Going through a storm right now?
Are the winds blowing so hard that you're trying to hold onto anything that will keep you from going with the wind?
Are those waves rocking your boat so hard that your sick to your stomach?
Is the water your on ready to turn your boat over?
Are you drowning and feeling lonely on your ship?
Sometimes we often wonder why life has dealt us such a rocky sail on the sea. We hold on, we swim, we fight, we try to look at the other side for a glimpse of hope.
Mark 4:35-41
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Deuteronomy 31:8
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
God's hand is not to short to reach you. Cry out to the Lord for help. He will rescue you from all your fears, trials, and hurts. When all is coming against you, take a stand and have faith in the Almighty God.
Storms come but in due time, they cease. This may be just a season, and perhaps at this moment it's a long season, just know that God will hold you strong through it all. Continue to keep your eyes focused on Him.
Tell your storm that you are "just passing through." You are not staying on rough waters forever. Claim and decree that you will not be stagnet , you will not drown but you will swim.
Matthew 14:25-33
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Although fear tries to trap us into believing we will sink, the Lord reminds us to have faith and hold on just a little longer. Even if things look impossible, encourage yourself just as David did and know that He is God and all things will come together for the glory of God.
1 Samuel 30:1-6
30 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
No matter what is going on in your life right now, tell that storm that your "just passing through." Although David was in distressed, he knew where his help would come from. His hope was in Christ alone.
God has called us to be Victorious. How can you fight if your walking around defeated.? NO! Stand up and rise to the occasion. God has equipped us with the proper tools to Fight, Swim, and hold on. Do what is necessary to make it!
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Put on the whole armor! Don't let your boat sink! If God is for you, Who can be against you? Tell that storm your "just passing through!" It can not keep you from where God is bringing you. Have faith friends and believe that God is still working in the midst of it all. Be encouraged today!
