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We all go through things in life whether it’s a trial, testing or just a frustrating situation. There are different “storms” that we go through and different reasons for them. Today we’re going to look at some of the “storms” people in the Bible went through, why and how God protected them.
Noah–Genesis 7:6-16 Noah’s storm was a physical one, and because he was obedient and found righteous in God’s eyes God protected him from it. I would like to say Noah’s storm was the easiest, but I don’t know. It took a long time to build the ark, so I’m sure he was probably questioning whether he had really even heard God or heard Him correctly. And then after it was built and he got his family and the animals inside they had to sit there and wait seven days before the rain came! Talk about a test of faith! But once the ark was built and everyone and the animals were inside Noah just had to sit and wait for the storm to be over. By having him build the ark God protected him from the actual storm. Sometimes storms are caused by others disobedience, but God protects those that are righteous. Storms can be cleansing. In this case God cleansed the earth from all the wickedness.
Jonah-Jonah 1: 1-17 Jonah’s storm was caused by his disobedience to God. If Jonah would have been obedient he would not have ended up in the belly of a whale. Storms can help us get our priorities straight and put us on the path God wants us on.
The Disciples storm-Mark 4:35-41 When the storm came up the disciples called on Jesus and he rebuked it. We should always call on Jesus when we are in the storm, but does he always calm it? No, sometimes he allows us to go through it to test us like with Job.
Job’s storm-Job1:1 & 1:6-22, 2:1-10—In this case God allowed Job to endure the storm to test him and show Satan that Job would not curse Him.
Going Through the Storm
Now that we’ve talked about the storms that Noah, Jonah, Job and the Disciples went through let’s talk about HOW they got through those storms. The short answer is they relied on God.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah: 40:31
We all go through tough times or “storms” in our life. How we react and handle them makes all the difference. If we keep our focus on God He will renew our strength, so we can fly above our situation, we’ll be able to run the race that He has put before us and during those times when we feel like we can’t run the race He’ll give us strength to walk without fainting. I think the key here is we have to WAIT on the Lord!
Let’s look at a couple examples of what happens when we take our eyes of God:
Matthew 14:22-34 22– And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away. 23 And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters. 29 And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret.
When Peter took his eyes off Jesus he started to sink! But as soon as he cried out to Jesus, Jesus took hold of him.
Judges 16:4-22 Delilah kept asking and nagging Samson to tell her the secret to his strength. Samson grew tired of Delilah’s nagging. Instead of asking the Lord for help he gave in to his flesh.
Judges 16:23-30 When Samson called on God, God gave him strength! Even though Samson ended up killing himself along with all the Philistines God gave him strength to get one last victory against them.
We’ve all been going through a tough time the last few months with Covid and everything that’s going on right now. It’s easy to get tired and want to give up. We need to wait on the Lord and He will renew our strength!
Remember: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.