Have you ever encountered a storm? Jesus did.
And not once, but twice. Yes, that’s right. In Matthew 8 and in Matthew 14, Jesus found Himself in the middle of a severe storm. But both times He went through it to the other side. And you can too!
Here are three keys for going THROUGH THE STORM from the life of Jesus…
Matthew 8:23-24 NLT
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
- #1 SLEEP IN IT
Now, when I say “sleep in it,” I’m NOT talking about crawling into bed, pulling the covers over your head, and ignoring all your problems. No, this is more than physical sleep. This is spiritual peace.
You’ll never have power over the storm until you have peace in the storm! Because ultimately, the enemy is after your peace. If he can steal your peace, he can stop you from walking in power.
If it’s costing you your peace, it’s too expensive.
Before we can deal with the storm around us, we first have to deal with the storm within us. Jesus sleeping in the storm is a picture of how our souls need to be at rest in Him.
When the storm is raging, we need a HOLY HUSH. We have to stop and be still (Psalm 46:10). Try it right now. Put your phone down for 10 seconds, take a breath, and turn your attention to Jesus.
Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is the presence of a Person. His name is JESUS and He is WITH YOU!
Now let’s look at the next part of the story…
Matthew 8:25-26 NLT
25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
- #2 SPEAK TO IT
When the storm is raging, what are you saying? Do your words sound like His Word? We need to be so full of Scripture, so that when the storm hits, His truth comes out!
What is God saying about your situation? What has He promised you? The storm doesn’t change His Truth. The promise still stands.
And when His word goes forth, “it performs My purpose and fulfills the mission I sent it out to accomplish” (Isaiah 55:11 TPT).
When we speak, our words will either line up with what God is saying or they will line up with what the enemy is saying. The power of life and death are in the tongue. Echo His words in your storm!
Now for our final key…
Matthew 14:24-25 NLT
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
- #3 STEP ON IT
I love this part. In the storm, what does Jesus do? He sleeps in it… He speaks to it… and then He STEPS ON IT!
At some point, we have to get up and get out of the boat and take a step of faith! Jesus has given us the authority to trample over the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).
Maybe the storm in your life has been holding you back from doing what God has called you to do. Maybe you’ve been stuck in fear or distracted by everything happening.
Or maybe you’ve been waiting for that “perfect moment” when conditions seem just right. I’m not sure if there is ever going to be a perfect moment. Sometimes, you just have to take a step, trusting that the Lord will meet you!
Romans 16:20 TPT
And the God of peace will swiftly pound Satan to a pulp under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you.
Sometimes the storm doesn’t stop until WE GO!
Never underestimate the power of one step. If God says come, we come! If God says go, we go! We go through the storm to the other side!
Matthew 14:34-36 NLT
34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Jesus had to get through the storm to the other side because there was a whole city full of people that needed Him!
You are going through the storm because there is someone on the other side that needs the Jesus in you!
So remember…
- SLEEP IN IT
- SPEAK TO IT
- STEP ON IT
We are going through the storm to the other side!
Isaiah 43:2-3 TPT
2 When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, 3 for I am your Savior, Yahweh, your mighty God, the Holy One of Israel!
(This post is an excerpt from a message I preached at my church. To listen to the full message, click here!)