Have you ever been caught in a storm? It can be terrifying. As a teenager living in the Dallas area, I drove to Oklahoma one evening with a friend who was going to see her parents. Just as we reached the Oklahoma border, a storm suddenly arose. We were in a Volkswagen fondly referred to as a “bug.” It was a very little car.
The rain came down so fiercely that we couldn’t see, and the wind was so strong that it literally caused my friend to lose control of the vehicle. We had no option but to pull to what we thought was the side of the road and stop. Honestly, I thought we were going to die. Needless to say, we called on the power of the Name of Jesus to save us from the storm. It passed and we safely continued our journey.
Though you may never experience that kind of storm, we all encounter inner storms that are just as intense and destructive to our emotions as a physical storm is. I’m reminded of the story in John chapter 6 where the disciples got caught in a storm. Let’s review that story.
In the midst of the darkness, we must speak boldly to the storm. Jesus is always there. He is watching over us.
John 6:16–21 (NLT) “That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here!’ Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!”
This story shows us many things about storms. First of all, we must realize that no matter what kind of storm we face, we can be assured that Jesus is Lord over all our storms if we will place our trust and confidence in Him. I was taught that from a very young age. Therefore, when my friend and I were caught in that severe storm, I began to call upon the Name of Jesus.
In going through difficult times in life, the darkness of the situation can keep us from recognizing that God is always present to help us if we ask. John 16:24 (NKJV) says, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
It is the enemy’s tactic to engulf us in the darkness of a situation and hide the presence of God. I do not know what it is about nighttime, but it seems that problems intensify at night. Years ago when our daughter, Denise, was around 10, we were awakened in the middle of the night by her crying. When my husband went to see why, he found her burning up with fever. He prayed, rebuked the fever, and it went down immediately. A couple hours later, the fever returned, and he went through the same ritual. The fever once again subsided.
This same scenario happened a third time! By that time, he was angry at the devil for attacking our daughter. He then boldly prayed and loudly said, “Satan, you cannot bring your bag of symptoms into my household! I commanded you to leave in the Name of Jesus. Obviously, you did not understand the command. So I am going to literally kick you out of my house.” Ken began saying this as he walked down the stairs from our daughter’s bedroom. He opened the front door and said, “Satan get your symptoms out of my house in Jesus’ Name.” Denise’s fever broke and never returned that night.
In the midst of the darkness, we must speak boldly to the storm. Jesus is always there. He is watching over us. He cares for us, and He wants to rescue us from the storm. There is a hymn that goes:
When darkness seems to hide his face. I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale. My anchor holds within the vale.
On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.*
If we listen to God’s instructions, He will always lead us out of any storm we face. Sometimes the lighting and thunder of our circumstances keep us from hearing the voice of God. Psalm 46:10 instructs us to “be still and know that I am God.” Trust God, He is the Master of every storm.
*Contemporary version of “My Hope Is Built” by Edward Mote.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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