THERE'S A STORM COMING
Jesus sent the disciples into the ship to cross the sea of Galilee where they would face a 
storm. W
hen they started out, the moon was shining, and a gentle breeze was blowing; a
ll was calm, and all was well.
The Lord constrained them to get into the ship.
Other versions say that He insisted or made them get into the ship.
Little did they know that a storm was coming.
They were sailing into the teeth of a storm and they didn't even know it.
Suddenly a storm came out of nowhere.
Have you ever been there?
Everything seemed wonderful and beautiful but suddenly there was a storm.
You're sailing along like the disciples were that night and you ran head-on into a storm.
The disciples were full of joy and peace; t
hey had just witnessed a miracle when the Lord fed the five thousand.
They were contented since they had just eaten their fill of bread and fish.
But then suddenly, the winds became boisterous and the waves became violent.
Water started spilling over into the boat.
The wind was contrary, the moon darkened, and the night was black.
On top of that, it was the darkest hour of the night.
They were rowing as hard as they could; t
heir backs and shoulders were aching.
Their hands were paralyzed with fear, b
ut they knew that they couldn't stop rowing because they were in the middle of the sea.
They rowed for two or three miles against gale force winds.
They couldn't go back, and it was too difficult to go forward.
It was too far to swim to the shore even if they knew which way to swim to shore.
They were filled with despair.
Have you ever been there?
Maybe some of you are there now!
Maybe you're not there at this moment; maybe, everything is fine for you.
Maybe it's smooth sailing for you right now and everything is coming up roses.
If so, just wait; because A STORM IS COMING.
Sooner or later the winds are going to blow, and things are going to go in reverse for you.
If you've got smooth sailing right now, then good for you; enjoy it while you can because A STORM IS COMING.
But be encouraged to know that storms don't take God by surprise!
He has the power to still the waves and walk on water.
He is never surprised by your storm.
In fact, He's the one that commands and raises the stormy seas.
Psalm 107:25
25
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
He's the One who created the Sea of Galilee.
He's the One that constrained the disciples to get in the ship in the first place.
They were not out of the will of God by being in the boat; they were in the boat because it was the will of God.
There might be someone who is in the eye of a storm right now.
It looks like your boat is going to sink.
The waters are lapping at you and you feel like Jonah felt:
Jonah 2:5
5
The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
Right now, it's seems so dark and every wind is contrary to you.
But there is nothing that is happening to you that God can't handle.
Not one drop of water was in the sea of Galilee without His permission.
God has not resigned as the ruler of the universe;
He is still on His throne.
A STORM IS COMING but
Jesus is praying for you!
When Jesus sent them down to the sea, He went up to the mountain to pray.
From the mountain, He had a bird's eye view of what was going on.
He saw the whole thing taking place.
- He saw them rowing
- He saw the clouds rolling in
- He saw the sea churning
- He saw it all and He sees everything that's going on in your life
- He sees your back against the wall
- He sees your bank account empty
- He sees your troubled marriage
- He saw it all and He was praying for them.
They didn't know it; they felt abandoned and forsaken b
ut He was watching and praying.
Mark 6:47-48 a
47
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
48
And he saw them toiling in rowing;
He saw them toiling and rowing; t
hey didn't see Him, but He saw them.
He never took His eyes off them; He never lost sight of them.
He was praying for them.
He was interceding for them.
Are you in the middle of a storm today? Rest assured that the Lord sees you and He is interceding in your behalf.
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by
Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies
- THOMAS MOSIE LISTER
FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL
WOMENS' DAY
