on) had failed, and trees were blown down and stripped bare.

The place was a devastating mess.

The storm revealed that our beautiful piece of paradise had some underlying problems.

1. God’s Purpose for Storms is to Expose Underlying Problems

The Last year or so in the Australia and nations around the world, we have seen storm after storm of every conceivable kind rip through our lands.

We have witnessed political, economic, social, medical, and weather-related upheaval all at the same time.

These storms reveal a number of societal ills, but more importantly, they reveal underlying problems in our own hearts and lives.

God’s purpose for storms is that our human motives, attitudes, and ways of thinking be exposed and then conformed to His ways.

First of all, I want to say that bad things happen simply because we live in a sinful, fallen world.

God does not cause bad things to happen. Bad things happen because sin pervades our world.

And as unfortunate as it is, sometimes horrible things happen to good people.

Yet, when we put our life in His hands, our good God will use the storms of life to mold our character and refine our nature.

God’s purpose is that we overcome all the things that hinder our living the abundant life He created us to live.

We all have underlying sin problems that need addressing in some way.

We all continue to fall short of the glory of God’s best for our lives (Rom 3:23).

Romans 3:23 (KJV 1900)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

And most of the time we are ignorant of these things in our hearts.

We don’t really know how we would react to a storm until we go through it.

Storms force us to face things we otherwise would not face.

2. Storms Are Good News for Saints of God

We immediately assume storms are bad news, yet there are good things that come as a result of storms.

God has a purpose for the storms in our lives.

For those who trust in God, storms mold us into the image of Christ.

Further, they refine our character in a way that can only come through storms.

We are forced to examine why and how we respond the way we do.

The storms confront longtime underlying fears in our lives.

3. Storms of Life Bring Fears to Our Attention

I was at a training conference when the hurricane came our way, and I had to cross a long bridge to get there.

I have been terrified of long bridges since I was a child.

But since I have been allowing God to confront all my fears, I recognized this was one more test.

The state highway patrol closes the bridge when the winds get to 45 mph, so if the bridge was open then I knew this was the best time to face my fear of bridges.

I pulled over to the side of the road to pray and build up the courage to cross.

When the rain let up for a moment, I pulled out and prayed loudly all the way over.

But I did it!

I faced the gripping fear that had been in my heart since I was a child, and it set me free!

When we are walking with God, He allows storms to reveal our underlying problems.

If we rely on Him, he will work every storm for our good (Rom 8:28).

Romans 8:28 (KJV 1900)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

4. Storms Bring Only What God Can Provide

In our area, hurricanes bring things only God can provide. For example:

Hurricanes bring a lot of rainwater to dry and drought conditions.

In our lives sometimes we can feel spiritually dry.

Storms stretch us spiritually and cause us to draw nearer to our Comforter.

We press in for more help and strength.

Our Lord is an ever-present help in our times of trouble and will rain down living water to strengthen and encourage us when we ask.

Sometimes an extraordinary amount of red-looking algae grows in the coastal waterways, called the red tide.

The enormous algae blooms produce toxins that contaminate sea life and birds.

The red tide sucks up the oxygen in this area that suffocates the fish. However, storms break up these large bodies of toxic plants and oxygenate the water.

Sometimes we humans can get into a toxic funk.

We can lose our hope. We can lose our peace, love, and joy, and God will allow storms to come to show us what is in our hearts.

Storms reveal our toxic thoughts, attitudes, and grudges.

Storms expose our toxic fears, impatience, and anger.

They expose situations in our life where we have relied on our own ways instead of God.

Storms stir up our stagnate spiritual growth.

5. Storms Strengthen Believers To Face the Mess

(John 16:33 ).

John 16:33 (KJV 1900)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Many in Usa looking at the disheartening mess left behind by Hurricane Sally.

It was hard to face, but we could not ignore the mess.

They had to start cleaning up and trust God to help us prepare for the next inevitable storm.

They resolved to clean up and prepare our land better than before.

Let the storms that come to you affect your resolve to clean up the messes and prepare for the future.

God’s purpose in the storm is to strengthen and equip you to complete your purpose!

(Colossians 2:6-7 ).

Colossians 2:6–7 (KJV 1900)

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

6. God Gives Supernatural Peace for Storms of Life

I have been through life storms where I was emotionally devastated, AND I have been through storms where I sailed through with faith, joy, and supernatural peace.

I like going through storms with faith, joy, and peace much better!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, there were trees whose roots were shallow and blew over, yet there were other trees that continued to stand tall even when the sand was blown out from under them.

Their roots went deep to hold them steady and strong.

In fact, if you are in constant communication with your Lord, He will tell you of storms to come and tell you what to do to succeed!

His purpose is to prepare you for the storms.

For example, Lord told a certain person to read in Galatians every day before a certain trip.

When They arrived, They walked into a storm, but God’s strategies of preparation kept emotions steady and my fears dissolved.

Their roots had grown deep in the Word of God. I prepared and did not panic or blow over.

Resilient Trees Overcome Storms

As some cleaned up our hurricane Sally mess, They prepared for the next storm.

They researched methods of shore restoration and preservation.

They addressed the neighbor’s water runoff and the clogged culvert.

Then we created a plan that involved 7 layers of protection to prevent storm damage in the future.

Then they planted some palm trees.

Palm trees are amazing for their storm resilience.

Some varieties are almost hurricane resistant.

They can stand up to the wind, rain, and waves because their trunks are flexible, and they grow deep roots.

7. God’s Purpose is that You Be Storm Resilient

We can be storm resilient Christians when we learn to be flexible, and attentive to the Holy Spirit’s teaching us to grow strong, deep roots.

In this season, we cannot rely on (or wait for) Sunday church services to connect with God and be encouraged.

Today we are blessed to have prayer meetings on Facebook, music on YouTube, and someone to read to us with Bible Apps.

We have lots of resources.

We simply must connect with our Lord daily, because, in personal worship times, the Holy Spirit washes over us, encourages us, and heals us.

The inspired Word of God strengthens us and helps us grow strong.

Daily prayer and Bible reading cleanses us from the world’s negativity.

It establishes us in hope and faith, refreshes us, and spiritually nourishes us.

During these times we gain clear insight and discernment for daily life.

Additionally, during these precious times in His presence, the Holy Spirit will tell us things to come.

Even though I’m sure you know these things, we sometimes grow distant and forget their importance.

We grow spiritually as we continue to have daily interactions with our loving Creator Lord.

His Living Water washes our hearts and life to heal our underlying problems.

God’s purpose for storms is that we become flexible and strong like that tree that is planted by the water–the one whose leaves do not wither and yields abundant fruit (Psalm 1:3).

Psalm 1:3 (KJV 1900)

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

You can be storm resilient!

3. PROTECTING Storms

“Why?” If God is good, why does he allow suffering?

Why does pain exist?

As humans, we like to be in control of things, know exactly what’s going on, and always have an explanation for everything that occurs.

So, when we feel like we’re not in control of a situation, we get anxious, frustrated, upset, and tend to find someone to blame for our pain.

And in most cases, God’s the one who ends up getting blamed, right?

Unfortunately, whether it’s for good or for bad, suffering is part of life.

However, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care about us or wants us to suffer.

God has promised to be there for us, even during pain.

Therefore, let’s dive into scripture today to fully understand God’s protection in the storms of life.

SAVE GOD’S PROTECTION IN THE STORMS OF LIFE FOR LATER!

Believing In God’s Protection

While God has proven to protect his people since the beginning of time, there are many people who still doubt God’s protection.

Be honest, are you one of them?

There’s no wrong or right answer……just yet.

Do you believe in God’s protection?

And if you believe in God’s protection, do you rely on it at all times?

Let me ask you this, if you were to be in the single most tragic, difficult, and life-changing situation of your entire life, who would be the first person you would go to crying for help?

Would God be the first one on your mind during this moment of difficulty?

Or would you run to someone or something else?

Who would be the first one you would run to for protection or help?

