In recent months we have witnessed some of the most severe weather extremes that I have ever experienced in my lifetime. We have seen tornados all over the United States and some in areas where they have never occurred. Only a few miles from our home we saw a whole community decimated with many homes destroyed.
As a nation we are experiencing not only physical storms in the form of weather but a multitude of other storms in many aspects of life: gender and identity, race, political, government, economic, food supplies, pandemic, loss of a loved one, unemployment, education, medical, religious, family, immigration, wars and rumors of war, fake news and invasive technology just to name a few. Life is filled with trying and uncertain times, but the Bible reminds us that God is always by our side to walk with us through the storms. These storms do not last forever, but when we are experiencing turbulent times, it is important to seek out God for refuge and shelter.
There are many instances in the Bible where God protects His people from physical storms. These are profound lessons and to this day, they can be applied to us as we navigate all the storms we face in everyday life. Storms prepare us for greater battles in our lives; we learn different lessons about ourselves, life and how to place control in the Lord God’s powerful hands. Life is like a storm, and we will never have the absence of problems as long as we are on this earth.
I would like for us to focus on two particular storms in the Bible and glean lessons from them. The first one is a familiar passage from Mark 4: 35-41. After a long day of teaching and ministering Jesus said: “Let us pass over unto the other side of the sea.” They entered the ship and there arose a great storm of wind and the waves beat into the ship so that it was full. Jesus was asleep in the stem of the ship and the disciples woke Him up in a panic as they were afraid they were going to perish. Jesus got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea “Peace, be still.” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Then He asked them a question: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” They were struck with awe and said to one another, “Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
Now, let’s consider another passage from Acts 27: 14-20. Paul was being held prisoner and sent to Rome on a ship. Not long after setting sail a hurricane-force wind called “the Northeaster” swept down from the island. The ship was caught and could not face into the wind, and they gave way to it and were driven along. They were violently battered by the storm and the next day they threw the cargo overboard. The sun nor stars did not appear for days in the fury of the storm. All hope of their survival was lost. Paul encouraged them to take heart for there would be no loss of life but only the ship. God had sent an angel that night to Paul and said, “Do not fear, Paul, you must stand before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all who are sailing with you.” Then he spoke these words of faith: “Take heart, men, for I trust God that it will be exactly as I have been told.” He then told them to take some food for their survival since not one of you will lose a hair from your head. They swam to shore and all were brought safely to land.
There are three words that are key in these passages: Faith, Hope, Peace. Let’s look at some acrostics for these words:
F—Fear, do not fear H—Hard to see Him in our trials
A—Almighty Father is watching over us O—Obscure shadow hides the Light
I—In Him; nothing is impossible P—Prayer reveals His wings above
T—Trust His love E—Ever-present Love and Might
H—His will be done
P—Providence: Jesus providentially led the disciples into a storm. (Mark 4: 35)
E—Entreaty: Jesus has us on His prayer list.
A—Assurance: His Presence is with us in the storm. He has His eye upon us, and He watches us.
C—Comfort: His power sustains us. (Mark 4:39)
E—Expectation: His Promise assures us: Peace, be still.
God already knows the storms that we will face. The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot keep us. We will never get into a storm but what He allows it, even if He doesn’t cause it. Andrew Murray said that “God is willing to assume the full responsibility of a life totally committed to Him.” We do not live by explanations but by promises and faith. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. It is a declaration of the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8-9) We do not know what is ahead but we can trust an un-known future to an ALL-KNOWING GOD! Let us hold on to Faith and Hope and the Peace that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Philippians 4: 7) Read Jeremiah 30: 24. We will understand it by and by.
May this song be our prayer and know that the storm will soon be over! Keep looking up—God has it!
Till the Storm Passes By In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place. 'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by. Refrain: Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky; Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by. Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try, For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by" But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise Where the storms never darken the skies. When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore; In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by. Music and Lyrics by Mosie Lister (1958)