In a Storm with Jesus

Sunday a week ago, our area had a powerful summer storm hit us. It came up quickly but brought with it strong wind and rain.

Jesus and His disciples faced a similar storm like the one that hit us. Mark 4:35-39 tells us they were going across the sea of Galilee when all of sudden a storm hit them:

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

As I have thought about this passage, I know that it speaks of an actual storm that took place. But there are lessons that can help when we face various kinds of storms in our life.

The ones that can affect our bodies, souls, and minds. Storms like a sickness, stress, depression, a tragedy, the death of a loved one, financial strain, spiritual warfare and the list can go on.

The most important thing to recognize with them and for us, we are in the storm with Jesus.

With that in mind, let me point out some things to help us when the storms of life come up so quickly.

First, we have Jesus’ promise. He told them, “let us pass over to the other side.” They had the word of Jesus that they were going to make it. We too have the word of Jesus and His promises, let us remember them when the storms come.

Second, we have Jesus’ presence. They took Him with them when they got in the ship. Now, if we are saved, we have Jesus with us always. But there is also the manifest presence of Jesus and like these men, we need to take Jesus with us wherever we go and whatever we do. He is with us in the storms in every situation.

Third, we have Jesus’ peace. Notice Jesus was asleep. During a chaotic, raging storm, He was asleep. He was at total peace in the storm. They became fearful, like I tend to do, maybe you too. But Jesus, He was at peace, and we can be too. He offers us that same peace. He would tell them later, my peace I give unto you!

Lastly, we have Jesus’ power. Jesus told the winds and sea, peace be still. The word Jesus spoke was not one of tranquility like we often think, He was saying to the storm – hush, and be quiet.

Think with me, Jesus has the power to hush the voices that rage against our souls and minds. To the storms we face, He says, be quiet!! Then, the Bible says, there was a great calm. Amen!

Jesus has the power to bring calm in the midst of the storms in our lives.

It is my prayer, that as you face storms this summer, remember, you are not alone child of God, if you are saved, you have Jesus with you in the storm.

And if you are not saved, it is my prayer you will give your life to Jesus even now and never face a storm alone again.

May He bring a great calm to all with troubled souls today.

Pastor Michael