Victory over Storms

By Dammey Gbenro, FSU Graduate Student and Graduate Assistant Computer Science Department, Peer Minister United Campus Minister

Read it:  Read each scripture twice, slowly.  After the second reading discuss the word or phrase that struck you or stood-out.  This is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart to pay attention here.  What might the Holy Spirit be trying to say to you today through this verse, phrase or word?

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41; Verse to meditate on: “Psalm 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all”

Listen/Watch it: Still by Hillsong: http://youtu.be/z3wwWFsSlNQ

In 2 Kings 4:18-26, we read of how a rich benevolent woman, who sowed so much into the life of a man of God had her barrenness broken, and how the son later died but was raised back to life. One lesson we learn here is that the fact that you have God does not mean that you won’t face troubles in life. Problems are part of life for everyone irrespective of religious beliefs. That you were saved means that you have escaped from Satan’s prison. The difference between a Christian and a non-christian here is that in times of storms, you already have the Prince of Peace with you, with just a word from Him, the storm will cease.

Some believers think that if you are in God’s will or if you obey God’s instructions-for instance in taking a particular individual as your spouse in marriage, you will never have issues. This is not true, the truth is: When problems come on account of obeying God, you can confidently return to Him and ask Him to take care of it.

In John 16:33, Jesus says in spite of your trouble, be joyful because His victory over the world will secure your victory over that situation. If you look carefully at Isaiah 43:2, you will understand that we must go through fires and rivers. If God will use you for His greater purpose and glory, then you should be prepared to go through not only the rivers, but also the fire, but there will be no reason to fear because He will be with you. The fire will not consume you but it will be an instrument of purifying you. Jesus was in the same boat with His disciples and yet the storm arose, that He is your boat does not insure you against storms but that your boat will never sink. The Prince of Peace is with you. Your victory is certain.

Key Point: Just as problems are bound to come, because you have Jesus, you too are bound to overcome. It’s a balanced equation.

Discuss it:  Have you had problems that you know God was at work that you were able to overcome?  What was God working in you during that storm? 

Live it:  When trouble comes your way do you “blame God” for it or do you look for the glory that will come if you rely on God to the victory that is to come?  Do you want God to make it easy for you or do you say – God you and I can make it through this and I will be a better person for it and you will be glorified in it?