Encouragement

The Perfect Storm

by Jounda LaMance
04/08/06
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Is there such a thing as a ‘perfect storm?’ Today, as we watch the news and see lives torn apart by the wind and rain, many would tell you, ‘no,’ there is no such thing as a perfect storm, but what if Jesus is in that storm? Let’s take it one step further, what if Jesus sends you in to the storm?

That’s what we see in Matthew 14. We have always focused on Peter and Jesus walking on the water, but last week, while in the midst of my own storm, it struck me that Jesus sent the disciples to the storm!

Read it and you will see: Jesus constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go before him to the other side, while he sent the disciples away. He had them get in the boat to go to the other side.

Don’t think for one minute this storm took Jesus by surprise!

Don’t think for one minute that He didn’t know what the disciples were going to face!

JESUS KNEW WHEN HE HAD THEM GET IN THE BOAT AND HEAD TO THE OTHER SIDE THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE A STORM!!

Many will ask, if God is so loving, why would He deliberately send you into a storm?

It is in the storm that our faith is tested and it is in the storm that the Son of God is revealed!

Our nature is to fall apart and take shelter! We want to run from the storms of life! We try to pray ourselves out of storms. We want to dig a hole and hide, but we must recognize that Jesus does not send us into the storms of life without a plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

God never promised us a storm free existence! He never said there would be no pain or sorrow! He never said you’d skate through without any problems. Quite the contrary!
Isaiah 43:2 when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

We will be passing through the waters, rivers and through the fire. Did you notice how many times we are told we will be going – through!!

This storm in your life is not an accident! Jesus knows right where you are! He has not left you nor has he forsaken you!

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was not in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Just when you think the waves will overtake you! Just when you think your boat will capsize! Just when you think you’re all alone – THERE HE IS!

Hebrews 13:5c I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:6 so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever

The storm that you face today, whatever it is, is nothing new to the King of Kings! He knows right where you are! He knows all about the alcohol! He knows all about the drugs! He sees your child who has gone astray! He knows where your husband is!

He knows where your wife is! He knows about your finances and He knows about your job. HE KNOWS!!!!

Can you imagine the men in the boat? Can you visualize the white-knuckled grip they had as they hung on for dear life?

II Timothy 1:7 for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

II Timothy 1:12 for the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Shake off the clothes of fear and adorn yourself in the robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)! Put on the WHOLE armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3)

Settle it deep within, being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6)

If you are in a storm right now; take a deep breath and determine that Jesus knew about the storm when He sent you to the other side!

© Jounda LaMance-Wadley April 8, 2006
All emphasis added to scripture is mine. All scripture taken from the KJV