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 Everyone wants to go back to “normal.”

• While the “good old days” sound like something we need, the Word of God tells us this about the “good old days” – Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT) – Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise.

But God has saw fit to allow the storms to continue.

• The storms have a purpose – Proverbs 10:25 (NLT) – When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
• The storms are meant to shake things up – Hebrews 12:27 (NKJV) – This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
• Have you considered God wants us in the storm? Daniel 7:2 (NLT) – In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction.

Jesus relates these storms of this new era to birth pains.

• Matthew 24:7 (NKJV) – For nation (ethnos) will rise against nation (ethnos), and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
• Matthew 24:8 (NLT) – But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

But this is where we find Jesus – He is in the storm.

• Matthew 14:24-27 (NLT) – Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

So how are we to respond to these storms?

• Let’s ask Peter – Matthew 14:28-32 (NLT) – Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,”Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

He wants you in the storm.

• He’s our refuge in the storm – Isaiah 25:4 (NLT) – But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall.
• He destroys His enemies in the storm – Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV) – So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
• Why? Because when you are in the storm, Jesus is in the storm. This shows our Love for others.

 * The audio corresponding to this post is under “media” on this site – dhfirstag.org – and is available on Monday