Our life in this world is like a ship in the sea. In our voyage we face difficult conditions, opposing wind currents, and sometimes dangerous and life-threatening storms. There'll be times when we feel our ship is sinking and lose all hope, not knowing what to do. As we study the Holy Scriptures thoroughly, we notice two kinds of storms. The first kind comes when we fail to obey God and do His will - they're the ‘Storms of Correction’ and the second kind are the ones we face when we do obey God and want to do His will - they're the ‘ Storms of Perfection’. Let's see in brief what they mean to our practical lives today.

1). Storms of Correction: - "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up". Jonah 1:4.When Jonah was not happy to go & do what God commanded, he faced the storm while going against God's intended plan. But God was not willing His servant to go against His will and also because He doesn't want the Ninevites to perish. He wanted to correct Jonah & bring him back into His plan. And that's why He sent a storm & a big fish for Jonah.
Similarly, sometimes when we rebel against God & go according to our own way, we face problems, sicknesses, sorrows & dangers which are not meant to destroy us but to correct us. As a father disciplines his son, (Heb.l2: 5,6) so we are disciplined and chastised by our Heavenly Father that we may realize and repent from our disobedience and submit to His will.
We have to be sensitive to God's dealings with us and respond to His corrections to build us up. It is for our good that "Storms of correction" are sent when we fail Him and become unfaithful.

2). Storms of Perfection: -"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat..." Mat . 8:24. ( Jn. 8: 16-21). In response to the Lord's prompting the disciples went into a boat and started to go to the other side. They were obedient to the Lord. Yet the storm arose and they were struggling to save themselves because the wind was against them (Mk. 6: 48).
Yes, when we obey the Lord and start out to do what is pleasing to Him, we begin to face oppositions from various sides, and it becomes very difficult to continue. It appears everything is against us and feel we are all alone in such storms of life. However, there is so much comfort and peace in the heart when we know that these storms are to make us perfect - that we may be established in the faith, be strong and effective witnesses for His glory. Finally, we see how in the midst of this storm the Lord gave them a fuller & wonderful revelation of His power and person that the disciples entered into a higher spiritual experience with Him.
Therefore, whenever we are faced with similar storms in our lives because of our obedience to the Lord, we'll have the assurance & peace in our heart if we remember these truths i.e.

1)The Lord has led us into such situation (Mk. 6: 45);
2) He is praying for us (Vs 46);
3) He knows and sees our problems / struggles (Vs 48);
4) He comes to us (Vs 48b);
5) He assures us not to fear because He is with us (Vs 50);
6) He leads us safely to the shore (Jn 6 : 21); and
7) He enlightens our understanding of His power and person in a deeper way - to strengthen & enlarge our faith (Mt. 8 : 26,27).

Oh! What a wonderful & challenging experience it is to go through the storm with Jesus in our boat, as we sing the chorus –

With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm, as we go sailing home.’

Be Encouraged.

Copyright @ A.Othniel. aocc@vsnl.com

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