Have you ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances? Maybe it was something financial, the sickness of a loved, or your doctor’s report caused you to doubt God’s love and ability to deliver you. Storms of fear, family crises, insecurity, toxic relationships, and loneliness can leave you feeling beat and battered just like pictures we see from the aftermath of hurricanes and tornadoes. Christians are not exempt from trouble. Inevitably, we will encounter various storms throughout our Christian walk.
The interesting thing about the storms of life is that sometimes you can see trouble looming on the horizon and there is nothing you can do about it but pray. Ever receive a shut off notice and become consumed by the fact that you lack the money to pay the bill, or hear rumors of a layoff and worry that you will lose your job? Some storms blind-side you. The situation seems to have come out of nowhere. Your car breaks down, or you discover your spouse is having an affair. Some storms we bring on ourselves through disobedience or poor decisions. Then there are storms like the one we see in Mark 4:35-39. Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 4:35, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” This passage of scripture implies that following Jesus can lead you into a storm.
Storms expose you to things you would rather not experience. I dislike storms because they challenge my faith, especially when they are fiercely intense with no relief in sight. Storms expose our weaknesses, inadequacies, and fears. But most of all, storms reveal our need for God.
Sometimes storms are brief. At other times you experience a stormy season. I have learned that during a storm, God will show you who He is, who you are, and who others are. God is the only one who remains with you throughout the intensity and duration of every storm. But the issue I have with storms is that I do not always feel the Lord’s presence in the storm. Sometimes it feels like He has abandoned me. It is especially during times like these that we must hold fast to God’s promises.
While God does not send storms, He can accomplish His purpose and plan through them. God’s purpose for storms is to birth a new dimension of faith and trust in Him. Keep reading and meditating on God’s Word. Find a promise that speaks to your situation and keep speaking it aloud until things change.
There are times when Jesus speaks to and quiets the storm as we see in Mark Chapter 4. At other times, He speaks to, and quiets you in the midst of the storm. Reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness will enable you to withstand every storm that comes your way. As new storms arise, recall, and remind yourself of the storms Jesus has already brought you through. Jesus guaranteed His disciples safe passage when He spoke these words in Mark 4:35, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” Verse 35 indicates it was always God’s intention for the disciples to make it through the storm. The same holds true for you. Whatever storm you may be facing, you are going to make it through.
You were created to outlast every storm you encounter. Remember, every storm has a beginning and every storm has an end. You were standing before the storm began, and you will remain standing when the storm ends. No matter how intense or how long a storm may last, keep reminding yourself that you are stronger than the storm. Keep repeating, “I am stronger than the storm,” as you press your way to victory!
Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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