I gave a lot of information last time about the events involving the shipwreck the apostle Paul was dealing with in Acts 27. The Bible described the storm as being the type of storm that would be much like a hurricane. I want to take a few more weeks and try to share some encouraging words on how to deal with life’s storms when it’s not just another storm. Some are like hitting a speed bump. You hit them, they shake you some, and then you are able to move past them. Then there are those that are not just another storm and turn your world upside-down. That’s the kind I’m talking about. There are some thing we need to keep in mind when these things come in our lives.
First of all, keep in mind GOD’S PERCEPTION OF THE STORM.
Before your storm ever came, before the situation, before the sickness, before the diagnosis, before the problem, before it all, God knew all about it. Nothing is beyond the realm of His knowledge. He has no instructor; He needs no teacher or counsellor. There is no one that can teach Him anything for nothing is unknown to Him. We live in days of great uncertainty, but not God. We awake each morning never knowing what that particular day may bring, but He already knows today, tomorrow, and forever. He saw it in eternity past. In Psalm 139:1-5 the psalmist that even before he was born, He saw all everything about him. So much about our lives comes suddenly to us. There are so many things we don’t see or didn’t see coming, but nothing ever catches Him by surprise. I think of all that Job faced in just a short time. He lost his herds; he lost his servants; he lost his wealth; he lost his children and while he was dealing with the hurt of all of that, he lost his health. He didn’t see any of that coming. He had no idea that the Sabeans were going to attack. He had no idea fire would fall from heaven and slay his flocks and his servants. He had no idea that the Chaldeans would attack and slay his servants and steal his camels. He had no idea a sudden windstorm would hit at a time when all his children were in the house together and that, in an instant, they all would be killed. He knew nothing of the conversation in heaven between Satan and God about him. All of that was kept from Job, but God knew all about it.
What I’m saying is this—God sees your storm. He knows where you are and what you’re going through. When the disciples faced the storm on the Sea of Galilee in Mk 6, it says in vs 47-48a-And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them. (Emphasis is mine.) He sees your storm. He knows how strong the winds are. He knows how high the waves are. He knows how dark the clouds are. HE KNOWS! You may feel it’s all out of control, but He’s got His eye on the situation. We often say, “I don’t think I can stand much more.” He knows how much you can stand. He hasn’t forgotten where you are. So, first of all, keep in mind God’s perception of your storm.
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