Stand Against the Storms of Life

Mark 4:35-40 
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

This week I’d like to share an experience we had many years ago. We had been invited to speak at a tent meeting in Mason City, Iowa for an early evening service, and at the beginning of the service, it was hardly raining and the weather was relatively calm. The praise and worship drew to a close and the pastor invited me up to the platform to minister.

A few minutes into my message the wind started to blow furiously through the tent and I heard the noise of the tent flaps getting louder and louder but I carried on preaching. It was like the Spirit of God began to direct my message concerning the storm we were about to be faced with. Before long the anointing was flowing through me like a river. The only way to explain what happened to me is that the gift of special faith began to operate through me.

By this time the tent was flapping violently in the raging wind – it seemed like the tent was about to take off. The music sheets flew around the platform, the trees decorating the platform blew over and the music stands were blown over on the platform. People began to panic and suddenly faith turned to fear. But under the strong anointing of the Holy Spirit I continued preaching that God wants us to go through the storms of life. Ushers hammered the tent pegs deeper into the ground as the wind blew raged through the tent.

After about an hour of preaching in those conditions the wind finally calmed down and everybody realized that a mighty work of God had taken place – then we really had church. People rejoiced and many were saved, filled with the Spirit and God was glorified. Hallelujah!

Later, we were told that two funnel clouds were seen passing over the tent but didn’t touch us. Sadly, just 10 miles away there was great destruction with several buildings being torn down and destroyed! I believe God had us go into town that night to specifically stand against the destructive force of Satan (Ephesians 2:2, Luke 10:19.)

If we don’t act in faith when we see disaster around us, Satan will have a field day and create havoc before our very eyes. It is so wonderful to be used by the Lord to stop the enemy’s plans for evil. We need to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; and apply it with the authority and ability given us by Jesus (Luke 10:19.)

You never know when God wants to put you into a situation to deliver others from the claws of destruction so we have to be extra-sensitive to the voice of the Spirit and bold to obey His command. I encourage you this week to be alert and watchful in all things and look for an opportunity to turn a storm into a miracle. Praise God!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Evangelist Peter Rahme