Don’t fear the storms, trust the deliverer.

We all face storms in life, which come in many forms, physical illness, financial challenges, emotional issues or relationship breakdown etc. You may have experienced many such storms, or perhaps you may feel in the middle of one right now.

The key to dealing with storms, is not to avoid them, but to be sure of your focus throughout them. We must determine ahead of time what or who our main focus will be in good times and bad. When tough times come and the storm is raging around us, it can be difficult to maintain our focus if it is not already set.

The disciples had Jesus right in front of them and were always learning what He was capable of. One time Jesus got into a boat and said they would go to the other side of the lake, but during the journey, a storm arose.

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  – Mark 4:35-39.

The course had been set and there was nothing to suggest a storm was on the way. The disciples could have focussed on the fact that Jesus had said they would go to the other side and when He said something it always happened. They could have noticed that Jesus was so unperturbed by the commotion that He was asleep and perhaps they could do likewise.

The storm took the focus of the disciples away from Jesus just like our storms often do. This storm came out of nowhere so their focus could have been distracted because they were unprepared, but they could have decided the object of their focus ahead of time and we should also decide to stay focussed on Christ.

Many of our issues we get in life, begin well. Sometimes our desire to move forward causes us to take chances and take things into our own hands, until we become overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Every storm begins with a gentle breeze. The gentle breeze which drives us toward your destination, can become a furious storm which threatens to sink us.

Paul took a journey where he encountered an unexpected storm which began with a gentle breeze.

When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.  – Acts 27:14

The troubles we face can begin small, then suddenly take another turn, which will threaten our lives. Our energy is often wasted by trying to avoid the inevitable issues of life. Jesus makes it very clear that our focus should not be on avoidance of difficulties, but on the one who delivers us from all things.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

So today, set your focus on Jesus ahead of time. When the storms of life come your way, don’t fight to avoid them, but take courage in the knowledge that the one who is with you in your storm, is the one who has already overcome the world. Don’t fear the storms of life, but always trust the deliverer who will calm the storm and bring safely to the other side.