Provision in the storm

This was a preach preparation I did last year but due to circumstances I never got to give it. I did get to share some of this when I spoke at a women’s conference last year but I felt like God said I should share it here. I am still walking the storm and still having to lean in for His provision and I’m thankful to say, He has never let me down. I pray that you are encouraged as you read.

I wonder if you have ever been in a storm?

I remember when I was about 8 or 9 and staying with my grandparents in rural Cornwall, we had a crazy snowstorm and got snowed in. I don’t remember worrying about what we might eat or whether we would still have electricity (though I’m sure these thoughts crossed my grandparents minds and they probably made sure they had candles at the ready), I just remember knowing that whatever was going on outside I was safe with people who loved me and cared for me. I think this is how we are meant to feel in any storm because of Jesus.

In Mark 4:35-40 it says,

‘That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us go to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”’

This story is found in Matthew and Luke too, there are a couple of things I want to bring to your attention:

1. Jesus led them into the storm
2. Storms will come (Jesus said in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble but we are not to be worried because He has overcome the world)
3. There were several seasoned fishermen in the boat, I think this must have been a crazy storm for them to be afraid
4. With Jesus in your boat, your boat will not be swamped no matter how crazy the storm and how high the water comes
5. You only have authority in a storm you can sleep in, peace is key
6. Jesus is the Prince of peace, keeping our eyes on Him is the priority

So, how do we practically keep our eyes on Jesus in the storm?

Over the past couple of years I have been walking a storm, some very difficult circumstances that could have taken my peace and my faith.

But God…

As I have taken time with God He has been teaching me how to practically walk it well through Psalm 23. The whole of Psalm 23 is fabulous but we will focus on 2 verses.

Psalm 23:4-5

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Some things I have been learning from these 2 verses:

1. Whatever circumstances we face God is with us
2. He comforts us if we run to Him and not to other things (for me sometimes it was, and still is, chocolate, very nice dark chocolate!)
3. He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies
   1. The table is a place of intimacy and fellowship with the lover of our soulsOur enemies are not flesh and blood but powers and principalities (Ephesians 6) and the lies and wrong thinking patterns that we walk inIt’s in the presence of our enemies because there are things we can only learn as we walk out the journey, God is interested in the process and not the destination
   2. It’s in the presence of our enemies so that we learn and recognise that our God is greater then any, and all enemies, and the victory is already won
   3. On the table is a feast, all the provision that we need
      1. Faith
      2. Peace
      3. Joy
      4. Grace
      5. All that we need

I have found that as I walk the storm and choose each day to come and sit at the table with Him, He gives me all that I need. When I find that I’m lacking something, I just need to return to Him and the table He has prepared. The storm is still raging but I am walking in faith, peace and joy through His grace that defies all reason. You can too if you will just come to the table and sit with Him, enjoy intimacy and fellowship with Him.

What do you need from the table today?

Adventures with Jesus

Following the crucified and risen King

Undone by God’s goodness

Happy heart! Blessed indeed!