Overcoming the Storm
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:23-25
Welcome, friends, to another week. While listening to Casting Crowns' song "Praise You in the Storm," tears flowed as I sang along with the band. I thought about God's presence during our storms when it seemed we were alone. As we are on our knees, praying, beseeching God to intervene, he has already answered our prayers. Though we have proof God is with us, it is easy to forget he is in the storm's center. Our storms may include sickness, loss of employment, home, illness, hunger, lack of faith, medical issues, disobedience, or many other situations I've not named.
Society instructs us to solve problems using math and reasoning as tools, then expect instant or, at the least, satisfactory results. Therefore, we have become accustomed to instant gratification- fast food, internet, cable, and many other products which make our needs and wants easily attainable. Therefore, using selective tools at our disposal, we expect immediate solutions to situations. However, the key is not instant solutions, nor is it attempting to solve problems alone but praying and waiting for God to answer our prayers and take us away from the storm.
As humans, we think we are in control and know answers to the most pertinent situations in life; however, God says this: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. Isaiah 55:8. This verse applies to those in the Old Testament just as it applies to us in the new age. Therefore, God has already solved our problems before we have begun to think about them. Thus, our thoughts are futile and are nothing compared to his mind. As I was thinking of the problem and attempting to solve it with my might, God had already solved it.
We cannot hide anything from the Lord. He knows our every wish, want, sin, and crisis. Jeremiah writes: For mine eyes are upon all their ways; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. Jeremiah 16:17 As we mature in the faith, we find conditions named in paragraph two are situations we may be unable to solve in our strength. When we attempt to over or sidestep God, our view of a situation leads us into a disaster zone of more problems without solutions. When we use God's strength (his word and prayer), our situations work out as God intends, not as we wish. Our problem-solving skills are different from his will.
God is not just the Lord; he is a problem solver, a way maker, chief accountant, home builder, teacher, pastor, friend, sister, brother, and all to us. Today was a great example of God working it out before my feeble attempt to solve the problem. God knew us before birth (Ps 139:13-15) and all aspects of our lives from birth to death. He listens and provides comfort; however, sometimes, we are too engrossed in our problems to notice. We have been there and will visit various-sized storms many times during our lives. These are only 11 verses out of more than 30 wonderful verses to read when life becomes hectic or out of order. Joshua 1: 9, Psalm 34:19; John 14:27; Romans 8:28 and 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 3: 7-8; 13-14; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:7-10. God was in the storm with me and did not let go of my hand. There is an old saying that says this: God is always on time. He is.
For those, I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ or may have never read the Bible. Placing your faith in God is critical since his love is unmatched and will always continue. He offers salvation once we believe in the gospel (his death, burial, and resurrection). It is only too late for redemption when death knocks. Therefore, God gives grace and mercy daily and another chance to receive his gift. I would love to hear from you. For the verse on salvation, please click this link for the King James online version: (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or comment on my website; the link is above. I hope you have a great week. Please remember to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for visiting.
