Because of global warming, the earth is now experiencing climate change that in turn causes calamities like storms, earthquakes and the like. Just recently, Philippines was struck by typhoons that devastated most of the living and caused hopelessness to many.
The sad part here is that, most of the Filipinos are eyeing on what they lost and they fear to still continue. They became hopeless. They were eaten by discouragements.
In the previous studies here posted, we’ve learned that our God has purposes in every situation He lets us face. When Peter sink when he got destructed by the winds in Matthew 14: 22-33, it was made to happen so Jesus can let the disciple see the power of faith and reveal to them His person.
Now, do we always have to look at storms as disasters that stop us from going? Or is there a hidden blessing behind?
Storms are God’s means of transportation. We are made to encounter trials in life so He can have means to come to us and show us how great He is in times we are so down.
a. He comes in the face of darkness – to tell us that in the shadows of fear, He is the light to give us hope.
b. He comes sin the face of disaster – to confirm to us that there is peace in Him in times of distress.
c. He comes in the face of the deep – to make us realize that He is a hand that reaches unto us (Matt. 14:30-31)
Storms are God’s means of Testing. Trials are God’s means of measuring our faith and trust to Him. He sets challenges to see how far we go with Him.
a. They reveal the savior – we are tested so we will appreciate who the real rescuer is, that He alone saves.
. message of peace
. message of power
. message of potential (be not afraid)
b. They refine the saint – Christians like gold, should pass over the fire to be finer and pure, thus we are made to face difficulties.
c. They remind the saint – obscurities remind us of how big our God is, that He can calm boisterous winds and can move mountains.
Storms are God’s means of Testimony. They prove who God is and how wonderful His capabilities are if we on focus our sight to Him alone.
a. They testify of His power – storms are God’s own way to showcase his greatness and magnificence.
b. They testify of His person – storms give evidence of who is He as our Lord and Savior.
This may sound vague but the Lord lets His people undergo trials in order for Him to reveal His wondrous supremacy and control and to make them endure refinement. These are the blessing we should always look at amidst every circumstances we face. There is always a treasure buried deep in the filthy ground. And we need to learn to find it all the time. There is goodness in God’s letting of storms – that is to see hope instead discouragements… to hold on to Him instead fear.
Think about: Psalms 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God”. This only characterizes God’s unfailing promises. Those who are disheartened are then commanded to take courage. Be still!
Acknowledgment: JFA Interactive - Sermon by Rev. Eric Atienza, Oct. 18 09, Jesus For All Ministries, KKFI Seminar Hall, Manila.
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