“Then out of the storm the Lord spoke to Job again” (Job 40:6 GNB)
It sometimes takes a storm in our lives for God to get our attention. Sudden, disturbing, even traumatic, circumstances can catch us off our guard. But then, in our desperate need, we cry out to God in a new and more purposeful way.
When the storm was in danger of causing their boat to sink, the disciples cried out to Jesus, who was asleep in the boat. The storm got their attention – and they were learning a very deep lesson about trusting Jesus in all circumstances.
The storm that nearly overwhelmed Jonah’s boat certainly got his attention – to his sin! He was thrown overboard and in the belly of the whale God spoke and taught Jonah an unforgettable lesson – running away from His plan for our lives is never a good idea.
The storm that drove Paul’s ship ashore in Malta brought the Gospel to an island that could not have heard about Jesus if Paul hadn’t been shipwrecked.
I have been stunned at the extent of the storms that are right now raging around the world. They have seriously shaken the status quo and people all over the world are left with unanswerable questions about where it will all end. There is no longer any stability across the nations. The political and warring storms have left the world in turmoil.
So, let’s never forget these words from Job – “out of the storm, the Lord spoke”. What is God saying to believers today when everything is being shaken in new and extraordinary ways?
Many years ago I went through a very tough time – storms were raging around me and the ministry, and people were wondering if we would survive the onslaught. The waves were crashing around us and the temptation to let fear determine our actions was strong – just as it was for the disciples that night when Jesus was asleep in the boat.
In spiritual panic I phoned Bill Subritzky in New Zealand. I’ve never forgotten Bill’s words: “Peter, when the waves crash against the rocks on the beach, their power is broken and the water flows back into the sea. The sands shift, but the rocks remain, unchanged by the crashing waves. Christ is THE Rock and if you are in Him you need not fear the crashing waves.”
As, on that first Good Friday, the disciples looked up at the dying Saviour, the greatest ever spiritual storm was raging in the heavenlies. Even the sun was hidden from sight. For three hours there was darkness across the land as Jesus endured His dying agonies. Satan and all the powers of hell were rejoicing as the waves of everlasting hatred crashed upon His broken body.
But Jesus refused to yield to fear, or use His power to save Himself. He remained steadfast to the Father’s calling. He did not summon the twelve legions of angels to rescue Him, as the burden of the world’s sin was laid upon His shoulders. As He died the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. Satan’s power was broken and the eternal way to Heaven was opened up for repentant sinners.
Out of the storm, God spoke
His message to a hurting and broken world was first spoken prophetically by Jesus, in John 3:16, “I love you so much that I have given my only Son, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!”
What a storm! But what a message!!
When our lives are founded on THE Rock, we need not fear the storms. For, as Jesus expressed in His own parable, it is the wise man who builds upon the rock, but the foolish man who trusts the shifting sands.
May the message God spoke out of the storms of Calvary inspire and encourage us this Easter season. The door to Heaven is open. Hallelujah!
Copyright © Peter Horrobin 2025.
Peter Horrobin is the author of Journey to Freedom 365. You can start your own personal journey today by going to www.jtf365.com . Join those who are rejoicing in what God has done for them:
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Hi Peter,
I do wonder if every storm does have something to teach us or are they just part of life. I was berated by my daughter and son in law yesterday for supporting Israel. Then my car got a puncture and during the night I was badly bittern or stung by something and now have a knee nearly the size of a tennis ball. Just tiny little storms but expensive ones! However the Lord never fails to provide and His changelessness means utter security.
Blessings.
What a profound and deeply moving message! This piece stirred my heart – what a call from the storm! Every line breathes truth, comfort, and the unwavering hope that can only be found in the presence of God.
Perfect love casts out fear – these are not mere words of comfort. They are a powerful declaration that in the infinite, fatherly love of God, we are utterly secure. We no longer need to let fear rule our lives. The storm may rage, but Jesus the Rock cannot be shaken.
Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for such a Spirit-filled word. It reminds us that God speaks in the midst of the storm – not just after it. His ways are higher, His love stronger than every wave of darkness.
How uplifting to remember that even the darkest hour – Calvary – became the greatest message of hope the world has ever known: The door to Heaven is open! Hallelujah!
Thank you for these words, so full of life, faith and truth. They are a lighthouse for all who find themselves in the midst of the storm.
Greetings from Germany
Abraham
THanks for telling me Francois,
I’ve sent out a correction. If you want to look at it right now, here’s the website address
http://www.jtf365.com
Blessings
Peter
If we had no storms in life we would never need anyone else. There would be no need for help and support.
It is because of the storms that we value others on our lives, and appreciate the rich Christian family we belong to.
Dear Peter, I had been hoping expectantly to receive another message from you soon. Your wise words always put things in perspective for me. Thank you for the reminder that we are hidden in Jesus the Rock. What comfort and reassurance it is to know we are safe in Him whatever the buffeting during this extraordinary time when everything seems under threat and is shaking.
Great message – thanks Peter! Have sent it on to a few people.
Good article, Peter.
Have just sent it to a couple of friends of mine. Jane, nominally Christian (?) and Colin (possibly atheist). Please pray with me for them – they’ve had lots of storms over the years . . .
KR, Sarah
Hi. The links of Journey to Freedom do not work correctly.