DRAWING NEAR IN THE MIDST OF STORMS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Mark 4:35-41
Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 43:2, James 4:8, Psalm 91:1-2, Matthew 14:22-33
INTRODUCTION:
Storms are inevitable in life. They come in the form of sickness, financial challenges, family troubles, spiritual attacks, or emotional distress. No one is exempt from facing storms. But the question is not whether storms will come, but how we respond when they do.
In the midst of life’s storms, our natural tendency is to panic, complain, or run away from God. Yet, the safest and most powerful thing we can do is to draw nearer to God. Storms should drive us to the presence of God, not away from Him.
Drawing near to God in the midst of storms brings peace, direction, and divine intervention. It reminds us that God is not absent in our crisis — He is present and mighty to save.
1. GOD IS PRESENT IN THE STORM
Even when it feels like God is silent, He is still in the boat.
a) God never abandons His children (Deuteronomy 31:6):
He is with you in every situation, even when you do not feel Him.
b) His presence brings assurance (Isaiah 41:10):
Fear disappears when we are conscious of God’s nearness.
c) He is not shaken by the storm (Psalm 46:1-2):
The storm does not intimidate God; He remains in control.
d) His presence is our hiding place (Psalm 91:1):
We are safe and secure when we abide in Him.
Biblical Example: In Mark 4:38, Jesus was sleeping during the storm, not because He didn’t care, but because He had full control.
2. STORMS REVEAL OUR NEED FOR GOD
Challenges are opportunities to grow closer to God and depend on Him more deeply.
a) Storms expose human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9):
In our weakness, we realise our need for God's strength.
b) Trials deepen our trust (Proverbs 3:5-6):
We learn to rely not on our understanding but on His wisdom.
c) Hard times draw us to the secret place (Psalm 27:5):
Storms cause us to seek shelter under God's wings.
d) Trouble teaches us to pray (James 5:13):
In difficulty, we often pray with greater fervency and faith.
Biblical Example: Jonah remembered God and prayed from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:1-2).
3. GOD SPEAKS PEACE INTO OUR STORMS
As we draw near, He speaks calmness into the chaos.
a) God's Word silences every storm (Mark 4:39):
His voice is more powerful than the wind and waves.
b) Peace comes through intimacy with God (John 14:27):
Real peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.
c) Faith grows as we hear His Word (Romans 10:17):
When we stay close to Him, our fears are replaced by faith.
d) God's promises bring stability (Isaiah 26:3):
Fixing our hearts on Him in the storm anchors our souls.
Biblical Example: Jesus told the sea, “Peace, be still!” and there was great calm (Mark 4:39).
4. INTIMACY WITH GOD BRINGS VICTORY IN STORMS
Victory begins when we stay connected to God in crisis.
a) God gives strategies for survival and success (Isaiah 30:21):
He directs us on what to do when we are close to Him.
b) The storm becomes a testimony (Romans 8:28):
What was meant to destroy us works out for our good.
c) Storms strengthen our spiritual muscles (James 1:2-4):
We mature through the trials when we stay in God’s presence.
d) Worship in the storm releases breakthrough (Acts 16:25-26):
Praising God in difficulty brings divine intervention.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas worshipped in prison, and God shook the foundations of their bondage (Acts 16:25-26).
5. STAYING CLOSE TO GOD GUARANTEES DIVINE INTERVENTION
God comes through when we remain close and trust Him.
a) God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4):
He intervenes when we draw near in faith.
b) Nearness to God invites His power (Psalm 145:18):
He is near to all who call on Him in truth.
c) His nearness brings deliverance (Psalm 34:18-19):
The broken-hearted are never forsaken.
d) You will not drown in the storm (Isaiah 43:2):
God guarantees safe passage through life’s waters.
Biblical Example: Peter began to sink, but as he drew near and cried out, Jesus rescued him (Matthew 14:30-31).
CONCLUSION:
No storm is stronger than the God who lives within you. As you draw near in the midst of storms, He will reveal His power, peace, and purpose. Storms are temporary, but God's presence is eternal. Let the waves drive you into His arms.
The next time you face a storm, don’t panic. Worship. Don’t run away. Run to Him. His presence will calm every fear and lead you to victory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to trust You in the midst of every storm.
2. Father, let Your presence overshadow me in difficult times.
3. Teach me to draw near when life gets tough, not run away.
4. Calm every storm in my life by Your divine voice.
5. Strengthen my faith through every trial I face.
6. Let every storm become a testimony of Your power in my life.
7. I receive peace that passes understanding, in Jesus’ name.
8. Let me never be separated from Your presence.
9. Father grant me victory over every spiritual storm.
10. Lord, make me stronger through every battle I pass through.
