Are There Blessings from Life’s Storms?
Picture the disciples of our LORD trapped in the grip of a fierce storm.
They find themselves in that storm, because they have been commanded by the LORD to cross the Sea of Galilee.
These men are in the will of the LORD and yet there they are, struggling against the storm.
Try as they might, it appears that they are unable to make any headway. The wind is in their faces. These 12 men are stuck in a storm and are unable to get out!
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary,” Matthew 14:22-24.
Have you ever found yourself in that place?
Have you ever found yourself stuck in one of “life’s storms”, and no matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, it seems that you cannot make any headway? We all have had times like that!
It may seem to you like the storm will never end and that there is no possible good that can come from what you are facing.
Thankfully, however, there is some good news for us from the word of God. While the storms of life are never pleasant, they do produce certain benefits in our lives that we sure need to understand better!
“No training is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way,” Hebrews 12:11.
I don’t not know what kind of storm that you are facing at this time, but I do know that the LORD has a purpose in allowing that storm to rage in your life. Perhaps that purpose will become clear as you read this message!
One thing about storms in this life is certain. The storm will rage until it has accomplished His purpose and then He will cause the winds to cease for you.
All He is trying to get us to see is that He is in control of the storms of life. It sure isn’t me and it isn’t you!
Jesus is the Master of the Sea and He is the Master of the Storm as well.
When Jesus stilled the storm, the disciples knew that they were in the presence of God!
They acknowledged Him as Savior and they bowed before Him in worship. His power in the storms and over the storms of life tell of WHO He is! ( Not who we are!)
They tell us that He is God and that He is in control of all the affairs of life. When the storms come, they are designed to bring us to the place the disciples found themselves in at the end: on our knees in worship before Him.
Here is a secret to make the storm much more bearable for you:
- Don’t wait until the storm is over to bow before Him.
- Bow now, while the waves are still threatening your boat.
- Bow now, while the winds are still contrary to you. Don’t wait until clear blue skies are seen to humble yourself before the LORD.
Nothing reveals your faith in the LORD more than you being willing to accept His will and love Him, even when things look the worse for you. Bow before Him, it honors the LORD!
Sometimes, it’s hard to see the blessings in the storm, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s hard to imagine the LORD bringing any good out of what you are going through!
I don’t know the nature of the storm you are facing, but I know the One who still walks on the waves. I know that if you will bring your need to Him, He will hear you and He will help you.
Who knows! He might just show up today walking on and calming your storm. Bring your need to Jesus and let Him have His way in your life. Can you risk everything and do that right now?
Say these words to Him!
“My precious Heavenly Father,
I come into Your holy presence with all of my shortcomings and sins. You know all my mind’s thoughts, my present state.
I am helpless and without anywhere to go. I can’t turn to anyone for help. I come to Your feet. I believe that You are the only refuge in times of trouble.
Father, Have mercy on me and redeem me from my helpless situation. Enable me to be free from all the clutches of darkness and praise You with all my heart, soul and mind.
Let there be peace in my mind. I surrender all my weaknesses at Your feet and cry out to you LORD, “please strengthen me with Your righteousness”!
I praise You and thank You for hearing me even in the storm. I trust you to lead me to peace and clear direction.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.”
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of The Almighty,” Psalm 91:1.
In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ©
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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.
This is so awesome. It has blessed me so much. I Have been experiencing sickness since June. It was one thing after another.I need The Lord’s touch.I praise The Lord for allowing you to write this.He is an awesome God. I thank him for my healing even in the midst of this. May God continue to bless you.