Who Do We Rely On For Protection?

Remember, scripture says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Who have you put your trust, confidence, and hope in?

Is it your parents, your spouse, your best friend, sibling, a family member, your wealth, or GOD?

In all honesty, is your answer really God? Do you rely on God’s protection?

Trusting In God’s Protection

Now, I’m not sure what your answer may be at the moment (I’ll let you meditate on that!)

However, I do know someone who would answer this question with “GOD” without hesitation.

And mind you that this person was not immune to suffering or pain.

In fact, he was one of the figures in the Bible that suffered the most.

So, let’s go right ahead and dive into scripture to analyze this well-known Biblical figure who relied on God’s protection, at all times.

This man truly believed in God’s protection, even during the darkest times of his life.

And boy did he have plenty of them!

The King Who Believed In God’s Protection

The man I am talking about is none other than King David.

His faith in God and his dependency on God’s protection is reflected throughout the entire book of Psalms – especially in verse 1 of Psalm 27.

Let’s take a look at Psalm 27:1

Psalm 27:1 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

GOD’S PROTECTION IN PSALM 27:1

Psalm 27:1 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (KJV)

COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD’S PROTECTION

What a heart-warming and compelling verse!

This is what believing in God is all about. In this beautiful verse, not only does David demonstrate his complete trust in God’s protection, but he teaches us what affirmations we should say and what questions we should ask.

So, let’s take a look at the three powerful affirmations David makes and the two bold questions he asks.

Powerful Affirmations Inspired By Psalm 27

Psalm 27 (KJV 1900)

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Hide not thy face far from me; Put not thy servant away in anger: Thou hast been my help; leave me not, Neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, And lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: For false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

I had fainted, unless I had believed To see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Affirmation #1 – The Lord is my light

LIGHT: Something that makes vision possible; spiritual illumination; something that enlightens or informs; not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring.

THE LIGHT IN DAVID’S LIFE

If you’re not familiar with the story of David, the books of Samuel (1 Samuel & 2 Samuel) reveal the many highs and lows of David.

Although he became a powerful and well-known king, his life was not full of rainbows and victories.

David experienced glory (becoming king) as much as he faced adversity (being chased by enemies, tragic losses, illnesses, etc!) However, regardless of the situation he was facing, he never let the darkness around him consume him.

Why? Because the light inside of him always overcame the darkness around him.

Even during the storms of life, when David faced adversity, committed sins, and even disappointed God, he was able to redeem himself because the light inside of him protected him by enlightening, illuminating, and guiding him to the right path again.

The light being none other than Jesus Christ.

THE LIGHT IN OUR LIVES

Similarly to David, we are faced with victories and hardships.

We go through highs and lows. In good times, the light of Jesus is what guides us to victory and success.

During shameful times, the light of Jesus is what takes us to redemption.

And during hard times, the light of Jesus protects us and gives us hope in the midst of darkness.

Through it all, in darkness or clarity, Jesus is the LIGHT.

Although it may be dark around us, we’re able to see light because Jesus is the light amid all the darkness (problems, battles, difficulties!)

John 1:5 says,

John 1:5 (KJV 1900)

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Affirmation #2 – The Lord is my salvation

SALVATION: Deliverance from the power and effects of sin; liberation from ignorance or illusion; preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty.

DAVID’S SALVATION

Like I said before, David had his share of troubles, failures, and storms.

David spent a good portion of his life being persecuted by his enemies, friends, and even his blood.

His life was in danger countless times, but God saved him every single time.

God was David’s protection and salvation.

He not only saved him from his enemies, but he saved him from his sins.

Although David did not live a perfect life or a life free of suffering, he never stopped believing in God’s protection.

He knew that no matter the circumstances he faced, God would always be his eternal salvation.

OUR SALVATION

Whether it’s from our troubles, difficulties, illnesses, temptations, sins, bad habits, people or, ourselves – we always need to be saved.

Don’t we? God is the only one who can cleanse us from our sins, save us from our troubles, and deliver us from any danger.

He is our salvation and our protection.

Affirmation 3 – The Lord is the stronghold of my life

STRONGHOLD: A fortified place; place of security or survival; a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack; a place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended.

DAVID’S PROTECTION

The last affirmation David makes is that God is his stronghold.

In other words, he affirms that God is his protection.

David did not rely on human strength or companion during his storms, he relied on God and only God’s protection.

He understood that human strength and companion is temporary and conditional.

However, God’s protection is permanent and unconditional.

When David needed help the most, his loved ones abandoned him.

However, God remained by his side. God acted as his stronghold by guarding and protecting him from all attacks.

OUR PROTECTION

Regardless of the hardships we face in life, God has promised to be with us, protect us, and deliver us.

The same God that protected David, protects us now.

If we dwell in God and trust in his protection, we will not be put to shame. God will protect us.

Two Bold Questions

Question #1 – Who shall I fear?

Fear: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger;to be afraid of : expect with alarm

Question #2 – Of how shall I be afraid?

Afraid: filled with fear or apprehension; worried that something will cause pain or injury.

Questioning God

When we face hardships, we typically question God.

We ask questions like:

Why has God allowed us to be in the situation we are currently in?

Why is this happening to us?

Does God still love us? Or, why isn’t God helping us?

Our questions come from a place of fear, insecurity, and doubt.

It’s because we doubt in God’s perfect will that we question his entire plan.

Differently than David, who fervently believed in God, even though he dealt with so much adversity (more than we probably ever will!)

David’s questions

David didn’t question God’s power, plan, or faithfulness. He didn’t question God at all.

Instead, he questioned himself. He questioned the thoughts, doubts, or fears inside of him.

Don’t we all have that one voice inside of our heads that promotes fear, insecurities, and doubts?

It was to THAT voice, that David was proposing these rhetorical questions to.

If God was his light and salvation, who should he ever fear?

And if God was his stronghold, of who should he be afraid of?

Choosing To Not God’s Protection

God’s protection is given to us, not to be questioned but to be accepted and cherished.

David did not believe in a different God than us.

He believed in the same God.

Therefore, we have the SAME hope as he did. Although we may face difficulties (it’s inevitable!), we are not alone.

God, who is our light, salvation, and stronghold will be with us every step of the way, whether we see it or not.

People come and go, money comes and goes, but God remains present today, tomorrow, and forever.

“God is building you, even though it may feel like he is breaking you.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Regardless of what you may be going through at the moment, cling to God.

The storms of life don’t last forever, but God’s protection does.

If you didn’t believe in God’s protection before, challenge yourself to believe in his protection now (you have nothing to lose!)

And if you haven’t been relying on God’s protection, it’s never too late to start.

God wants to help you, save you, and protect you.

But he wants you to believe that he actually can first.

God doesn’t promise immunity from suffering, but he does promise protection, comfort, and hope.

God Rules Over Life's Storms

Have you ever been blown off your feet by a physical or metaphorical storm in your life?

Are you in that position now and wondering whether you can regain the strength to stand?

Are you tired of trying to get up, time and time again, only to be knocked back down?

We’ve all been there—and if we haven’t, we will be!

There’s good news for those who are besieged.

Jesus Christ can give us the strength not only to stand but also to soar above the storm.

Isa 40:31 says,

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV 1900)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.

Pastor Adrian Rogers put it this way: “God promises us the ability to fly in the rugged times of life.

And He uses the eagle as an example.

The eagle loves the storm.

He sits there on his ledge, and when he feels that air being heated by the desert floor and those thermal drafts are coming up early in the morning, he steps off his perch and he lifts those mighty wings of his and begins to soar.

And the faster the winds blow, and the more convection there is in the air, he just rises higher and higher.

He just soars on the wind.”

Storms have several causes.

There are four categories of storms we’ll consider; in each case, God commands the wind and waves.

This is true when the storm is

1) “natural” (one that falls indiscriminately on the just and the unjust)

2) a result of one’s own sin,

3) sent by God to woo someone to Him or to develop His child, and

4) caused by the actions of others (sometimes malevolent actions).

