Storms, both natural and spiritual, have been occurring on this earth for thousands of years. From the firestorms that devastated Sodom and Gomorrah to the destructive deluge that drowned an entire planet during the time of Noah to the rampaging atmospheric events of today, storms are reminders of how small and weak we are as humans, but are also a testimony to how great and glorious the power of God the Creator is, the One Who has complete control over everything, including storms.
As we make preparations for the storm that is approaching and already impacting Southern California, we take precautions such as watching weather forecasts, filling sandbags, clearing drains, locating umbrellas and cancelling events. We are very meticulous and focused when it comes to preparing for natural storms that threaten our physical well-being. But the question is, what are we doing to prepare for the coming spiritual storm of judgement which will be unleased on the earth when the Lord declares that time for preparation has expired.
Referring back to Noah, we can imagine the desperation and horror of the people who certainly must have wanted to board the ark God directed him to build after they saw that it began to rain. But the time for repentance and salvation was over and the open door to God’s grace was now shut. “And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” (Genesis 7: 16) And when the ark was shut, no one was going to open it. “These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” (Revelation 3: 7)
As for the corrupt and violent people of the earth, they had plenty of reason to fear the storm of annihilation that came down from above on that day. And that’s because for evildoers, our God is a fearful God. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10: 31) Even the children of Israel shuddered when God exhibited His awesomeness, displaying His might on Mount Sinai at the beginning of their journey from Egypt to the promised land: “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.” (Genesis 19: 16 & 18)
But while those who are disobedient may quake and even recoil from the glory of God’s majesty, we, the recipients of the latter rain, are permitted to joyfully come with confidence into His holy presence: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 16) Our God has provided us with the knowledge of His divinity for a reason and that is, “…to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.” (Ephesians 3: 9-12)
In Mark 4: 39 we see Jesus issuing the edict, “Peace, be still,” to a surging squall thereby rebuking the boisterous wind and raging water as prophesied in Psalm 107: 29, “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” But unlike the eradication event that occurred in Noah’s time, Jesus can use storms not to destroy, but to develop, as He did with Peter in Matthew 14: 24: 30, “But the ship was now 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. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”
But as we know, though he struggled with being impulsive and impetuous, Peter went on to be one of the great men of faith in the Bible. By that faith and the power of the Holy Ghost, Peter was transformed from being a fidgety and frightened fisherman who denied His Savior at the pre-crucifixion trial of Jesus (Mark 14: 66-72), to being a passionate and powerful preacher on the day of Pentecost, delivering a stirring sermon that resulted in the conversion of about 3,000 souls! (Acts 3: 1-37)
So when you go through the storms of your life, the storms of depression, or the storms of discouragement, or the storms of disillusionment or even the storms of displeasure, be of good cheer and do as Peter did ..... humble yourself and go to Jesus. Ignore the storm, putting your faith in the Father and your hand in the hand of the Man from Galilee. And even if you do at times begin to falter in your faith, just keep pressing forward because Jesus is there to immediately see you through. “…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 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. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…” (Isaiah 43: 1-3)
I leave you with this portion of scripture from Nahum 1: 2-7 which I hope will illustrate the incredible glory of God and serve to inspire you to greater confidence, trust, faith and obedience in Him Who will quell your storms and vanquish your enemies because you belong to Him and He is more than worthy for you to praise through your storm:
“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.”
Comments