Are you going through a storm? When challenges threaten, the Bible teaches us to REBUKE the storm, and REST!
📖That same day, after it grew dark, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” Leaving the crowd behind, the disciples got into the boat in which Jesus was already sitting, and they took him with them. Other boats sailed with them.
➡️Jesus was the one who said, “Let’s cross over.” When Jesus says CROSS OVER, you WILL get to your destination. And when Jesus says LET’S, it means he will be on the journey WITH you!
📖Suddenly, as they were crossing the lake, a ferocious storm arose, with violent winds and waves that were crashing into the boat until it was nearly swamped. But Jesus was calmly sleeping in the stern, resting on a cushion. So they shook him awake, saying, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to die!”
Fully awake, he rebuked the storm and shouted to the sea, “Hush! Be still!” All at once the wind stopped howling and the water became perfectly calm. Then he turned to his disciples and said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?”
➡️Before they got into the boats, earlier that same day, Jesus had taught his disciples many powerful truths and performed great miracles. If their hearts had been ‘good ground’, his teachings would have taken root and borne fruit.
Jesus had appointed the Twelve, whom he named apostles… so that he could send them out to preach and have authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons [Mark 3:13-15]. They were already chosen to be miracle workers, to have POWER over evil forces. THEY could have stood up to rebuke the wind and waves. By faith, they could have calmed the storm THEMSELVES, instead of crying out in fear.
➡️Just because someone is asleep doesn’t mean they don’t care. Perhaps it’s YOUR turn to take authority and by faith speak a miracle. But if you’re too tired, sometimes the best thing to do is go to sleep, even in the storm. You might as well REST since you WILL get to the other side!
Story from Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 TPT
Dear Father,
The storm seems greater than me, and it’s bigger than my boat!
But I know that Jesus is with me, and I rebuke the storm. I say, PEACE! BE STILL!
Lord, I will follow your example and rest, even when the storm is overwhelming. Because I know that in your power, I will get to the other side SAFELY, together with my friends, and my boat!
In Jesus’ Name I pray…
Amen!