Open Heaven 7 March 2023 TOPIC: The Storm Stiller
MEMORISE: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” – Mark 4:39 (KJV)
READ: Mark 4:35-41 (KJV)
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 8-10
MESSAGE:
A storm is a problem so big and weighty that no one can single-handedly resolve it. However, storms can be stilled, and from my study of the Scriptures, such an occurrence is the result of a collaboration between God and man.
When a storm was brewing at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, there was a need for the servants to collaborate with Jesus in order to still it (John 2:1-10). If they had argued about pouring water inside a pot and taking a cup of it to the Chairman of the wedding, the storm would not have been stilled.
When the prophet’s widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 was hit with a storm that would have taken away her sons, she was told to borrow many empty vessels into which she was to pour her little oil. That instruction did not make any sense but she did her part by obeying and God did His by multiplying the oil. If you can collaborate with God, He can help you still any storm.
Some years ago while preparing for a programme in the North, I was told how the sandstorms there could get so bad that there would be no visibility at all. I said, “I see”. That evening, while holding the programme outside as the crowd was too much for the little Church, a sandstorm suddenly started and people began to panic. I then heard my Father say to me, “Stretch your hand and say, ‘Peace’”. I did just that and immediately, the wind stopped, the sand fell back to the ground and we had a wonderful programme.
In Mark 4:35-41, the Lord and His disciples were travelling in a boat when a storm arose. The Lord got up and stilled the storm, but then asked, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
Is there a storm in your life that has threatened you for long? The question for you is, “How is it that you have no faith?” Don’t you know that, if you would only collaborate with God, you would still that storm? Go to God in prayer and stay in His presence until He tells you what to do to still that storm. A man or woman of God should not be frightened by a storm. He or she should simply speak peace to the storm in the name of Jesus and it would become still.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please tell me what to do to still this storm (mention the storm) in my life and family, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN 9: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might!
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy cloud which are fountains of goodness and love.
3 To all life thou givest to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish but nought changeth Thee.
4 Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render; O help us to see;
‘Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee.