Some storms are unavoidable, but some can be prevented through wise actions on our parts.

Once in a storm, the Christian, riding in the Good Ship Grace, is secure and is equipped for an encouraging spiritual outcome; those without Christ are not.

Christians must trust God’s sovereignty even when they are submerged by suffering, forsaken by friends, and dismayed by darkness in the midst of the storm.

There is a spiritual place of stillness in the center of God’s will that mirrors the physical eye in the center of a hurricane.

From this place, the Christian is not only able to praise God in the storm but is also able to help restore other storm victims with meekness, humility and love.

Jesus is the calm in Paul’s storm.

When you open the 27th chapter of the Book of Acts, you can smell the salt air, watch the lightning strike, and hear the thunder roar.

God uses this entire chapter to tell us a story about a ship in a storm.

More than history, it is a story of every human being sailing between two eternities.

Sometimes good things happen—the sea is calm, the wind blows softly, the sun is shining.

Maybe that’s where you are right now; if so, enjoy the voyage.

But sometimes the wind rises, the sky darkens, and we find ourselves in a terrible storm.

This is where Paul is in Acts 27.

He did not ask for or cause this storm. Paul is a prisoner on a ship on its way to Rome where he will stand trial.

He warns the ship’s captain not to sail because he foresees the storm.

His advice is ignored, and now an entire crew finds itself in an impossible situation: “Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up” (Acts 27:20 ).

Acts 27:20 (KJV 1900)

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Sometimes others cause the storms we are in. Sometimes, despite all our efforts to avoid trouble, we are beset.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul shows us what to do. He remains calm.

Because his sins are already drowned—swept away in crimson seas—Paul dwells perpetually in a position of confidence from which he trusts God.

In this case, God has shown Paul that he will most certainly stand trial in Rome. So in this moment, when all hope is “given up,” Paul is steadfast.

He trusts God not only for his own safety, but for the safety of the entire crew.

He reaches out to steady others (even his captors) at the height of the storm.

He is able to do this because, in this storm, as in every other, Jesus Himself is the calm. Listen to what Paul tells his shipmates:

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:22-25).

And what was the rest of the story?

The ship was lost.

All those with Paul were safe.

And Paul did testify in Rome.

Did someone else cause you to be in a storm?

Has God given you a word in that storm?

Has He clearly impressed upon you promises from Scripture—in context and in keeping with His revealed will?

Hold fast to His promises.

Perhaps, unlike the story in Acts, you are in a storm of your own making.

Jonah found himself in a tempest and wound up in the belly of a great fish because of his disobedience.

Even so, God used the storm and the fish to teach Jonah about His patience and His mercy.

Or perhaps you are in a “pop up” storm—you didn’t cause it, others didn’t cause it, something seemingly just happened.

This may be a natural storm—one that falls on the just and the unjust—or it may be a storm God sent for your development.

Either way, God will guard you in it, teach you from it, and bring you through it, to Himself.

The Ark of Grace

We are secure in every storm in the Ark of Grace, which is Christ Jesus.

Those from Christian homes grew up on the story of Noah’s Ark.

We know it’s true not because archeologists have confirmed stories of great floods in cultures throughout antiquity, though they have, but because it is in the Word of God, and because Jesus Christ Himself confirmed the story in Matt 24:37 ,

Matthew 24:37 (KJV 1900)

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

He was talking about the end times—likening the sinful time of Noah to the time just before He will return for His bride, the Church.

The story of Noah’s Ark helps us understand Jesus’ role in the ultimate storm that rages between death and life eternal.

Pastor Adrian Rogers said, “You’ll never see salvation pictured more clearly than you do in Noah’s ark.”

For Noah, the ark provided salvation from worldwide destruction.

“The ark is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Pastor Rogers said. The ark was:

SECURE—It was made of gopher wood (cypress), which will not rot. It was coated inside and out with pitch, a gooey, impermeable, tar-like resin.

The biblical term used for “pitch,” in this case, is translated more than 70 times in the Bible as “atonement.”

What God was saying, Pastor Rogers taught, was, “Put atonement all over the outside of it.

Put atonement all over the inside of it. Just seal it!

Now what was that tar for? It was to keep the water out.

Well, what was the water?

The water was God’s judgment. And not one drop could come through.

Jesus is the atonement for our sin. When you are in Jesus, not one drop of judgment can get to you.”

SUFFICIENT—There was three million cubic feet of space in the ark, sufficient for all that would come aboard.

God said, “Make rooms in the ark.”

Just as there was sufficient space in the ark, there is sufficient room at the cross for all who would come to Jesus for salvation.

SHAPED PERFECTLY—The ark was made a certain length and width but had no prow or stern.

“It’s built like an ancient coffin,” Pastor Rogers said.

“Why? Because we’re buried with Christ when we come into His death.

We are buried with Him by baptism (in water).

The ark didn’t have a prow or a stern.

Do you know why?

There was no way it could be guided; no human hand was upon it; it was under the control of Almighty God.

SEALED BY GOD—The ark had a door in the side and a window in the ceiling, Pastor Rogers continued: “And God says, ‘Noah, I’ll take care of the door.

You take care of the window.’ What’s all this about?

God sealed the door; nobody could open it.

But the window, Noah could open, and he could look up.”

We are in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit.

“God said, ‘From now on, Noah, you’re to be heavenly minded.’

The way that we look into Heaven is through Jesus Christ, the ark of safety.

SUSTAINING—In the ark, Noah had everything he and his companions needed to sustain them.

Those in Christ Jesus have everything they need for life and godliness.

They discover that Jesus not only saves but also satisfies.

SCHEDULED—“Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat” (Gen 8:4 ).

Genesis 8:4 (KJV 1900)

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

The time that the ark came to rest corresponds to three days after the Passover, Pastor Rogers taught.

“That’s the day that Jesus came out of the grave.

As that ark stood upon Mount Ararat, Jesus stood in resurrection after having taken all of the

floodwaters of God’s wrath for me and for you upon that cross.

Isn’t the Bible wonderful?

For a fuller explanation of the Ark as a picture of Jesus Christ, read the article, "How is Noah's Ark Related to Jesus?"

Can God Be Trusted?

The greatest question you will ever face is not, “Does God exist?”

This is an easy question with an easy answer.

Just look around and inside you. Look around and consider the complexity of the Universe; you know such design requires a designer!

Look inside and observe your own intrinsic desire to worship Someone larger, wiser, more powerful, more loving, more everything than yourself!

That desire was placed inside you by your Creator, who wants to be in a relationship with you.

No, God’s existence is not the question.

When you’re in a storm—you’re bewildered, perplexed, broken—what you really need an answer to is this: Can God be trusted?

No one had more reason to ask this question—or more need for the answer—than the Old Testament character, Job.

Though he was a righteous man, Job’s name is synonymous with suffering.

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1 ).

Job 1:1 (KJV 1900)

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

This man, Job, had easily answered the question of God’s existence. In fact, he had loved and served God with his whole heart.

Pastor Adrian Rogers said Job was a great man—spiritually, financially, and domestically.

Satan noticed Job’s love and obedience and desired to have Job for his own.

So he asked to “sift” Job, to test him.

He believed that if God allowed Job to go through a storm—one that would destroy him financially and domestically—Job would turn away from God.

God allowed Job to be tested.

God allowed the enemy to take everything from Job—his wealth, his children, his health—literally everything except his life.

Unfortunately, those closest to Job—his three best friends and even his wife—could not be trusted during this time of great calamity.

Job’s friends accused him of bringing his difficulties upon himself; Job’s wife told him he might as well “curse God and die” (see Job: 2-9).

Job 2–9 (KJV 1900)

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.

And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.

And Job spake, and said,

Let the day perish wherein I was born, And the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.

Let that day be darkness; Let not God regard it from above, Neither let the light shine upon it.

Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; Let a cloud dwell upon it; Let the blackness of the day terrify it.

