Miracles – How to deal with the storms of life

Let’s talk about storms. Not just those terrifying thunder-boomers that sneak up on a hot summer afternoon, but those proverbial storms of life. We all experience them. However, how we deal with them makes all the difference.

Often, in the middle of a lightning storm, I will find my husband on the front porch, mesmerized as it blows in. He loves storms. I, on the other hand, will hunker down, praying it passes quickly. We all handle the storms of life differently, but we must never forget, Jesus is the one who calms our storm.

Jesus is the one who calms our storm. 

In Mark 4:35-41; we see Jesus doing just that.

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

I have a confession. I am just like these disciples. In the face of a storm bearing down on me, I default to fear and panic.  These guys had been with Jesus all day as He taught about God’s word of hope and trust. But hearing is not the same as knowing. It is only when our faith is tested that we truly begin to trust God.

“The wind and waves still know His name.” 

Maybe you can relate to these storms of life;

• Financial struggles; When we were struggling financially, it was easy to focus on what we did not have, instead of what we did have. My fear of not having enough kept me in a constant state of overwhelm and worry. Refocusing my attention and thanking God for providing for us, helped shrink my fear. Action steps: Pray these scriptures out loud. “Thank you Lord that You supply all my needs.”  “You did not give me a spirit of fear but a spirit of Love, Power and Self-Discipline or Self-Control.”  “Perfect love casts out all fear.” 
• Family crisis; I have a friend whose son is caught in addiction. Being afraid she will lose her son, my friend continues to focus on her fear. However, we can focus on Jesus being the Lord of our lives and declare victory over the enemy. Action steps: Playing praise music in your home can change the atmosphere. Declare these scriptures in Jesus’ name; “Cast all your burdens on Him because He cares for you.”  “Raise up a child in the way he or she should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it.”  “Trust the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” 
• Disease and disorder; When plagued with an ongoing health issue, it is easy to become tired and weary. You may not be focusing on fear but the pain. This is understandable. However, the devil intends to steal all of our joy. Don’t let him. Action steps: Say these scriptures out loud. Psalms 73:26 says; “My flesh and heart may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever.” “By His stripes, we are healed.” And Psalms reminds us, “Weeping may stay for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” 
• Relationship Issues; Whether you are in a strained marital relationship, or like us, raising a teenager, relationships can be tough. Focusing on God instead of the turmoil around you will help keep your peace. If there is hostility in your home, playing praise music will change the atmosphere and your own attitude. Action steps: Play the song at the bottom of this message out loud. Notice how you feel before and after. Play it over and over until you feel a release. Pray your favorite scripture out loud as well. There is power in the Word of God.

With every storm we face, we have an opportunity to focus on fear or learn to trust God. I have this sign hanging in my kitchen which reads, “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.” How do you get bigger faith? Learn to trust God even in your storm.

“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.” 

As we deal with the storms of our life, we can trust God, “because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” 

Let this song be our prayer. -M

(If you can’t see the YouTube, open this message from your browser.) 

P.S. If you need more help dealing with your fear, check out my resources page or prayer page. I would love to pray with you. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Feel free to forward this message to someone who might be struggling or share it on Facebook. – M