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.
Every covenant comes with promises. A promise is a covenant or declaration that one will do exactly what they say or something will happen just as pledged. It is a pronouncement of utmost assurance. The rainbow covenant is just one of the many promises God makes in the Bible. There are thousands of other promises. Also there are general and specific promises. Believers can take great confidence in knowing that God’s promises are steadfast and secure. His promises are sure! So choose continually to place your trust in Him. He has a plan to give you peace, joy and hope. Today, look around for the rainbow and hold onto God’s promise in the Bible.
EVERY STORM IS TEMPORARY:
"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5.
Many a times we're faced with circumstances that make us doubt the promises of God. Maybe you’ve received those promises with enthusiasm, joy and high hopes. Unfortunately, days, weeks, months and years passed by and the promise is far from being fulfilled. Still, we must remember that God’s promise will never fail. It may appear delayed but it’ll eventually be fulfilled. No matter the seeming hopeless situation, God is with us. Depression and suicide is not an option. Taking your own life is just a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Please hang in there! It’ll soon be over! This situation will pass! The season of discomfort, chaos and panic will pass! God is bigger than all our problems. The night will soon be over! Every storm is temporary.
1. Secure your foundation in Christ.
In the times of problems it is easy to lose track of God and focus on our problems instead. Satan wants us to take our eyes off of the Lord and all that He is doing. That is why we need to be focused on God. It is in following the Lord that we obtain strength. God is our refuge and shelter, the only secure, safe place in the storms of life. And if there are sins in your life, confess to the Lord and get back in fellowship with Him today. Isaiah 55:7.
2. Read and meditate on the Word.
In the midst of raging storms, true peace is really found within Christ and the Word of God. The Bible is a solid ground to stand on that keeps us from drowning in the storm. It guides, leads and protects.
3. Pray without ceasing.
Are you facing any difficulty? Pray! "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5: 16. Pray fervently. Pray with persistence. Turn your worries into prayers. Share your deepest burdens with God.
4. Praise and worship God.
Get into a session of thanksgiving, praise and worship. God doesn’t need worship only when the sun is shining but He wants to see you dancing in the rain when the storm is raging. Murmuring will do you no good.
5. Don't be afraid!
When the Lord Jesus was awakened in the middle of that stormy sea, He asked the disciples, “Why are you afraid?” Often, when we're in the midst of storms, our first reaction is to panic. Are you feeling distressed, uneasy, worried, upset, fearful, apprehensive, agitated, fretful, restless, and nervous? Then you need to tell God about it and trust God to deliver. Fear during the time of storm is an indication that we don’t have faith in God. You can trust in God's power and presence. The situation may seem hopeless but it’s not hopeless for God.
6. Put your trust in God.
Some people when problems come they give up. They stop praying, going to church, reading the Word etc., and hang their hands in despair. But those who hold on to God come out better and victorious.
7. Don't be discourage.
Discouragement is to be deprived of hope and confidence. It is to be depressed, to feel beaten down, to lack strength, being demoralized, frightened, physically and mentally pressured and troubled. It is a desire to give up. Discouragement is a tool of the devil. So express your feeling of discouragement to God today.
8. Refuse to worry.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” Isaiah 26:3. Worry imagines the worst. It dwells in the midst of the trouble. It tries to resolve what it can’t handle. Worry is not only destructive, it is useless. Worry is a waste of time. So how do we overcome it? By fixing our thoughts on the things of God. Think about things that are pleasing to God, and you'll be filled with peace.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:1-2.
In the Bible, rivers and waters are not only physical bodies, but also figure of speech, for the things we face in life that can easily overwhelm us. The waters mentioned here are the storms, trials, and life's difficulties. Are you passing through the waters right now? Notice that God doesn’t say if you pass through the waters, but when you do. It’s inevitable. Passing through the waters is certain. There is no bridge over it! But God has promised to walk with us through it. The fire of affliction will not set us ablaze because God will be with us. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the flames will not destroy us. We may not see Him or feel Him presence, but He’s always there! The battle may be fierce and the storms raging, but we will not be swept away. Jesus is with us in the middle of the storm. He is saying to your heart today, “Take courage.” Don’t be afraid. If you keep looking up, you’ll notice our rainbow. The darkness will go away and the sun will shine again.
In case you are not yet born again, you can take advantage of this opportunity today by praying this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. O Lord, I stand firm in the truth that You will never leave me or forsake me, in Jesus name.
2. Father, no matter how violent the storm might be, I will not fear, in Jesus name.
3. O Lord, help me to sense Your loving presence in everything I do, in Jesus name.
4. Father, increase my faith in You, in eternal things and be my hope in the storms, in Jesus name.
