The Gospel of Matthew shares an account of Jesus and His disciples during a time of storm. The event took place following what we would call a major conference or convocation with thousands of people present. There were powerful moves of God where Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 men, women and children with just five loaves of bread and two fish and healed all who were sick – blind eyes were opened, the lame were now walking, the deaf were now hearing and incredible things were taking place.
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away… But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” (Matthew 14:22 and 24)
Here, the disciples are attempting to cross over the Sea of Galilee to the other side as Jesus had instructed them following a victorious and powerful event, which they were probably still celebrating how mightily God had moved in their midst. But suddenly, out of nowhere, a great storm erupts, possibly causing them to consider turning back.
Think about it in your own personal life… out of the blue things begin to happen that you never thought would happen, and suddenly strong gusts arise like hurricane winds and the waves begin to just rip through your life, leaving you perplexed. It’s like a tornado that comes through wrecking everything in its path. Your marriage, finances, and health among others, are now stormy, and nothing is flowing the way it was just a few weeks, days, moments ago. There are now so many delays, issues, and storms popping up everywhere, attempting to stop, hinder, and slow down your momentum.
But what do you do when you don't know what to do? First, you must understand that satan’s goal is to prevent you from reaching your destiny or fulfilling your purpose or assignments. He will always attempt to steal, kill, and destroy, and no one is exempt, not even those who serve him. He knows that if he doesn’t interfere in some way by doing something to take you off course, he is in trouble. His plan is to weigh you down to the point of you throwing in the towel.
Again, what do you do when you don’t know what to do? What do you do when your spouse walks out on you? What do you do when you receive a negative report from the doctor? What do you do when your dearest friends betray you? What do you do when the bank threatens to foreclose on your home? You look to God and stand on His promises. You trust that He is faithful to see you through. You encourage yourself in the Lord and look to His holy Word for truth. You then speak to your situations and call those things that are not as though they are, according to Romans 4:17.
This is not the time to become weary. This is the time to recall the wonders and miracles, and all the things God has already done for you, and how He has moved in your life in times past. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forevermore. He wants you to cast your cares on Him and acknowledge Him so He can show you the paths to take moving forward.
We all have unexpected setbacks. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor, young or old, strong or weak, deserving or undeserving, we are all susceptible to occasional storms. But God has made us overcomers through the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelations 12:11).
The key to survival during the tests and trials of life is understanding how to use the storms that come your way to catapult you closer to your destiny. Yes, storms will come, winds will blow, disappointments will arise, but give the Word of God the final say by speaking it over your situations and proclaiming the truth found in His Word. “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.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Hang in there! Don’t stop fighting, don’t stop praying, don’t stop fasting, don’t stop praising Him. In fact, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Hang in there just a little while longer. Your morning will come, and with great rejoicing. But don’t wait to see it, begin to glorify His name before it manifests. Praise Him throughout the day and give Him the glory due Him. Fight the good fight of faith and don’t allow your soul to be downcast. Trust Him to move on your behalf and Rejoice!
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