Overcome The Storm
Storms come in many shapes and sizes, and a lot of times, our problems in this life create storms in our personal lives, to where it seems like we're stuck, and have no way out. Some days get better, other days seem as if it's getting worse. Perhaps you're in a storm right now, being buried by the weight of this world, and all you see is the negative from other things and/or people? Maybe so, maybe not, but one thing you can be sure of is that at some point you will go through one, as that's just a part of what this world brings, but fear not, as you have a choice to either allow them to make you bitter and weaker, or you can allow them to make you better and stronger by trusting and relying on the LORD to bring you through it. Now regardless if you're experiencing a storm right now, there's a good chance you may know of someone who is going through one, and you would like to help them get out of it. Well JESUS taught us a very valuable lesson, through one of HIS many miracles, when HE walked on the water in the Sea of Galilee, and unfortunately most overlook the deeper meaning behind it, so below, let's go ahead and study it again.
Matthew 14:22-34
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
Here YESHUA (JESUS) had just fed over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread, and two fish, and now as HE is sending the multitudes away, HE told HIS disciples to get into a ship, and HE would later meet up with them on the other side of the sea.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Just as HE prayed and set forth the example, so should we too take time alone each day to talk to our HEAVENLY FATHER, and share our feelings and every day situations with HIM, along with most importantly thanking HIM for every blessing HE has given us. On top of that, it's important to stay in HIS WORD (the BIBLE) each day, as that is HIS love-letter to us, which helps lead us out of confusion, and closer to HIM. As GOD states in Jeremiah 29:11-13, "11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart". So as we can see, the key to finding GOD, who is our peace, strength, and rest, is to seek and search for HIM with all of your heart, and again, to do that, we must stay in HIS WORD each day. After all, as John 1 says, HE is the WORD, and so if you think about it, if you're without the WORD, you're without HIM. Stay tuned for our upcoming study on the Importance of Prayer.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
As you read and picture this event taking place, keep in mind there's a much deeper lesson to be learned from all of this, which pertains to us today as well. Revelation 13:1 says, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy". This beast refers to satan's one-world governmental, antichrist, system in these end times, and what did it rise out from? The sea; below you'll see what that represents. The seven heads refer to the seven mountains (Revelation 17:9), which as we know has to refer to the continents of the world as there are seven continents, and hence at that time it's a one world system. The ten horns and crowns symbolize the power in which ten earthly kings will receive from satan during that time (Revelation 17:12), as horns symbolize power throughout Scripture. So now getting back to the sea (water). Revelation 17:15 lets us know "...The waters (i.e. the sea) which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues". Although that refers to what will take place in these end times, as we begin to watch unfold before our very eyes today, on a deeper level of thinking, we can see the symbolism of this story here, in Matthew 14, with JESUS and HIS disciples. So how this relates to us today is that people will let you down in life, as some will try to rock, toss and turn you over, and certain ones will try to bring you down, and throw you off your GOD-given path if you allow them to, but you don't have to allow that, as long as you stay focused, and remain steadfast on the only ONE (CHRIST) who calms the storm and brings it to pass.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
The fourth watch of the night took place approximately between 3 A.M. - 6 A.M. As we can see, JESUS is coming to their rescue as HE catches up with them.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
From a distance, they were afraid as they thought they were seeing a ghost.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid (i.e. command) me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Spiritually speaking, as it's written in John 4, JESUS is our Living Water, as well as our Rock (Matthew 7) and Firm Foundation, and if you're not walking fully with HIM, or remaining fully focused on HIM, you're going to begin to sink.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous (i.e. powerful), he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Notice from the last verse that Peter had already began to walk on the water, towards JESUS, and that it wasn't until his attention and focus was turned to the boisterous wind that he began to sink down, as fear set in. Spiritually speaking today, this is exactly what happens to us when we turn our minds and give attention to the attacks of satan, and the things and the ways of this world; We'll begin to sink.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt (i.e. waver)?
If you allow your mind to lose focus on CHRIST, fear eventually will set in, and you'll start to doubt/waver and lose faith, as Peter did here. That's why it's crucial that we stay in HIS WORD everyday, and that we take time in prayer to draw closer to HIM, and focus on everything GOD is telling us, so that we can be better prepared when obstacles, trials, people, and circumstances come our way in intentions to destroy us. A good way to start your day is to start it in prayer and Bible study, and a good way to end your day is in prayer and Bible study. This is why Ephesians 6:11-20 tells us to put on the whole armour of GOD, which is the truth of HIS WORD, so that we can stand against and overcome the attacks of satan. Ephesians 6:11-20 "11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak".
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
And so it was, and always will be, there is only ONE who can calm our storms and give us true peace, comfort, and life, and that is JESUS CHRIST alone. If you lose focus on HIM, you lose control of your inner storm, and satan will do everything he can, with the help of others and other things, to try and destroy you, but you don't have to allow it.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
When JESUS comes to your rescue, don't ever forget it or take it for granted. A great way to make sure that doesn't happen is to have a prayer/blessing journal of everything HE has done for you.
34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
And so it was and always is, those who truly walk diligently with YESHUA (JESUS) always reach their destination. Now if you're going through a very hard time in your life right now, maybe it consists of your job, finances, family problems, or whatever it may be, you can be assured that everything will be alright as we know that all things work together for good, to them who love GOD, and are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28). Again, you can either allow your trials and attacks to make you bitter and weaker, or you can allow them to make you better and stronger. It's your choice. Give GOD your problems and allow HIM to give you solutions, as HE is the Solution to all of our problems in this life. Remain faithful, and remain chaste (spiritually speaking [see 2 Corinthians 11:1-3) unto HIM, for we are HIS bride (spiritually speaking), and we have a very special wedding ceremony to look forward to, and a very important role to fulfill in these end times, as we allow HIM to use us as spiritual soldiers, while the whole rest of the world is deceived by satan (Revelation 13:8) and brought down (Revelation 14:8-11), as to us (Christians - CHRIST followers) we're given the victory, and all you have to do is remain true and faithful unto HIM, as HE gives us an eternal reward of everlasting life with HIM.
