We go through difficult times in life. Sometimes it seems unfair. Other times, we realise that it is self inflicted. We may be dragged into stormy weather by other people. We need to know the reason if we are to deal with it correctly. There are three types of storm revealed in God's word.
1. The storm of rebellion. Jonah ran away from God, going the opposite direction to Ninevah. The storm rose up so strongly that experienced sailors feared for their lives. Jonah realised that he was at fault. The rest of the crew threw him overboard. It is sobering to realise that rebellion threatened the lives of people who were innocent.
2. The storm of presumption. Paul was a prisoner. The captain of the ship transporting him to Rome wanted to avoid delay. The weather was fine at the time, but winter storms were so common that ships remained in harbour until winter was over. The captain decided to risk it, a bad decision that cost him his ship. However, God was merciful and saved the crew, the guard and the crew. Again, presumption risked many more lives than that of the one who made the bad decision.
3. The storm of opposition. Lord Jesus said He and the disciples were to cross over the sea of Galilee to the other side. He did not say, "Let's go
to the middle and sink". Sometimes we receive a word from God. We step out on that word yet nothing works out. Every door seems to be locked and our path littered with obstacles.
The question we need to ask is what kind of storm we are going through. Has God told us to quit a job, or worse, to stay where are? Has He told us to apologise when we think we are in the right? Are we in a relationship that God has told us to cut off? Rebellion has consequences and it is not pleasant.
Perhaps we made a decision without consulting Lord Jesus. Is the job proving to be a disaster or the new friend we've made leading us astray? Perhaps we bought a car that proved to be a lemon. It could well be a storm of presumption.
Many can testify to having to fight to see God's will come to pass in their experience. This is especially true for more mature believers. While it may seem a hardship, it is also great joy when the enemy is forced to capitulate and victory comes.
How can we tell which "storm" we are goiung through? First, we need to be humble enough not to be overconfident that we know what is wrong. It's too easy for us to presume that a storm is because of God's word when it is in reality presumption. It is easy to be discouraged when the "storm" is a consequence of God's promise that Satan is contesting. The answer is in given in Colossians 3:15:
"Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]." Amplified
When we have peace, it is a good sign that we are on the right track. This applies collectively as well as individually. Many can testify to the truth of this principle. I hope that it will be helpful to some going through struggles right now.
1. The storm of rebellion. Jonah ran away from God, going the opposite direction to Ninevah. The storm rose up so strongly that experienced sailors feared for their lives. Jonah realised that he was at fault. The rest of the crew threw him overboard. It is sobering to realise that rebellion threatened the lives of people who were innocent.
2. The storm of presumption. Paul was a prisoner. The captain of the ship transporting him to Rome wanted to avoid delay. The weather was fine at the time, but winter storms were so common that ships remained in harbour until winter was over. The captain decided to risk it, a bad decision that cost him his ship. However, God was merciful and saved the crew, the guard and the crew. Again, presumption risked many more lives than that of the one who made the bad decision.
3. The storm of opposition. Lord Jesus said He and the disciples were to cross over the sea of Galilee to the other side. He did not say, "Let's go
to the middle and sink". Sometimes we receive a word from God. We step out on that word yet nothing works out. Every door seems to be locked and our path littered with obstacles.
The question we need to ask is what kind of storm we are going through. Has God told us to quit a job, or worse, to stay where are? Has He told us to apologise when we think we are in the right? Are we in a relationship that God has told us to cut off? Rebellion has consequences and it is not pleasant.
Perhaps we made a decision without consulting Lord Jesus. Is the job proving to be a disaster or the new friend we've made leading us astray? Perhaps we bought a car that proved to be a lemon. It could well be a storm of presumption.
Many can testify to having to fight to see God's will come to pass in their experience. This is especially true for more mature believers. While it may seem a hardship, it is also great joy when the enemy is forced to capitulate and victory comes.
How can we tell which "storm" we are goiung through? First, we need to be humble enough not to be overconfident that we know what is wrong. It's too easy for us to presume that a storm is because of God's word when it is in reality presumption. It is easy to be discouraged when the "storm" is a consequence of God's promise that Satan is contesting. The answer is in given in Colossians 3:15:
"Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]." Amplified
When we have peace, it is a good sign that we are on the right track. This applies collectively as well as individually. Many can testify to the truth of this principle. I hope that it will be helpful to some going through struggles right now.