Life’s Storms
The expression “a storm of life” is often used to describe a turbulent time in life.
Jesus said. “In the world you will have tribulation….” (John 16:33)
Tribulation is another word meaning basically the same as a storm in life. So we have been warned there will be storms, and yet we act surprised. He said you “will have,” not may have tribulation.
The disciples along with Jesus were caught in a physical storm on the Sea of Galilee. If He and they were caught in a physical storm we should not be surprised when we are caught in figurative storms.
Here is the good part of the statement He made regarding tribulation: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Once in going from Ephesus to Patmos by tourist ship we were caught in a storm at sea. The ship was tossed about so fiercely I was concerned some in our party might fall overboard. The ship’s captain said if you think this is rough just wait until we get in open water, meaning there is more storm ahead.
Jesus was with the disciples in that boat on the Sea of Galilee physically. In our storm He was no less present, though not physically, but spiritually. I with no less urgency than the apostles called on Him for help. Though our physical storm was not abated, He calmed the storm in my heart.
He said He would always be with us and He was. In your turbulent times don’t be so absorbed with the storm, you lose a sense of His presence.
Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” The Bible has a lot to say about being an overcomer. It notes, “…this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the world’s system. An overcomer is not sinless, but one who holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He does not turn away when times get difficult. Overcoming requires complete dependence upon Jesus for direction, purpose, fulfillment, and strength to follow His plan for our lives.
The Greek word most often translated “overcomer” stems from the word nike which implies “a battle” in which “to carry off the victory.” The Bible teaches Christians the world is a battleground, not a playground. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith. “Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Romans 8:35–39 is a summary of a variety of storms and includes this statement: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” In your next storm remember who is in the boat with you.