Behind The Storms

BEHIND THE STORMS

"12 And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh." Genesis 9:12-15.

The Great Flood started with just a downpour. And soon even the tallest mountains were covered. Then one day, the rain stopped. The storms came to an end! The waters subsided and the ark came to rest on the top of a mountain. Noah opened the door and he and his family and all the animals came out to a new beginning. The end of the Flood marked the beginning of a new beginning and a new covenant. God made a covenant with Noah and all of creation, to never again destroy the world with flood. The rainbow is a sign of that covenant!

"35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 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. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 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? 39 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. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Mark 4:35-41.

We'll all face storms from time to time. The rain will fall, according to the Bible, on the righteous and the unrighteous. It's how we react to those storms that's crucial. The disciples of Jesus were following Him still they went into a storm. Just because we have been saved and are daily following Jesus does not mean that we will not face storms. The disciples faced a physical storm but we may face a spiritual one. Are you going through a storm today? It can come anytime. These storms threaten our peace, comfort, and joy! It often bring about fear, doubt, and hopelessness. You may be going through some of the darkest days of your life now. Is it a storm in your marriage, relationship, finances, health, business, school, ministry and career? The whole world today is in a panic mode as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you in a storm of adultery, addiction, divorce or rejection? Is it a storm of betrayal or bankruptcy? Are you in a storm of sexual, physical and emotional abuse? It is a storm that leaves shattered lives and broken dreams along the way? Are you in a storm that has turned your dreams into nightmares? Does it feel like your sun will never shine again? I may not know what you're going through, but what I know is that God is with you. Hebrews 13:5. He won’t leave you nor forsake you at the time of your needs.

"13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive." Acts 27.13-15.

Some storms are over fast and quick, whereas others seem long and endless. Some storms cause little damage, but others leave destruction and ruin in their wake. At times the lightening strikes and the thunder trembles. Storms destroy things. Sometimes it may be a storm that many are facing together, or it may be a personal battle. God can calm the storm in your life. But even if He does not, you can trust that God is with you.

THE PROMISES OF GOD:

A rainbow appears in the sky when the sun shines after a downpour. It is visible when part of the sky is dark, and there is storm in one part and the sun is shining in the other. The first rainbows appears after the Great Flood. It is a sign of a covenant between God and the world. This covenant was an unconditional one. Meaning it does not depend on mankind or the other creatures doing certain things for the agreement to be in place. It is an act of God's unconditional love for His creations. Rainbows display the presence of Light in the midst of darkness. So the first sunlight that breaks through after a dark cloud is a welcome relief. It is a reminder that storms are transient and that there is indeed sunshine beyond the clouds of our storms. So whatever you may be going through, hold on! Don't give up. The storms will cease! The sun will shine again after a dark cloud.