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Job 38:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters, today we are going to reflect on the theme of "Patience and Peace in Personal Storms." Life is full of storms - challenges, trials, and tribulations that come our way unexpectedly. These storms can shake our faith, test our endurance, and leave us feeling overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Peter tells us, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12). In the midst of these storms, we are called to cultivate patience and seek the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Patience, fruit of the Spirit, is the ability to endure difficult circumstances with a calm and composed spirit, without giving in to frustration or despair. It involves waiting with hope and trust in God's timing and purposes.
Peace, another fruit of the Spirit, in the biblical sense, goes beyond the absence of conflict or turmoil. It is a deep sense of inner tranquility and contentment that comes from knowing and trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of external circumstances.
Personal Storm
Life storms can take various forms, such as illness, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, or any other challenging circumstances that test our faith and resilience. These storms can leave us feeling lost, confused, and overwhelmed.
Biblical Exegesis
1. In Job 38:1-11, we read of God's response to Job's earlier justification statements. God speaks to Job out of the storm, reminding him of His power and wisdom in creating and sustaining the universe.
The Lord humbles Job, and brings him to repent of his passionate expressions concerning God’s providential dealings with him; He calls upon Job to compare His divine being from everlasting to everlasting, God’s knowledge of all things, with his own ignorance; and God’s almighty power, with his own weakness. Job 38:1
By this, Job learns to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even in the midst of his personal storms.
Your very own personal storm may be ragging over you but remember that God Almighty is over and above what you are going through. Our blinded thought of God's wisdom in our personal storms is a great provocation to God. Building our patience and peace in Christ Jesus during our personal storm brings glory to our heavenly Father.
2. 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 - Paul describes the hardships and trials he faced as a servant of Christ, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and ministry, trusting in God's grace and provision. The apostle did so, by much patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper and behaviour.
As Christians, we need the grace of God, to arm ourselves against temptations, so as to bear the good report of men without pride; and so as to bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but we possess all things in Christ; "by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise."
When the Christian is able to hold patience and peace in the 'kairus' of personal storm, we are "...genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 6:8-10)
God urges the Christian to endure patiently in the face of adversity what they see or say about us is actually not our true reflection.
3. From Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His power over nature and inviting His disciples to trust in Him amidst the raging storm. He rebukes their lack of faith and teaches them the importance of trusting in God's presence and power.
The faith of the disciples appeared weak, and so their prayers for Christ's attention grew strong. When our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest, when our passions are getting uncontrolled, let us think of Christ saying, 'be silent.' When your fight and fear within and without are overwhelming you, and your spirit is in troubled, remember the declaration of Christ, "Peace, be still." There is a great calm coming at once. Why are you so fearful? Calm down because Jesus is in the boat, you will surely smile at the storm.
What personal storm is ragging against you? Jesus say;
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
"...they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
In the story of Job, we learn that even in the midst of intense suffering and loss, Job remained patient and faithful, ultimately experiencing restoration and blessings from God.
Paul's example in 2 Corinthians reminds us that hardships and trials are part of the Christian journey, but through perseverance and trust in God, we can find strength and grace to endure.
Jesus calming of the storm in Mark's gospel teaches us that even when the storms of life seem overwhelming, we can find peace and security in His presence and power. Trusting in Him allows us to weather the storms with patience and faith.
Conclusion:
Dear Chritian friends, as we navigate the storms of life, may we remember to cultivate patience and seek the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in God. Let us hold on to the promises of Scripture, knowing that God is with us in every trial and will see us through to the other side. May we find comfort and strength in His presence, and may our faith be a beacon of hope to others facing their own personal storms. Amen.
