IN THE EYE OF THE STORM
Part 1
Fact: The most recognizable feature found within a hurricane is the eye. Skies are often clear above the eye and winds are relatively light. The eye of the storm is the only peaceful part of the hurricane. The strong surface winds that converge towards the center never reach it.
Reminds me of being held in the hands of God, sheltered in the cleft of the rock. Though the storms rage around us, God sends His angels to save and protect us.
Psalms 46:1-3 – 1God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (Which means Pause and think about that.)
We are to take notice how big our God is! He IS our refuge, our strength, our help!
In Acts 27 we find that Paul put was put on a ship bound for Rome to stand trial with Caesar. Paul warned the ship’s officers in vs. 10 “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.”
They had already gotten caught in a storm, did not listen to Paul’s warning and proceeded on. In verse 13, the Living Bible Translation headlines “The Storm and Sea” because the weather changed abruptly – there was a suddenly!
As we follow the story, we see as the storms kept raging, the men on board had lost all hope.
Isn’t that what happens to us? We usually feel strong to handle one storm in our life, but if it is a devastating storm, it causes us to fear. Or if we are pounded with one storm after another, it starts to wear us down. If our prayers aren’t answered in our time and the way we think they should be answered, we can lose hope. Our goal is to continue in hope and faith, no matter what we see and what we hear that contradicts our prayers.
Acts 27:23-24 tells us that God sent an angel to Paul and through this angel, God spoke, giving Paul a word to hang on to!
This is a lesson for us. Get a word from God about your situation! When you have a word from God – you can take heart! Believe the Word, Believe the promises of God! We may need to recite “But God” many times and quote His promises, but the word received from God will sustain us through that particular storm.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing.
Let’s be real: There have been sudden and raging storms that my first response is not rejoicing. Even today when I look back on those storms and have no answer as to why they happened and see no benefit from them, I want to question God “Why”. But in those kinds of storms, we do as Paul said, we die to our flesh, put our feelings under subjection and call out to God for help, especially in our weaknesses.
A pastor recently heard from God that many believers have lost their miracles at the midnight hour. The midnight hour represents the moment of our breakthrough. How many times do you think we have given up on the verge of our breakthrough?
Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, whipped, and placed in stocks in the inner dungeon. Despite their dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened.
Acts 16:25-26 says, “Around midnight – suddenly there was a great earthquake; the prison was shaken to its foundations, all the doors flew open – and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
My prayer today is for every reader NOT lose your miracle! Be encouraged NOT to give up in your current storm, and for your heart to trust God whole heartedly and receive His rest, His peace, His comfort and His joy! May you receive your breakthrough! May the chains that bind you break off, providing your deliverance, giving you freedom and liberty! And more so, another chance to receive salvation! God is willing and able to do ALL that is needed!
When Jesus was commissioning his disciples in Matthew 28, He told them “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This promise is for all of us. Rest assured we are not alone!
Psalm 34:17-18
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
- The Lord delivers us out of ALL of our troubles, not some. A promise that God will deliver you out of your current storm. We need to resolve in our heart to trust Him!
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Amen (So Be It)!
JESUS – the name above all names! We have victory because of the cross! Rejoice!
About the Author
