There are 3 storms you will encounter- The storm God sends, the storm that bad decisions create and the storm the enemy sends!
Each storm is navigated differently.
Storm #1
The Storm GOD SENDS is intense but designed to get you to the other side larger and more liberated than you ever would have been if you avoided the sea and played it safe. God sent a storm to chase Jonah out of resistance and into the perfect will of God- in Nineveh- the place he was avoiding.
(Jonah 1:4)
From the belly of the great fish Jonah cried “those who regard worthless IDOLS forsake their own mercy” (and the fish spat him up – on location). An idol is something keeping you from Gods greater thing- His mercy. His undeserved blessing. An idol is anything you love more than God. Many a storm is sent to break a hidden attachment from your life. It may be the fear of man, an addiction or a person or influence that does not belong there. The idol is almost always seeking something more than what pleases the Lord. Jonah made his own agenda greater than God's. He was delivered when he yielded, and the entire time he was in distress, the fish was taking him to his destiny.
Storm #2
The storm of BAD DECISIONS may be choices you made or other's made that effected you. Paul was nearly drowned in a decision made by others to sail when they should have stayed in harbor. Many Christian's are downright frustrated with the choices of leaders in Government because they know the end result will be loss of cargo (economic) and the very ship of state (shipwreck.) Paul however prayed and fasted till an angel got involved and the ship was rerouted to an island where Paul took over…and made it safe to Rome. Adding new territory that wasn't even in the original plan. (Acts 27:9)
God will overrule bad decisions to bring forth wisdom and get you where you need to be. Look at how Solomon the wisdom child of David came forth out of the disastrous decision David made to sleep with Bathsheba.
The storm you create becomes a storm God is in once you let Him take over the ship.
Storm #3
The storm the devil sends is an ATTACK that is designed to stop you, overthrow you and destroy God's purpose for your life. When Jesus was with the disciples a great storm arose that threatened their lives. As experienced fishermen this was a type of storm they had never encountered before. Jesus arose and REBUKED the manifestation in the wind and the sea and there was an immediate calm. (Mt 8:26) Disease, financial attack, theft, violence are all works of Hell.
Jesus challenged his disciples “where is your FAITH?” The thought of their ship sinking while Christ was on board provoked Him to challenge what they were focusing on. He told them “lets go to the other side.” His Word was sufficient to give them leverage over the devil. Find the Word God is giving you in your Satanic assault and speak to the situation- Jesus talked to the wind and waves. He talked to things, to tree's that did not produce and to spirit's invisible to the human eye. Thoughts are “things” when they take on the power of fear. Speak what God says and watch heaven back up your utterance.
GOD IS ON BOARD IN EVERY STORM and each storm will BE MADE TO fulfill God's Word over your life! “Fire, and hail; snow, and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling his word” (Ps 148:8) The Holy Spirit knows the way thru every storm- and He is on the inside of you. Hence God WILL NEVER LEAVE you or forsake you to the stormy elements.
All 3 storms are common to man – but you my friend are an uncommon vessel. What you come thru becomes a testimony to others. You are a STORM RIDING CHILD of the Most High God.
Thanks for the teaching. It is helpful to me. Thanks.
wow I was just in the word studying out the word vanity from Jonah 2:8,lying#7723 Heb. anything that- disappoints the hope -that rests on it. Anyway the Lord was using his word to break off some discouragement that was plaguing me. thank you for being a part of my freedom. amen
Thank you so much for your Godly wisdom. I share much of what I’ve learned from you with my children and grandchildren.
Good Word Lance. I think we should all remind ourselves of this every day! Thanks for the post.
Dear Lance,
This is extremely helpful. Navigating through storms is one of the top skills we need to develop. At 55, a life-long believer, I’m learning more now than ever about Who God is and who we are in him. Only recently understanding kingdom theology (Vineyard / Bill Johnson, etc.) and discovering the prophetic on new levels has made my faith and hope explode. I love what I’ve seen of your teachings — they’re life-giving. Thank you. I so appreciate this help! Blessings — Tracy Bowden
About a year ago I heard in my heart, “Surrender your vessel.” At first, I envisioned a clay pot as my vessel. But that image quickly changed to a sea-going vessel – a ship. I invited the Lord to board my ship and take the helm. I had been navigating a lot of turbulence for the past few years, and had placed my hands on the wheel a bit too firmly, mostly out of fear, regret, and increasing self-focus. I saw that I truly did need to let go and let God return to His proper place of authority and leadership of the vessel of my life.
From your article, I can see that I was the primary source of the storms, and for sure that the Dark Ones were happy to keep things stirred up! I know that the Lord permitted me to enter stormy seas so that He could teach me more about my need for Him and to make me stronger through the struggle.
The seas have calmed and the skies are clearing. His mercy has made it possible for me to surrender my vessel to Him and, once more, to heal and restore peace to my heart. My hopeful prayer is that others might read your article and my testimony so that they, too, will “surrender their vessels” to our wonderful Commander.
Thanks for a different perspective of what is happening in my life and to know there is a purpose for everything.
Thank you Lance; claiming the word of God to me every day in the storm and this was beautiful! I cherish the words and am going to share them. God is showing me through many words that I am not to get discouraged; I am to take courage as you say, “Speak what God says and watch heaven back up your utterance.” God is melting me with love for him in the midst of it.
I value all you share, Lance. I was thinking that sometimes our bad decisions are influenced by the mean ol devil.
Thank you for this teaching. Powerful and relevant.
Thank you for this teaching! Powerful and relevant