Thursday, November 13, 2014

3 Reasons Why Not to be Overwhelmed by Life's Storms



It is very relaxing to just look at the ocean from the shore. It brings back my memories when I would just sit back, with my feet dug down in the sand, watch as the waves go back and forth, and listen to the gentle noise of the sea.

It is quite interesting that these tiny waves could turn into monstrous ones when a storm comes, and it is not relaxing to see at all - it is overwhelmingly terrifying!

How ironic that we, most of the times, find it "amusing" to watch over those monstrous killer waves. How? We have been like Peter in the Bible. Matthew 14:25-30a narrates:

"And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink..."

What are these "gigantic waves" that could easily distract us, and eventually sink us into anxiety, depression, or fear?

Those are anything or anyone that we regard higher than God in our life's priority!

  • Career
  • Love Life
  • Family
  • Money
  • Success
  • Friends
It is very heart-breaking when the time comes that these things would fall right before your very eyes. It seems to you that you've completely lost it all.


But there is good news! Peter's story does not end there, Matthew 14:30-32 completes the story:

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased."

These are something that we could learn from Peter.

3 Reasons Why Not to be Overwhelmed by Life's Storms

1. Recognize that God owns you.

When you've seen how sinful you are and have turned back from your sinful lifestyle, surrendered your life unto Jesus and accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you have been "adopted" as a child of God! It is not based on your good works, or anything that you could give but it is based entirely on what Jesus has done on the cross. Jesus died, was buried, and lived again after three days, to prove that anyone who would put his trust on Jesus Christ will be saved - saved from his sins! From this point forward, you are His child!

May this truth sink deep in your heart - you are God's child, by His grace through your faith in Jesus Christ! If you have not made this decision yet, Jesus Christ is knocking at the door of your heart. Surrender unto Him, and let Him be the Lord and Savior of your life.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

2. Acknowledge that God is in control.

Let's not forget that Peter is a fisherman. I think there is no fisherman who does not even know how to swim! But what did Peter do when he was starting to sink? He cried to Jesus for help!

When it seems everything is falling apart, be comforted in the truth that God is still in control.
Joseph, the Dreamer, said this unto his brothers (the ones who sold him to Egypt as a slave), even after experiencing so many evil and painful things. Joseph kept in his mind that despite every hurt and pain, God is in control!

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” - Genesis 50:20

3. Remind yourself that God knows best!

Instead of swimming away from Jesus and towards the boat, Peter cried out to Jesus to save him. Peter knew that Jesus knows best and only He can save him, especially at that moment.

It may seem unclear today, but always keep in mind that God knows the best! In the end, His great plan will prevail. So, do not lose heart!

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
© 2014 Erickson Ibana

With special thanks to Pastor Willie Basilio, head pastor of Marikina Christian Fellowship, for the 3 points he shared with me. God bless you, Pastor!

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