THE STORM WILL NOT LAST FOREVER

 

Troubles are often the weights we carry that build spiritual stamina and strengthen our faith in God. Storms in life rarely announce themselves before they arrive because challenges are part of the human journey.

Jesus once said to His disciples, "Let us go over unto the other side" (Mark 4:35). For someone reading this today, your "other side" may be a promotion, a new level, a new job, fresh opportunities, a relationship, marriage, favor, or the fulfillment of a God-given dream.

However, on the journey to the other side, storms are bound to arise.

When the disciples encountered the storm, they cried out, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" Jesus later rebuked them, saying, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?"

Notice something important: before the disciples called on Jesus, they first relied on their own wisdom and strength as they tried to save the boat themselves. There is nothing wrong with acting responsibly, but many people make Jesus their last option instead of their first response.

Wisdom teaches us to go to God in prayer and search the Scriptures for His promises concerning our situation.

For example, if financial challenges arise, one of the first places to run to is God's Word:

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

Meditate on that promise, stand upon it, and present it before God in prayer, believing that He alone can calm every storm.

The Bible tells us that Jesus spoke to the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed and said, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

What storm in your life cannot hear the voice of Jesus?

What challenge are you facing that seems beyond the power of Christ?

The Bible says:

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

And Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

"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."

The most important question to ask yourself today is this:

Is Jesus in the boat of your life?

You may have an experienced doctor, a respected man of God, a good job, a beautiful house, children, connections, skills, or earthly wisdom. These things have their place, but the question remains:

Is Jesus in your boat?

The Lord says in Jeremiah 33:3:

"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

There are troubles in life that do not respond to connections, skills, knowledge, or human wisdom. They respond only to Jesus.

When you find Him in the midst of your problems, you find peace.

You find joy.

You find hope.

May the Lord speak peace to every storm in your life, and may you arrive safely at your God-ordained destination.

God bless you.

Today, I also carry a burden in my heart and would like to encourage all our readers to pray for the people affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Let us ask God for His intervention, comfort, peace, healing, and provision for every affected family. As the nation passes through this difficult season, may the hand of the Lord be stretched forth in mercy and restoration.

May God remember Venezuela and grant strength to all those who mourn and suffer loss.

In Jesus' name, Amen.