“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Jesus has all authority over every wave that hits you in life. Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms you in the storm. Isaiah 43:2 doesn’t say “if you pass through the waters.” It says, “When you pass through the water, I will be with you…” (it’s a promise). Nobody volunteers for a storm, but storms are where God does His best growth work.
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion… (Mark 4:37-38, NIV). Some of the disciples were fishermen, and they knew the Sea of Galilee, which was their workplace. But this squall (a violent windstorm with rough waves) still caught them off guard, leaving them anxious.
Life works the same way: relationship fallout, anxiety, job loss, diagnosis of sickness, and we can add whatever looks like a storm in our lives. Jesus has given us authority to speak “Peace be still” (Verse 39) in His name, in any situation. Why? There is power in the name of Jesus.
Storms are real. Jesus didn’t call it just a little wind. Scripture says a “furious squall” nearly swamped the boat. Brothers and sisters, your storms are real too, and every one of them leaves you with stronger roots if you endure them. How? By placing your trust in God rather than what you’re seeing, that is faith. “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2nd Corinthians 5:7, NIV).
While the storm lasts, stop navigating by what you see and start steering by what God said. Storms have boundaries. Jesus is the one who allowed them to come, and He’s the one Who says, “Peace be still” (Mark 4:39, NKJV). It cannot stay one second longer than He allows.
Where does God work? In “trials of many kinds” (storms) (James 1:2-4). Know this, brethren:
1. Storms produce maturity, growth, persistence, and completeness. God uses pressure to finish what calm weather can’t.
2. Storms build character and hope (Romans 5:3-5). You cannot develop hope without walking through ‘something’ first.
3. Storms show God’s power and force us off of self-reliance (2nd Corinthians 12:9). His grace alone is sufficient for us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am not on the edge of this storm; I am in the middle of it. The water is deep. But Your Word says that You’re in the midst; I cannot see the end, but I give You thanks that I can call upon You at any time. I believe I won’t be swept away because You’re here with me. Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Deuteronomy 7:9; Hebrews 10:23
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 75; Acts 13:13-41; 1 Kings 6; 1 Kings 7:1-22