As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; Let it not be joined unto the days of the year, Let it not come into the number of the months.

Lo, let that night be solitary, Let no joyful voice come therein.

Let them curse it that curse the day, Who are ready to raise up their mourning.

Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; Let it look for light, but have none; Neither let it see the dawning of the day:

Because it shut not up the doors of my mother’s womb, Nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.

Why died I not from the womb? Why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

Why did the knees prevent me? Or why the breasts that I should suck?

For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,

With kings and counsellers of the earth, Which built desolate places for themselves;

Or with princes that had gold, Who filled their houses with silver:

Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; As infants which never saw light.

There the wicked cease from troubling; And there the weary be at rest.

There the prisoners rest together; They hear not the voice of the oppressor.

The small and great are there; And the servant is free from his master.

Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, And life unto the bitter in soul;

Which long for death, but it cometh not; And dig for it more than for hid treasures;

Which rejoice exceedingly, And are glad, when they can find the grave?

Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, And whom God hath hedged in?

For my sighing cometh before I eat, And my roarings are poured out like the waters.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, And that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; Yet trouble came.

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, And thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; It toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, Thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the righteous cut off?

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, And sow wickedness, reap the same.

By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, And the stout lion’s whelps are scattered abroad.

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, And mine ear received a little thereof.

In thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falleth on men,

Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones to shake.

Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up:

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: An image was before mine eyes, There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?

Behold, he put no trust in his servants; And his angels he charged with folly:

How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, Which are crushed before the moth?

They are destroyed from morning to evening: They perish for ever without any regarding it.

Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? They die, even without wisdom.

Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; And to which of the saints wilt thou turn?

For wrath killeth the foolish man, And envy slayeth the silly one.

I have seen the foolish taking root: But suddenly I cursed his habitation.

His children are far from safety, And they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.

Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, And taketh it even out of the thorns, And the robber swalloweth up their substance.

Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, Neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;

Yet man is born unto trouble, As the sparks fly upward.

I would seek unto God, And unto God would I commit my cause:

Which doeth great things and unsearchable; Marvellous things without number:

Who giveth rain upon the earth, And sendeth waters upon the fields:

To set up on high those that be low; That those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: And the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

They meet with darkness in the daytime, And grope in the noonday as in the night.

But he saveth the poor from the sword, From their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

So the poor hath hope, And iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and his hands make whole.

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

In famine he shall redeem thee from death: And in war from the power of the sword.

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: Neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: Neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; And thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.

Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, And thine offspring as the grass of the earth.

Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, Like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; Hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

But Job answered and said,

Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, And my calamity laid in the balances together!

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: Therefore my words are swallowed up.

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, The poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? Or loweth the ox over his fodder?

Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

The things that my soul refused to touch Are as my sorrowful meat.

Oh that I might have my request; And that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

Even that it would please God to destroy me; That he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

Then should I yet have comfort; Yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

What is my strength, that I should hope? And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?

Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?

Is not my help in me? And is wisdom driven quite from me?

To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; But he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, And as the stream of brooks they pass away;

Which are blackish by reason of the ice, And wherein the snow is hid:

What time they wax warm, they vanish: When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

The paths of their way are turned aside; They go to nothing, and perish.

The troops of Tema looked, The companies of Sheba waited for them.

They were confounded because they had hoped; They came thither, and were ashamed.

For now ye are nothing; Ye see my casting down, and are afraid.

Did I say, Bring unto me? Or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? Or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: And cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

How forcible are right words! But what doth your arguing reprove?

Do ye imagine to reprove words, And the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, And ye dig a pit for your friend.

Now therefore be content, look upon me; For it is evident unto you if I lie.

Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; Yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.

Is there iniquity in my tongue? Cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? Are not his days also like the days of an hireling?

As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, And as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:

So am I made to possess months of vanity, And wearisome nights are appointed to me.

When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? And I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.

My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; My skin is broken, and become loathsome.

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.

O remember that my life is wind: Mine eye shall no more see good.

The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: Thine eyes are upon me, and I am not.

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: So he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.

He shall return no more to his house, Neither shall his place know him any more.

Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Am I a sea, or a whale, That thou settest a watch over me?

When I say, My bed shall comfort me, My couch shall ease my complaint;

Then thou scarest me with dreams, And terrifiest me through visions:

So that my soul chooseth strangling, And death rather than my life.

I loathe it; I would not live alway: Let me alone; for my days are vanity.

What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? And that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, And try him every moment?

How long wilt thou not depart from me, Nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, So that I am a burden to myself?

And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, And take away mine iniquity? For now shall I sleep in the dust; And thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

How long wilt thou speak these things? And how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?

Doth God pervert judgment? Or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

If thy children have sinned against him, And he have cast them away for their transgression;

If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, And make thy supplication to the Almighty;

If thou wert pure and upright; Surely now he would awake for thee, And make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

Though thy beginning was small, Yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, And prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow:)

Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, And utter words out of their heart?

Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the flag grow without water?

Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, It withereth before any other herb.

So are the paths of all that forget God; And the hypocrite’s hope shall perish:

Whose hope shall be cut off, And whose trust shall be a spider’s web.

He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: He shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.

He is green before the sun, And his branch shooteth forth in his garden.

His roots are wrapped about the heap, And seeth the place of stones.

If he destroy him from his place, Then it shall deny him, saying, I have not seen thee.

Behold, this is the joy of his way, And out of the earth shall others grow.

Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, Neither will he help the evil doers:

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, And thy lips with rejoicing.

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; And the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Then Job answered and said,

I know it is so of a truth: But how should man be just with God?

If he will contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.

He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: Who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: Which overturneth them in his anger.

Which shaketh the earth out of her place, And the pillars thereof tremble.

Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; And sealeth up the stars.

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, And Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

Which doeth great things past finding out; Yea, and wonders without number.

Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive him not.

Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?

If God will not withdraw his anger, The proud helpers do stoop under him.

How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words to reason with him?

Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, But I would make supplication to my judge.

If I had called, and he had answered me; Yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.

For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause.

He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness.

If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: And if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?

If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: If I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.

This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.

If the scourge slay suddenly, He will laugh at the trial of the innocent.

The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: He covereth the faces of the judges thereof; If not, where, and who is he?

Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good.

They are passed away as the swift ships: As the eagle that hasteth to the prey.

If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:

I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.

If I be wicked, Why then labour I in vain?

If I wash myself with snow water, And make my hands never so clean;

Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, And mine own clothes shall abhor me.

For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, And we should come together in judgment.

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both.

Let him take his rod away from me, And let not his fear terrify me:

Then would I speak, and not fear him; But it is not so with me.

With no one on his side, and nothing even to hope for, Job made an astonishing statement in the middle of a fierce storm: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 15:13).

Job 15:13 KJV 1900

That thou turnest thy spirit against God, And lettest such words go out of thy mouth?

Facing what he thought was his likely demise, Job continued in Job 19: 25-27—“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.

Job 19:25–27 (KJV 1900)

For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself, And mine eyes shall behold, and not another; Though my reins be consumed within me.

How my heart yearns within me!”

Do you feel as if you’re being sifted?

Do you yearn to behold the reality of God’s love and power?

Perhaps you’re in a season of deep uncertainty or loss.

Perhaps you’re wondering: can God be trusted?

If so, take heart from Job’s story and take a step of faith.

Look up and declare, in the middle of your tempest, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

Job was rewarded for his faith—during his earthly life and through all eternity.

He secured the answer to our most difficult question: God can be trusted in trouble?

The answer is yes. For more about Job’s faith and reward, read the article, "Can We Rely on God in

Difficult Times?"

The Church is a Battleship

If we are going to survive the storms of life, we need to remember that, just as he did with Job, the enemy may desire to wage war with us at any time.

God may adjust our course to avoid a given storm, or He may command us to gear up for battle.

Adrian Rogers said, “There is a dark, diabolical, deadly, dirty war being fought.

It is a war between light and darkness, good and evil, Heaven and Hell, Christ and Satan.