Here YESHUA (JESUS) had just fed over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread, and two fish, and now as HE is sending the multitudes away, HE told HIS disciples to get into a ship, and HE would later meet up with them on the other side of the sea.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
Just as HE prayed and set forth the example, so should we too take time alone each day to talk to our HEAVENLY FATHER, and share our feelings and every day situations with HIM, along with most importantly thanking HIM for every blessing HE has given us. On top of that, it's important to stay in HIS WORD (the BIBLE) each day, as that is HIS love-letter to us, which helps lead us out of confusion, and closer to HIM. As GOD states in Jeremiah 29:11-13, "11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart". So as we can see, the key to finding GOD, who is our peace, strength, and rest, is to seek and search for HIM with all of your heart, and again, to do that, we must stay in HIS WORD each day. After all, as John 1 says, HE is the WORD, and so if you think about it, if you're without the WORD, you're without HIM. Stay tuned for our upcoming study on the Importance of Prayer.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
As you read and picture this event taking place, keep in mind there's a much deeper lesson to be learned from all of this, which pertains to us today as well. Revelation 13:1 says, "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy". This beast refers to satan's one-world governmental, antichrist, system in these end times, and what did it rise out from? The sea; below you'll see what that represents. The seven heads refer to the seven mountains (Revelation 17:9), which as we know has to refer to the continents of the world as there are seven continents, and hence at that time it's a one world system. The ten horns and crowns symbolize the power in which ten earthly kings will receive from satan during that time (Revelation 17:12), as horns symbolize power throughout Scripture. So now getting back to the sea (water). Revelation 17:15 lets us know "...The waters (i.e. the sea) which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues". Although that refers to what will take place in these end times, as we begin to watch unfold before our very eyes today, on a deeper level of thinking, we can see the symbolism of this story here, in Matthew 14, with JESUS and HIS disciples. So how this relates to us today is that people will let you down in life, as some will try to rock, toss and turn you over, and certain ones will try to bring you down, and throw you off your GOD-given path if you allow them to, but you don't have to allow that, as long as you stay focused, and remain steadfast on the only ONE (CHRIST) who calms the storm and brings it to pass.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
The fourth watch of the night took place approximately between 3 A.M. - 6 A.M. As we can see, JESUS is coming to their rescue as HE catches up with them.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
From a distance, they were afraid as they thought they were seeing a ghost.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid (i.e. command) me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Spiritually speaking, as it's written in John 4, JESUS is our Living Water, as well as our Rock (Matthew 7) and Firm Foundation, and if you're not walking fully with HIM, or remaining fully focused on HIM, you're going to begin to sink.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous (i.e. powerful), he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Notice from the last verse that Peter had already began to walk on the water, towards JESUS, and that it wasn't until his attention and focus was turned to the boisterous wind that he began to sink down, as fear set in. Spiritually speaking today, this is exactly what happens to us when we turn our minds and give attention to the attacks of satan, and the things and the ways of this world; We'll begin to sink.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt (i.e. waver)?
If you allow your mind to lose focus on CHRIST, fear eventually will set in, and you'll start to doubt/waver and lose faith, as Peter did here. That's why it's crucial that we stay in HIS WORD everyday, and that we take time in prayer to draw closer to HIM, and focus on everything GOD is telling us, so that we can be better prepared when obstacles, trials, people, and circumstances come our way in intentions to destroy us. A good way to start your day is to start it in prayer and Bible study, and a good way to end your day is in prayer and Bible study. This is why Ephesians 6:11-20 tells us to put on the whole armour of GOD, which is the truth of HIS WORD, so that we can stand against and overcome the attacks of satan. Ephesians 6:11-20 "11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak".
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
And so it was, and always will be, there is only ONE who can calm our storms and give us true peace, comfort, and life, and that is JESUS CHRIST alone. If you lose focus on HIM, you lose control of your inner storm, and satan will do everything he can, with the help of others and other things, to try and destroy you, but you don't have to allow it.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
When JESUS comes to your rescue, don't ever forget it or take it for granted. A great way to make sure that doesn't happen is to have a prayer/blessing journal of everything HE has done for you.
34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
And so it was and always is, those who truly walk diligently with YESHUA (JESUS) always reach their destination. Now if you're going through a very hard time in your life right now, maybe it consists of your job, finances, family problems, or whatever it may be, you can be assured that everything will be alright as we know that all things work together for good, to them who love GOD, and are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28). Again, you can either allow your trials and attacks to make you bitter and weaker, or you can allow them to make you better and stronger. It's your choice. Give GOD your problems and allow HIM to give you solutions, as HE is the Solution to all of our problems in this life. Remain faithful, and remain chaste (spiritually speaking [see 2 Corinthians 11:1-3) unto HIM, for we are HIS bride (spiritually speaking), and we have a very special wedding ceremony to look forward to, and a very important role to fulfill in these end times, as we allow HIM to use us as spiritual soldiers, while the whole rest of the world is deceived by satan (Revelation 13:8) and brought down (Revelation 14:8-11), as to us (Christians - CHRIST followers) we're given the victory, and all you have to do is remain true and faithful unto HIM, as HE gives us an eternal reward of everlasting life with HIM.