STORMS OF LIFE

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.” - Mark 4:37

Here in the eastern part of the United States, our attention has been on a hurricane all week. There has been much speculation as to the track of the storm and the impact it will have. The impending storm created concern for millions as people scrambled to prepare for its arrival.

The arrival of Hurricane Florence is a reminder that life itself has storms that we must face. Storms are part of life. They are unavoidable.

It is comforting to know that Jesus knows what it is like to be in a storm. In Mark chapter 4, He and His disciples were in a ship when they faced a storm. When the storm came, Jesus was actually asleep on the boat. The wind became fierce and the boat took on water. The disciples went into panic mode.

Although His disciples were panicking, Jesus remained asleep. He was not worried about the storm. He was not fretting the outcome.

Here are a few things we need to consider when we face storms in life.

1. STORMS COME TO EVERYONE

First of all, storms come to us all. Although it seems like certain people face more storms than others, but all of us will face them from time to time. Storms may be small or large. They could be life threatening or just annoying. God has not promised us a life free of storms. Storms will come.

2. STORMS COME TO THE GODLY

Being a Christian doesn't make you immune from storms. Keep in mind that Jesus Himself was on the boat when the disciples went through the storm. If Jesus had to endure a storm, so will we. Even though Jesus is on the boat with you, storms will come your way.

3. STORMS ARE UNNERVING

The disciples' boat took on water. They thought they were facing imminent danger. We must face the facts. Danger may come during storms. When a boat takes on water, it will quickly sink. There are times in life when we feel like our boat is taking on water. Don't ignore the signs of danger.

4. JESUS IS THE SHELTER FROM THE STORMS

Although their boat seemed to be in peril, the disciples were actually in a safe place because Jesus was on board with them. Unbelievers will face storms, but they don't have the comfort or assurance that we have. The Lord is on board with us. He is our Captain.

5. JESUS IS LORD OF THE STORMS

Jesus was not a victim of the storm. He is Lord of all … including the storms. When He was awakened by His disciples, He rebuked the storm and it immediately ceased. I can't control the weather. Meteorologists have a hard time predicting the weather and certainly can't control it. Jesus, however, can speak and the storm comes to an end. Psalm 107:29 states, “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” That leads us to our final lesson.

6. STORMS ARE TEMPORARY

Storms may seem endless at times, but the fact is that they are temporary. Storms of life may wreck your comfortable life, but the storm itself will soon cease. Storms may seem like a strong breeze. At other times, a storm can feel like a powerful hurricane, churning and churning through a seemingly endless night. Regardless, the storms we face are not permanent.

Isn't it good to know that there will be no storms in heaven? The One who rebuked the storm will not permit storms to overshadow or endanger His home.

Singer and songwriter Squire Parsons said it best when he wrote:

“When He reaches out His hand,

Billows cease at His command,

Winds and waves obey His will

When He says to them 'Be Still;”

What man is this they all did say,

That the winds and seas obey,

He's the One who sails with me,

He's the Master of the Sea.”

(c) 1975 Kingsmen Publishing Company

We can trust our lives and our future to the One who controls everything.