You cannot afford to be ignorant and you cannot possibly be neutral.”

Fortunately, we have the tools we need to fight our way out of the storm. In Ephesians 6: 11-13, we read about the purpose of the armor of God: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11–13 KJV 1900

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

These are the weapons we have in Christ Jesus:

The Girdle of Truth:

This is the believer’s integrity.

Integrity acts in a way similar to the strong leather belt a weight lifter uses to hold together the center of his strength.

With our integrity intact, we can withstand the high winds of a major storm.

The Breastplate of Righteousness:

This is the believer’s purity.

When we live without an ounce of unconfessed and unrepented sin in our lives, we have the protection enjoyed by the ancient warriors who wore breastplates of woven chains covering their vital organs.

Satan desires to tear that breastplate, Pastor Rogers said, by tempting you toward impurity in thought and deed. He may start small.

You may say, “It’s a little sin; it’s no big deal,” but it’s a crack in the armor

The Shoes of Peace:

This is the believer’s tranquility.

Roman soldiers wore spikes on their shoes to help them stand in battle.

When we have peace with God and with one another in the Body of Christ, we are on firm footing and better able to manage the difficulties that come our way.

Pastor Rogers said, “Peace in the Bible is not the subtraction of problems; peace is the addition of power to meet those problems.”

The Shield of Faith:

This is the believer’s certainty.

Imagine a warrior with a leather-covered shield who is able to deflect flaming arrows.

We must hold our faith steady against the arrows of doubt the enemy continually fires at us.

The Helmet of Salvation:

This is the believer’s sanity.

“When a person is saved, for the first time he has his right mind,” Pastor Rogers said. “People without the Lord Jesus Christ have a form of insanity.

They are without the mind God made them to have.

So you put on the helmet of salvation.

That is the covering for your mind.”

The Sword of the Spirit:

This is the Word of God.

Don’t forget to take up your offensive weapon.

Jesus used the Word of God as a sword throughout His ministry, beginning with his battle over Satan’s temptation, which took place immediately after His baptism.

“It is written,” Jesus said, quoting Scripture each time Satan tempted Him to put other desires above God’s plan.

With the above tools, we are ready to fight our way out of a storm.

For more about Satan’s attacks and the believer’s armor, read the article, "You Cannot Be Neutral in This War."

Balancing the Load in a Storm

When a ship is being battered in a fierce storm, discarding heavy cargo is a frequent strategy, but there are certain things that can’t be thrown overboard if the crew is to survive.

If we’re going to endure life’s storms, we must learn which burdens we should carry—for ourselves and others—and which we should wisely lay down.

Burdens We Take Up

First, let’s consider the burdens of others.

If you have brothers or sisters in Christ who are facing storms because they’ve wandered away from God’s protection by falling into sin, you can lighten their load and help them find restoration.

The Bible is filled with examples of believers who faltered and struggled, creating their own spiritual storms. Peter denied Christ.

Jonah attempted to escape the responsibility God had placed on him.

John Mark became frightened and homesick and abandoned his brothers during a missionary journey.

David who fell prey to lust and, eventually, murdered an innocent man.

These believers all failed and were restored.

Jesus took up Peter’s burden of denial and personally restored him during a seaside breakfast after His resurrection.

God caused a great fish to help restore Jonah to useful service; Jonah’s time in the belly of this fish gave him time to think, to repent, and to get on the right track.

A believer named Barnabas helped restore John Mark.

If you’ve ever heard a teammate encourage an athlete after a failure in a game, you have an idea what Barnabas did for John Mark: He “picked him up.”

As for David, who did something desperately wicked, God sent the prophet Nathan to gently but definitively reveal David’s sin.

Nathan bore David’s burden by speaking truth to him, and David was restored.

Pastor Adrian Rogers said we must help broken believers mend—not by shaming, ignoring, or reporting sin to others, but by coming alongside with honesty, gentleness, sympathy, and humility.

Burdens We Endure

While we are to bear one another’s burdens, there are some burdens we must endure on our own.

It is our responsibility alone to repent and be saved, and to follow Christ in obedience; no one else can take up these burdens for us.

“There are parents who would give the last ounce of blood in their veins if they could repent of sin for their children,” Pastor Rogers said.

“But they can’ do it.”

When it comes to responding to and loving God, every man must bear his own burden.

Burdens We Lay Down

(Psalm 55:22).

Psalm 55:22 (KJV 1900)

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

King David was an elderly man when he wrote the above words. He’d learned that burdens come to the high and the low, the wealthy and the poor, the saints and the sinners, the young and the old.

He’d been restored from some storms of his own making as well as from storms others had caused.

And he knew which cargo to throw overboard.

The Apostle Peter also knew. He told us to cast all our cares “upon Him (Jesus), for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV 1900)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

These are the burdens we can do nothing about: the diagnosis with the dire prognosis, the wayward son or daughter who has broken contact, the choking grief after the loss of a loved one.

We are to give Christ these burdens and trust Him with the outcome.

Finally, we are to bow before Jesus and give Him the full burden of our sin, guilt, and shame. He has already died to take this burden from us.

He longs for us to abandon our attempts to save ourselves from the ultimate storm—an eternity without the love, peace, and joy found only in a relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.

4. DIRECTING Storms

“YOUR STORM IS KEEPING YOU ON COURSE”

Acts 27:44 It was some years ago, but I remember when they closed a local airport.

Acts 27:44 (KJV 1900)

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

You see there was a violent storm at Newark airport, and thousands of people had their plans suddenly changed…indefinitely.

I’ve come to find out in life, Storms have a way of doing just that!

There’s a snow storm, for example, and schools and businesses, even though they all had their plans made for the day, suddenly have all those plans thrown out the window.

Meetings that HAD to be today are amazingly rescheduled.

Planes and ships are diverted and all because of a storm.

You see, a storm is a classic embodiment of that familiar phrase, “Due to circumstances beyond our control…” Ever heard that line?

Truth is: maybe you’re in the middle of a storm right now.

Your life and plans are being blown around in every possible direction, and it seems like everything is completely out of control.

Well, if that’s your testimony, then I’ve got some really good news for you today!

According to the Word of God, Acts 27 talks about A Stormy Surprise!

Acts 27 KJV 1900

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Now, I don’t know where your storm is right now, but maybe there’s something blowing your life out of control: (a marriage conflict; a troubled child; a financial crisis; a health scare; a job loss or loved one loss; or a ministry transition).

Whatever your storm is, it’s blowing fierce and hard!

And to make matters worse, you’ve already tried everything to get it back to smooth sailing, and yet, all you see in all directions is nothing but complete and utter chaos!

And by the way, if you’re one of those tremendously blessed folks who’s not in a storm Right Now, Just Stay Tuned; Your Forecast Will Change Just Like the Rest of Us!

That’s just the way life is.

Before you know it, out of no-where, the winds blow, the waves are high, the lightening is bright, the thunder is loud, the foundation is shaky, the cold airs of conflict and crisis strike, and you’re wondering if you’ll Survive the Storm!

We all get them, so if you haven’t YET, simply Stay Tuned!

However, for those who feel that In Your Life Right Now Things Are Completely Out of Control By the Storms of Life, You’ll Most Definitely Be Able to Relate to Paul’s Storm in Acts 27!

Acts 27 (KJV 1900)

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

What was happening was that Paul was being taken by Roman soldiers on a grain ship from Israel to Rome.

They had a lot of water to cross to get from where Israel is and to cross the ocean and to get over to Italy where they needed to be, and in the middle of all this they encountered a terrible storm that lasted for fourteen days.

Hurricane strength, we’re told in Acts 27:20, “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” .

Acts 27:20 (KJV 1900)

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Now, if you’ve ever felt like all your points of reference were gone, like Acts 27:20, you couldn’t see the “…sun, the moon, the stars…” –Which Are All Things You Can Usually Count On To Be

Acts 27:20 (KJV 1900)

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

There As Your Day-to-Day, Consistent Point of Reference…When That’s Gone, The Storm Is Bad! The things you were able to hang on to before, They’re No Longer There!

