“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary,” Matthew 14:22-24.

In Matthew 14:22-23 we find 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, v. 24. These 12 men are stuck in a storm and are unable to get out.

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 discipline 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 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 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 confessed Him and they bowed before Him in worship. His power in the storms and over the storms of life tell of WHO He is! 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 is hard to see the blessings for the storm, isn’t it? Sometimes it is 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 do that right now?

~ 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 in all generations and careers or vocations to live and express excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She is a sought after keynote inspirational and humorous speaker and teacher throughout the United States internationally in Ministers conferences, International Spiritual leaders Conferences, and in National and International training seminars for various organizations.