“So they shook him awake, saying, ‘Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to die!’ Fully awake, he rebuked the storm and shouted to the sea, ‘Hush! Be still!’ All at once the wind stopped howling and the water became perfectly calm. Then he turned to his disciples and said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?” Mark 4:39-40 TPT
Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines a storm as a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet or thunder and lightning. However, the bible defines a storm as 1) a “violent, rushing wind” with no reference to a fall of rain or snow, 2) affliction, calamity, distress, adversity, and 3) intensity, tumultuous force.
Some storms give warning through predictions of bad weather forecasts. We can try to prepare for these storms by stocking up on necessary items and staying still in a safe place of shelter until it passes. Then there are storms that come without warning. As the storm comes upon us, we quickly run for shelter and safety and attempt to shield ourselves from it. “Storms of life” can occur without notice to distract our focus, wreak havoc, plant doubt, destroy, hinder, and create a spirit fear. Storms can come in the form of sickness (COVID-19), disease, loss (death), depression, trials and tribulations, unemployment, accidents, slander, gossip, barrenness, divorce; just to name a few examples.
GOD reminds us that He is the calm to our storm! The Bible speaks about many storms; some physical, emotional, and spiritual in nature. There is one story that resonates in my Spirit which tells about Jesus and a storm. The Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all give a similar version of the story with a few differences but the one thing that remains the same in the story is the name of Jesus! In the story from the book of Mark, Jesus asked his disciples to take him to the other side of the lake.
As they began their journey, a ferocious storm came up with violent winds and waves that were crashing into the boat until it was nearly flooded. As Jesus was at the back of the boat sleeping with his head resting on a cushion, the disciples shook Him awake and said, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to die!” Jesus then stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” At once, the wind stopped, and the water became perfectly calm. Jesus then turned to His disciples and said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?” The followers were overwhelmed with fear and asked each other, “Who is this man who has such authority that even the wind and waves obey him?”
Even in the middle of the sea, Jesus patiently calmed the ferocious storm and showed the disciples that He truly cared for them. He heard their cry during their fear and showed His compassion and unconditional love towards them. Doesn’t He do the same for us?
We must have faith and trust in the Lord Almighty. He is our “Protector”, our “Shelter”, our “Refuge” in the storm!
I can remember not too long ago (a few months back) a time when it felt like trouble was surrounding me on every side and that I was in the middle of a storm. During this time, my husband’s new car broke down, my son was involved a minor car accident, four of our immediate family members were sick with the COVID-19 virus, and my mental health state was weak. I became so angry during this time that I couldn’t even think straight, and I was worried about my family’s safety. I had to call on my prayer warriors to pray me through. Through the power of prayer and intercession, I was finally able to get to a place of peace.
Family, through the leading of Holy Spirit, I am learning to praise before worrying, I am reminded that GOD has given me the power and authority to speak to the storm and I have learned to have faith by trusting that GOD will take of it all as I place it in His hands.
God tells us in the Word that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and that we are His chosen ones! As we trust in the Lord, we will experience His protection and His peace. We must trust in Him no matter what it looks like, no matter what were going through; we must keep moving forward!
Notice in the story, Jesus and His disciples were moving along before the storm and continued to move after the storm passed. Sometimes as you are moving along, there is a hindrance (principality) or a spirit that will try to prevent you from “going to the other side” of your breakthrough. Sometimes it may the Lord moving you into an uncomfortable place so that His will can be done in your life; whatever GOD is doing all is He wants is our wholehearted trust in Him. Remember that Jesus is our peace!
Reflection Question: What “storms of life” has GOD brought you out of? Can He trust you to trust in Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, our GOD, and our Maker; we thank You for carrying us through the storms of life. We repent for the times that we did put our complete faith and trust in You, and we ask for Your forgiveness. We thank You for your grace and your mercy as it is sufficient! Your unconditional love has made our faith stronger in You and in Your power. Thank You for being our Protector, our Safety, and our Refuge! Father, we are reminded through Your word that You will NEVER leave us nor forsake as we exchange our fear and worry for Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. We choose to give You the glory, the honor, and the praise as it ALL belongs to You. We speak to the storm(s) now and say “Peace! Be still!” in the name of Jesus and we declare and decree that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus demonstrated in GOD’s love for us. We love You Lord! In Jesus, name we pray. Amen.
Written By: Michellene Griffin-Ballard
