“Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side of the lake (Sea of Galilee).’ So they set out. But as they were sailing, He fell asleep. And a fierce gale of wind swept down [as if through a wind tunnel] on the lake, and they began to be swamped, and were in great danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him, said, ‘Master, Master, we are about to die!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging, violent waves, and they ceased, and it became calm [a perfect peacefulness]. And He said to them, ‘Where is your faith [your confidence in Me]?’ They were afraid and astonished, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey Him?’
Luke 8:22-25 AMP
Two: Present circumstances don’t dictate future outcomes
The storms that we go through in life are real and it may seem like it has the power to kill us, destroy us, and render us helpless. But these present storms will pass, as all the other ones that we went through did.
The disciples were afraid and in actual danger. The NLT version says, “and they were in real danger” (v. 23). The storm was of great severity, and they were fearful that they were going to lose their lives. But they had Jesus with them and a promise that they were going to make it to the other side.
The storm couldn’t kill them, although it seemed like it would. Much like the storms that we go through.
As soon as the storm started, Jesus could’ve gotten up and rebuked it, but He didn’t. The Lord allows storms in our life to test us, grow us, and strengthen our faith in Him. And “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 NLT).
And we also have this hope and promise: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV). Meaning that nothing, not an evil word, or scheme of the enemy, nor any principality, shall prosper against you.
It won’t succeed. That doesn’t mean that we don’t feel the blow to our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). But it will NOT and CANNOT kill us.
What we see now and currently going through will not be the end of us. But God shall get the glory, and we shall see a manifestation of His word here on earth.
We know that our faith is not based on what we see. But it is upon what we know about the Lord.
Are we willing to believe the word of the Lord, although our current state in life may not match up to it?
Believe that where God has us now, He will not leave us there.
Here are some questions to meditate on this week:
- Do you trust that the Lord will not leave you in the storm?
- Do you believe that the Lord has more for you and desires to bless you?
- Do you believe in His promises?
So today, don’t magnify your issue. Magnify your God and His word. Look to Him from where all things come and where all things are known. Y’all have a great week and remember to uplift, inspire, enlighten, and, more importantly, encourage someone. If you want to reach out or have any prayer requests, you can submit them here.
