By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Faithfulness is key, especially when life gets tough. Be faithful in every storm of life, in every decision. Trust God in every moment and soon you’ll realize what He’s doing behind the scenes.
Have you ever been in a serious thunderstorm, or maybe even a hurricane or tornado? I’ve never been in a tornado or a hurricane, but I have been through many serious thunderstorms. When serious storms come up, we’re looking for a safe place.
How would you react if you were in the middle of the sea when a violent storm arose? Mark 4:37 says: “And a furious storm of wind [of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled.” The disciples and Jesus were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm began to rage. The disciples were frightened, fearful and faithless in the midst of what they perceived to be a potentially deadly situation.
When trouble is headed your way always do what Jesus did. When the storms of life revolt against you seek to be at peace. When troubles come your way do you find yourself having sleepless nights? Maybe tossing and turning worrying about what may or may not happen. Don’t you think Jesus knew there was a weather pattern forming about to churn into a dangerous storm?
We should follow His direction as found in Mark 4:38 which says: “But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’” The disciples had done exactly as Jesus told them to do. They shoved off from the shore to cross over to the other side. The storm came about so quickly that the disciples were swamped.
How do we handle storms, the adversities, when one comes upon us suddenly? Matthew 6:34 offers some great advice: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
I love reading about the faith and spiritual exploits of Smith Wigglesworth. How do we handle the storms of life and attacks of the enemy? Listen to how Brother Wigglesworth handled one encounter with the devil.
“We were sleeping one night, when the manifestation of evil filled the room, and the spirit of fear gripped both of us. Polly was so frightened she could not open her eyes. I suddenly sat up, in the bed, and saw the devil. I rubbed my eyes to be sure, it was him. I said, ‘Oh! It’s only you.’ I then turned to Polly and told her to go back to sleep, it was nothing of consequence, and I laid my head back down. Suddenly an overwhelming sense of peace and love filled the room, and we had the most blessed sleep ever.”
In the middle of the storms of life learn to let Jesus be your peace factor. If He did it for Smith Wigglesworth, He will do it for you.
Since Jesus knew the storm was coming do you really think He would have put the disciples, those closest to Him, in a position to drown and die? Of course, not! In everything you face in life no matter how great the temptation or seemingly insurmountable the problem may be God always provides a way of escape. When you’re facing the storms of life God is not in Heaven wringing His hands wondering what is going to happen to you next.
God is not weak! He never has been, and He never will be. It is not only His will, but He wants to show Himself mighty on our behalf. However, we must trust Him for it to be so. Romans 4:20 in the Amplified Bible says: “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” Not only is God not weak He will show Himself strong on your behalf. God is not moved by the adversities we face and neither should we be.
Let me give you an absolute fact if you’re doing what God has called you to do – fulfilling His vision for your life, being obedient to His divine direction – stuff is going to happen. Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Even during your personal storms God has a firm grip on you. When facing the storms of life, tell your circumstances and those in your boat to be still. Psalm 86:7 says: “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” God’s got this! Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