That one song that use to encourage you, now you can’t remember one verse of it, that friend whose shoulder use to be available for you to lean on has vanished into thin air, that Scripture that would pop into your head right when you were ready to throw in the towel (and now you have no idea what book of the Bible it’s even found in).

It feels as though all you used to Depend on has somehow Disappeared into the Darkness of the Storm!

Well, maybe you’re there right now, and you know what, truth is, it’s easy to give up hope. I know “church folks” will tell you that’s not supposed to ever happen to a believer.

But truth is, life can get real hard, and heart breaking.

It’s difficult to keep a praise on your lips when your coworker is cursing you out. It’s hard to keep joy when you’ve lost loved ones back-to-back.

It’s not easy to keep shouting when your marriage is screaming divorce.

Its’ rough trying to teach Sunday school to other children when your own don’t even attend.

Life is not easy! No, not even for the believer.

So never beat yourself up when you have a moment of lost hope, it happens to the best of us, from the pulpit to the door (whether we admit it or not)!

However, before you feel as if your lost hope can never be found again, keep this in mind:

The Outcome of the Story Is What You Need to Take Note Of! Acts 27:44 declares, “…Everyone Reached Land Safely.”

Acts 27:44 (KJV 1900)

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

They were blown into the rocks after two weeks, But It Says, IN THE END, They Were On An ISLAND!

And in chapter 28 we find out the ISLAND was called MALTA!

Do you know where Malta is? IT’S ON THE SOUTHERN COAST OF ITALY! Why is that such good news?

Because, Regardless to a Violent Storm, They Ended Up Right Where They Were Heading All Along!

Oh, they’d been out of control for two weeks or so it seemed, BUT THE WHOLE TIME THEY HAD BEEN OUT OF CONTROL, THEY HAD ACTUALLY BEEN RIGHT ON COURSE, AND SO ARE YOU!

The Surprise About Your Storm Is, That YOU’RE STILL ON COURSE!

I know the storm blew some stuff all over the place, I know you received some bumps and bruises and even some brokenness in the storm, but YOU’RE STILL ON COURSE!

As hectic as it is, as violent as it was, as rough as it’s been, as depressed as you’ve felt, YOU’RE STILL ON COURSE!

Yes, with a marriage that seemed to be sinking, children that seemed to be jumping over-board, a ministry that seemed to lose the wind in its sails, and a health that has seemed to be tossed to and fro, from healthy to sick all in the same week,

YOU MY FRIEND ARE STILL ON COURSE! REGARDLESS TO THE STORM, PAUL STILL ENDED UP EXACTLY WHERE HE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE…AND SO WILL YOU! SO, DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY THE STORM, YOU’RE STILL ON COURSE!

Nahum 1:3

Nahum 1:3 KJV 1900

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked: The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Some encouragement during your storm is found in knowing that God is SEEN even in storms.

The problem is that like Peter, we tend to focus on the storm instead of the Savior who’s in the storm With Us!

Matthew 14:30-32,

Matthew 14:30–32 (KJV 1900)

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

The key is knowing that Jesus is in the storms of life WITH us, and close enough to us in the storm, like Peter, that all He had to do was reach out His hand and touch him.

He’s that close to us in the storms of our lives as well. So take heart beloved, because in the harshest of storms, the hand of God is still nigh.

Those are the things we lose sight of in storms.

We began to focus on the ‘effects of the wind’ instead of keeping our eyes on the One who created and controls All the Elements!

When your in the storms of life, don’t look at the storm or its effects, look for God, He can always be seen in the storm!

“…He will USE whirlwinds and storms to show His power.

People walk on the dusty ground, but He walks on the clouds.” Don’t be afraid of the storms, God uses storms to show forth His power!

The problem is that we focus on how powerless we feel in the storms of life instead of focusing on how powerful God is even in the midst of the storm!

In fact, He’s using the storm you’re in right now for your good not your harm.

That’s why you have to always condition yourself to look for the lessons He’s showing you on how to trust Him even in strong storms where you feel most weak!

2 Corinthians 12:9,

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV 1900)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God uses storms to showcase His power, and uses your weaknesses in the storms of life to do the same.

Be encouraged in knowing that God is Using this storm on your behalf! “…Raging winds and storms MARK HIS PATH, and clouds are the dust from His feet.”

When the winds and storms are raging in your life, don’t try to figure out which way to go, simply look for the Path of God.

Follow His Footsteps and You’ll Exit the Storm Better Than You Entered it!

Proverbs 3:5-6,

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV 1900)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Don’t pace the floor in fear, walk by faith as you follow the path of God.

If you just ask Him, He’ll show you the way to go! Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path].”

Psalm 37:23 (KJV 1900)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.

In chaos, let God order your steps, and you will be sure to never stumble.

Just ask Him to show you where He’s marked His path so you can follow it, instead of tripping over trouble trying to figure it all out on your own.

Jeremiah 33:3,

No matter how terrifying your storm is, know that God still shows His power in the terrors of the cyclone and the raging storms.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV 1900)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

When God is in the storm with you, you need not worry yourself, no matter how bad the storm is.

Your Storm Will Never Be Bigger Than the Size of Your God! Remember, Your God is Omnipotent; Omnipresent; Omniscient; All-Powerful; All-Present and All-Knowing.

What Storm Do You Know Can Top That?!

Psalm 147:5,

Psalm 147:5 (KJV 1900)

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

“Great is our Lord and of great power…” (AMPC);

“Our Lord is great and so strong…” (CEB);

Our Lord is great and powerful…” (CEV);

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power…” (ESV);

“Our Lord is great, and His power is great…” (GWT);

“How great He is! His power is absolute!” (TLB);

“Our Lord is great, with limitless strength…” (MSG)

Now, with a God that Great, are you really going to let this temporary storm scare you?!

“…Tornadoes and hurricanes are the wake of His passage, Storm clouds are the dust He shakes off His feet…”

; “…Where the Lord goes, there are whirlwinds and storms, and the clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”

I hope you’re starting to understand that when God is in the storm with you, you are in the safest place in all the world!

And that means even in the midst of the tornado, hurricane, whirlwind and storm, He is always present, and you are always protected!

After all, the Bible says, “Where the Lord goes, there are whirlwinds and storms…” If you’re in a storm, God is already there, so take heart!

Be Not Discouraged! The Lord Is Still In Control of Your Care and Course…Despite the Storm!

Believe It Or Not, As Bad As It Looks, His Ways Still Work…Even In the Storms of Life! And for an added bonus, God speaks in storms too! “And now, finally, GOD answered Job from THE EYE OF A VIOLENT STORM…”

(Job 38:1 Never feel as though storms have the power to cut off your communication from God. He sees you, He hears you, He speaks to you, He’s there with you!

Job 38:1 (KJV 1900)

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Even when the storm is Violent it can’t silence His Voice!

So, make sure that while you’re in the storm, you keep your ears open, the Lord has a wonderful way of communicating calm even in the midst of chaos! Listen to the Bible:

“Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.”

They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along.

A huge storm came up.

Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it.

And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping!

They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”

Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!”

The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass.

Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards?

Don’t you have any faith at all?”

They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked.

“Wind and sea at his beck and call!” (Mark 4:35-41 )

Mark 4:35–41 (KJV 1900)

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Your storm is never designed to take you out! You just have to remember what happened BEFORE the storm took place: The Bible says, “…He said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.”

The best lifesaver in the storms of life is to always remember what “…HE SAID…”!

He didn’t suggest to go, He said LET’S GO!

When God is with you, never let what’s around you distract you from the direction He’s already given you!

If HE SAID let’s go across to the other side, it doesn’t matter what takes place along the journey, one way or another you will reach the other side!

Remember: Your Storm is Keeping You On Course!

Yes, Even With All of Its’ Chaos!

Therefore, Never Allow the Sound of the Storm to Drown Out What God Has Already Said!

