Every storm has a way out. We are promised this in scripture. Sometimes the circumstances can be to difficult to bear but God will always make a way out of the storm. In the New testament I found 3 storms and 3 strikingly different escape routes.
Matthew 8, tells the story of Jesus and his disciples getting into a boat and suddenly a tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. Jesus was sleeping soundly in the boat. They awoke Jesus, begging for help. Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm. He simply rebuked the storm and it was silent.
In Mark chapter 6, right after feeding 5000, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of him to the other side of the sea. When they reached the middle they began to struggle rowing because of the storm. All of a sudden they saw what they thought was a ghost walking toward them. When they heard him speak they realized it was Jesus. Peter immediately asked to walk on the water. He took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink but Jesus rescued him. They stepped into the boat and the storm was calmed. Jesus and Peter walked on the Storm.
Acts 27, tells us the story of Paul's journey to Rome. He warned the ships captain that if they sailed there would be disaster. His warnings were ignored and they sailed straight into danger. After 3 days of fighting the sea, the sailors emptied the ship of everything. Paul has a visit by an angel telling him what to do and to not be afraid. He comforts the crew but tells them that the boat will be lost. Indeed, the boat was destroyed. Verse 44 says that they rested on the boards from the ship and all escaped safely to land. Grab the nearest board.
Some storms can be rebuked. Others you get to walk on top of the water and wind. Sometimes though, you just have to hold on to the cross and go through. Regardless you will reach the shore safely, it is guaranteed.
See ya in church Sunday,
Pastor Kevin
P.S.- This Sunday July 13th. Part 2 of, "Dealing with Stress".
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