Can you be calm in the midst of the storm?
A raging storm is no fun to experience on sea. When the sea is raging, ships are literally tossed around violently and so is everything on the ship. Everything that is not bolted tightly will be uprooted and thrown around the rooms. If you have ever had such an experience on sea, you know how frightening and upsetting it is.
Caught off guard
Luke (8:22-25) account states that the storm arose suddenly. Which means there was no warning of a storm brewing. Note also that the men Jesus was dealing with were fishermen, these men are no strangers to the signs of the sea. Surely one should be able to tell the signs, since that’s where they spend most of their days. According to Mark’s record ( Mark 4:37) a great or furious storm arose and beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Not only was the ship tossed around, it was now full of water. The disciples were caught off guard when the storms hit. Jesus is God and man. He was tired from an eventful day filled with miracles and wonder. After these encounters Jesus was tired and went right to sleep. The disciples were left to do what they were accustom doing, Mann the boat.
Why would Jesus sleep now, we’re in trouble?
The storm was very ferrous, for the survival of life on board. Would Jesus perish along with his disciples? Although the situation reached desperation point, Jesus was at complete peace. He was asleep, fast asleep on a pillow, no one could really sleep in such turbulence, but he was at complete rest. We are faced with sudden storms in our lives sometimes. A sudden bad report from the doctor, stating an evidence of cancer, diabetes, a sudden job loss, a loved one involved in a severe accident, or encountering danger at work or school. There is no life manual that tells us how to prepare for negative situations, like sudden storms. However, the Bible is our manual and God has provided us with all the necessary tools we need to overcome every situation. In fact the Bible is the book of life and tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ that loves us. These storms may come in different degrees; some are of greater intensity than others, and although they may throw us into a frenzy, how we react makes a great difference.
You might ask, why would Jesus sleep now? Why would Jesus remain silent when I need to hear from him now? Because this is the time for you to speak his word- speak to the storm.
The disciples woke Jesus up, saying “Master care not that we perish?” This statement is so familiar, “Doesn’t Jesus see what I am going through, doesn’t he care about what’s happening to me?” So what happens in this moment, do we press the panic button and out of desperation we pray prayers of fear, doubt and unbelief. We feel like God doesn’t really care, but we are still hoping that by our theatrical acts we will impress God to move. Jesus was not in any way unaware of the storm, He knew the storm was coming although there was no visible warning, but choose not to allow the storm to disturb his peace. He was counting on his disciples to exercise their faith based on what they have been exposed to all along. In fact, Jesus knew, this was an opportune moment for his disciples to flex their spiritual muscles after having been with him for so long. Many of the disciples were professional fishermen, they were already accustomed to the sea. These disciples watched Jesus perform many signs and wonders, yet they panicked when the storm came. How typical of each of us.
The known factor
Jesus and his disciples were thrust into the same situation. Jesus was calmly sleeping while his disciples were fighting for their lives. How could Jesus sleep in the midst of turmoil and how could he be totally unaffected by the storm? The difference between Jesus and his disciples is what is called the “known factor”. Jesus knew who he was and what he was capable of doing. He knew that all things were subject to his authority. He knew that because he was the Prince of peace he had the authority to speak peace to the storm and watch it obey him. Jesus was not afraid or terrified by nature’s violent elements, he was not in any way intimated by the raging storm. What is very reassuring is that he has given this same authority to his disciples and those who belongs to him. The known factor you is that Jesus Christ has given you the authority to speak to every ferocious situation that might raise its ugly head.
Speak to the storm
Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and they stood still. He also rebuked his disciples because they should have known what to do too. Jesus expects the same of us too. You might say that’s Jesus, he’s God, He knows what to do. That’s true but he lives on the inside of you. He who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus the greater one lives in you and he has already calm the storms. He wants you and I to do what he did, speak to the storm. Do not allow the storm to disrupt your peace of mind, or rob you of your joy. Jesus is the Prince, he synchronized the outer peace of the environment with his inner peace by speaking to the storm. This peace he leaves with us not as the world gives. Now you have what it takes to synchronize the peace of Christ within and the of your world without.
Knowledge is power
The greatest weapon you have is the knowledge. Knowledge is power; therefore, equip yourself with the word of God. Surround yourself with the word of God daily. Read portions of the word out loud to drown out and eventually shut off the voices speaking in your mind. Take time to communicate with God- He desires to walk and talk with you. Keep practicing it and you will find that Jesus speaks to you. If you feel like your mind is the battle field or the storm is raging in your mind then speak up, open your mouth and speak the word. Declare” I will not die but live”, declare, “God has not given to me a fear but power love and a sound mind”. Play worshipful music, listen to messages, find quiet times to mediate on Jesus and simply surround yourself with godly influences. Put the word of God in you, that’s knowledge, that’s power and you will not regret it. The difference between our knowledge and defeat is knowing that we already possess victory in Christ Jesus.
Advancing the Kingdom of God in the earth!