People of God, Your Storms Will NEVER Be Powerful Enough To Short-Circuit The Power Of The God You Serve!

Remember: Even Jesus Himself had to face storms: “Right now I AM STORM-TOSSED. And what am I going to say?

‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.’”

A voice came out of the sky: “I have glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again.” (John 12:27-28 )

John 12:27–28 (KJV 1900)

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Jesus Himself was “…STORM-TOSSED…” yet He determined to endure it because it would display the glory of the Father!

And as bad as your storm is, and as violently as it’s tossing you to and fro, don’t give up, give out or give in!

Stick it out!

You will eventually arrive to your destination and there will be glory after this!

Yes, In the End You May Just Make It By On Broken Pieces, However, That Still Does Not Change the Unchangeable Fact and Truth, That You Still Made It!

Jesus made it to the Crown, but not without the Cross, Enemies, Spit, Mockery, Piercing, Tomb, Grave, Nails, Pain, Suffering, Agony, Blood, Sweat etc…Yes, He made it, but it was a horrible journey.

And yet He didn’t stop and take down the sails, He stayed the course, because there was too much Purpose and Promise on the other side of this. Likewise it is for you!

Paul Was Destined For Italy, and the Storm Would Not Be A Distraction, But a Driving Force to Ensure He Made It There!

And Not Just Made It There, But Made It There With the Testimony of What He Had to Make It Through To Get There!

And if it’s anyone who has a testimony of endurance, it’s certainly Paul! The Bible says, “I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time.

I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once.

I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes.

I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers.

I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

And that’s not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.

When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones…” (2 Corinthians 11:23-29 ) Now, if Paul can survive THAT, you can survive THIS!

2 Corinthians 11:23–29 (KJV 1900)

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

Listen: Your Storm Will Not Be a Straight Path To Your Destination!

And After All, Who Wants to Hear the Boring Story of How You Left Here, and Simply Made It Straight There, With No Bumps, Bruises or Brokenness…Who Can Relate To That?!

That’s Why Your Storm Is Adding Streets, Paths, Cliffs, Dead-Ends, U-Turns, Corners, Hills, Avenues, Back Alley’s, Valley’s and More to Your Story’s Journey!

People Will Be Able to Relate to What You’ve Been Through, and then Further Be Encouraged to Know That They Can and Will Make It Through Just the Same!

You may feel like you’re either going nowhere right now or you’re on the verge of utter shipwreck disaster; maybe on the verge of being blown on the rocks even to crash and burn.

But remember, the surprise in the storm is this:

GOD STILL CONTROLS SEEMINGLY OUT-OF-CONTROL TIMES!

He uses them to blow His children right where they were supposed to go all along!

SO DON’T LET THE STORM DISCOURAGE YOU, DISTRACT YOU OR DISHEARTEN YOU!

THE BOTTOM LINE IS: THE STORM IS KEEPING YOU ON COURSE!

YOU WILL SURVIVE AND YOU WILL HAVE AN AWESOME STORY AND TESTIMONY TO TELL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORM!

The word ‘storm’ is defined as, ‘a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow; an uproar or controversy; a sudden attack and capture; to move forcefully in a specified direction.’

People of God, do not allow your storm to disturb you, even when it disturbs the atmosphere around you.

Because my favorite definition of ‘storm’, is ‘to move forcefully in a specified direction.’

Your storm is not working against you, it’s working for you! It’s pushing, shoving, and moving you forcefully, but it’s taking you in the right direction!

Your storm is not there to throw you off track, but to keep you on course!

And your ‘specified direction’, is in the Will of God for your life!

It will not be the easiest, or smoothest ride there, but you will arrive where God desired all along!

Acts 27:44, )

Acts 27:44 (KJV 1900)

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Truth is, they survived the storm, but on broken pieces.

Likewise, you will not survive this storm without some scrapes, scars, bruises and even broken pieces.

But the key is, you survived the storm, you made it through and out of the storm!

No, you will not look like GQ’s man of the year, or America’s Next Top Model, when it’s over, but you will have the testimony that you outlasted the storm!

The storm won’t remain, but you will remain standing when the storm is over!

REMEMBER: THE SURPRISE OF THE STORM IS THAT THE STORM DIDN’T SURPRISE GOD! YOU WILL SURVIVE!

And before you know it the storm will be over!

The Bible says, “WHEN THE STORM IS OVER, there’s nothing left of the wicked; good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren’t even fazed.”

(Proverbs 10:25 You’ll eventually look back and wonder, how you got over!

Proverbs 10:25 (KJV 1900)

As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

Here’s some more encouragement, “Moses left Pharaoh and the city and stretched out his arms to GOD. The thunder and hail stopped; THE STORM CLEARED.”

(Exodus 9:33 )

Exodus 9:33 (KJV 1900)

And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.

And the same will happen for you! As soon as you reach your destination in God, the storm will clear and you’ll be able to clearly see that it was all worth it in the end!

Therefore, Sail On Through the Storm, It’s Helping You to Stay On Course!

Psalm 107:23-32,

Psalm 107:23–32 (KJV 1900)

They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters;

These see the works of the Lord, And his wonders in the deep.

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof.

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: Their soul is melted because of trouble.

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end.

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses.

He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they be quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, And praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Your Storm is Keeping You On Course!

“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive.

You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over.

But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in.” (Haruki Murakami)

“You will not be the same after the storms of life; you will be stronger, wiser and more alive than ever before.” (Bryant McGill)

“Don’t fear the storms that life may bring. You’ve been chosen by God to survive it, overcome it, and outlast it.” (Sheryl Brady)

“The greatest miracles aren’t seen in calm peaceful waters, they are seen in the rocky, turbulent and frightful waters of a faith-filled life.” (Kelly Balarie)

“We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.” (St. Francis de Sales)

“The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.” (Aesop)

“When the storms do come; you can only allow them to slow you down, but don’t let them stop you. There will be delays, detours, and disappointments but you have to keep pushing through it. Pursue your dreams.” (Bernard Kelvin Clive)

“When the storms of life strike, it’s what happens in you that will determine what happens to you.” (Jerry Savelle)

“Often as we experience the storms of life, we witness the Lord’s hand in providing eternal protections.” (Quentin L. Cook)

“Clouds, leaves, soil and wind all offer themselves as signals of changes in the weather. However, not all the storms of life can be predicted.” (David Petersen)

“We cannot stand through the storms of life based on someone else’s faith. We must be fully assured in our own hearts and minds.” (Joyce Meyer)

“Without rain nothing grows, learn to embrace the storms of life.” (Author Unknown)

“You can’t calm the storm so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” (Thimber Hawkeye)

“If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” (Frank Lane)

“We all face storms in life. Some are more difficult than others, but we all go through trials and tribulation. That’s why we have the gift of faith.” (Joyce Meyer)

“Life’s toughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.” (Author Unknown)

“Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?” (Hunter S. Thompson)

“No storm can last forever. It will never rain 365 days consecutively. Keep in mind that trouble comes to pass, not to stay. Don’t worry. No storm, not even the one in your life, can last forever.” (Iyanla Vanzant)

“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.” (Author Unknown)

“There are some things you can only learn in a storm.” (Joel Osteen)

“He who sends the storm steers the vessel.” (Thomas Adams)

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” (Louisa May Alcott)

“God’s peace is not the calm after the storm. It’s the steadfastness during it.” (Dr. Michelle Bengston)

“Storms may postpone your journey, but they can never stop you from reaching your destination.” (Author Unknown)

“Beneath our clothes, our reputations, our pretensions, beneath our religion or lack of it, we are all vulnerable both to the storm without and to the storm within.” (Frederick Buechner)

“Embrace your storms, they’re a part of the journey too.” (Author Unknown)

“Once you have learned to dance in the rain, you will be able to survive life’s passing storms.” (Author Unknown)

“I like storms. They let me know that even the sky, screams sometimes.” (Author Unknown)

“You may be facing the storms of life but you can also walk over them.

Fix your gaze on Jesus and begin to walk over lack, depression, confusion, sickness and attacks of the enemy. Don’t look at the waves.

Don’t focus on who is attacking you or trying to pull you down.” (Pastor Mensa Otabil)

“Don’t be crushed under the oncoming tide of adversity that moves in to test your faith.

Make sure that your foundation is built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

Be ready for the storms of life and move forward in a confidence that cannot be shaken by the strong winds of hardship.” (Calvin W. Allison)

“The storms will come and the winds will rise and the gusts will threaten to pull you from your roots.

Let the winds come.

Let them rage and know that you will not break in the breeze, you will bend.

Always bend because you are made of more strength than you know, because you are better than the breaking.” (Tyler Knott Gregson)

“Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Push them out of your peace.” (Author Unknown)

“This life will never be without storms. Stop fearing the storm. Build your inner shelter.” (Yasmin Mogahed)

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.” (Dolly Parton)

“In all my years, I’ve learned that life delivers many storms for us to weather.

Some will be slow, brooding, quiet beasts, and others will be loud, thunderous, and frightening.

But if you’re willing to look close enough, no matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you’ll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath.” (Renee Carlino)

“We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond a shadow of any doubt that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come.” (L. Tom Perry)

Psalm 147:5 (KJV 1900)

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

Psalm 147:5 (KJV 1900)

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV 1900)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV 1900)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV 1900)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV 1900)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Nahum 1:3 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked: The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:3 KJV 1900

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked: The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:3 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked: The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of his feet.

5. CORRECTING storms

Lessons From the Storms of Life

Introduction:

The storms and trials of life are as sure to come your way as the breath you just took.

Some people seem to live in the midst of a storm, but none of us are exempt from at least passing through them.

Storms are not fun and often leave us with damage that we have to deal with. It is important for us to realize though, that the storms of this life bring lessons that we cannot learn apart from them.

We must work not to get bitter in the storm but rather rejoice that our Father is allowing us another opportunity to learn.

I)The Reasons We Go Through Storms

A. God sends storms to draw us close to Him

B. Satan attacks with the permission of God (Job 1:12; 2:6)

Job 1:12 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Job 2:6 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

C. Troubles are part of life (Job 14:1-2; 5:7)

Job 14:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Man that is born of a woman Is of few days, and full of trouble.

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

Job 5:7 (KJV 1900)

Yet man is born unto trouble, As the sparks fly upward.

II) Storms Give A Better Revelation Of Us

A. The disciples were sailing just fine on their own during the calm but as they sailed He fell asleep (Luke 8:23)

Luke 8:23 (KJV 1900)

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

B. The storm came and was causing problems but the disciples were still trying to do it own their own they were filled with water (Luke 8:23)

Luke 8:23 (KJV 1900)

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

C. When the waves filled the boat and they were in trouble they turned to Him they came to him (Luke 8:24)

Luke 8:24 (KJV 1900)

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

III) Storms Demonstrate The Faithfulness Of God

A. When the sea was calm and the disciples were sailing they gave no thought to the fact that the Lord was keeping the seas calm

B. When the storm got out of control the disciples were able to see that Jesus was faithful to calm it

IV) Storms Give Us A Better Revelation Of Christ

A. The disciples apparently did not know that the wind and the water had to obey Jesus (Luke 8:25)

Luke 8:25 (KJV 1900)

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

B. This showed them a side of Jesus that they could not have seen without the storm.

C. Those who were not in the storm had no idea what Jesus could do.

D. This event proved Jesus Christ to be God (Psalm 65:5-7)

Psalm 65:5–7 (KJV 1900)

By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; Who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; Being girded with power:

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

E. This event showed that Jesus comes to the aid of His own he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water (Luke 8:24)(See Psalm 78:65-66)(Daniel 3:23-27)

Luke 8:24 (KJV 1900)

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Psalm 78:65–66 (KJV 1900)

Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, And like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: He put them to a perpetual reproach.

Daniel 3:23–27 (KJV 1900)

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellers, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellers, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

V) Storms Give Us A Longing For Heaven (Revelation 21:4)

Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

A. Tears - If we had no tears we could not long for the day when God shall wipe away all tears.

B. Death- If we had no separation in this life we wouldnt know the joys awaiting us in a land where there is no separation.

C. Sorrow -Without the heartaches, troubles and sorrow we wouldnt be longing for a land where no sorrow can enter.

D. Pain -If you had no pains, or ailments in this body you wouldnt know the blessing of receiving a glorified body and dwelling in a land where no sickness can harm you.

Conclusion:

Are you going through a storm? Maybe the Lord sent you into this storm so that you will draw closer to Him.

Maybe this storm is nothing more than an attack from Satan.

Maybe it is just part of this life.

Whatever it is, don’t give up.

If the disciples had given up before they awoke the Master, they might have perished.

They certainly would not have had the revelation that Christ is the Master of the elements of this world.

What is the Lord trying to show you?

If you’ll trust in Him, the fellowship experienced in the midst of this storm may very well be the sweetest fellowship you will experience on this side of eternity.

Related Media

Related Sermons

When God is asleep Part 4

4) We see the PREPARATION of the ALMIGHTY in the PURPOSE of the STORM. Mark 4:37

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The Sea of Galilee In Israel

The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in northern Israel, part of the Jordan River system.

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The lake itself is rather small—only nine miles long and five miles wide, and less than 150 feet deep.

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In the Old Testament the lake was known as Chinnereth, which is derived from the Hebrew word for "harp," which describes the shape of the lake (Num. 34:11; Josh. 12:3).

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The New Testament contains numerous references to the lake itself, and fishing, the casting of nets, catches and boats.

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The Romans referred to this lake as the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1).

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In the first century cured fish from this lake were sent as far away as Rome.

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This small sea is surrounded by a high and almost unbroken wall of hills, on account of which it is exposed to frequent sudden and violent storms.

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Most of our Lord's public ministry was spent around this body of water—at least nine very populous cities could be found on the banks surrounding this small sea.

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Allow us to note this was when the Storm came, Storms Do come in the Christians Life.

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allow us to mention some types of Storms .

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Storms have several causes.

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There are four categories of storms we’ll consider; in each case, God commands the wind and waves.

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This is true when the storm is

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1) “natural” (one that falls indiscriminately on the just and the unjust)

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2) a result of one’s own sin,

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3) sent by God to woo someone to Him or to develop His child, and

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4) caused by the actions of others (sometimes malevolent actions).

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Some storms are unavoidable, but some can be prevented through wise actions on our parts.

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Once in a storm, the Christian, riding in the Good Ship Grace, is secure and is equipped for an encouraging spiritual outcome; those without Christ are not.

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Christians must trust God’s sovereignty even when they are submerged by suffering, forsaken by friends, and dismayed by darkness in the midst of the storm.

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There is a spiritual place of stillness in the center of God’s will that mirrors the physical eye in the center of a hurricane.

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From this place, the Christian is not only able to praise God in the storm but is also able to help restore other storm victims with meekness, humility and love.

1. DETECTING Storms

1) The storm reveals the importance of the foundation.

2) The storm reveals the importance of preparation

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3) The storm reveals the importance of how genuine our faith really is

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We need to be reminded that God is doing something in our storms.

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First, storms reveal areas of need or sin.

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I thought I was a patient person, until I had kids.

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I thought I was pretty smart, until I went to seminary.

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I thought I was a hopeful person, till we lost a child in the womb and our world was shaken.

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It is often in the storm that God reveals how much we need his grace and strength.

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Second, storms REVEALS how desperate we need God.

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The Psalms are a prime example of this.

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It is often when we go through trouble, that we “cry to the Lord, and he delivers us from our distress” (Ps. 107:28).

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It wasn’t till Peter started to sink that he turned his eyes back to Jesus (Matt. 14:22-33).

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When our cares abound, we are reminded of whom we must cast our cares on (1 Pt. 5).