GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE STORM

GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE STORM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 27:20-25

Key Verse: “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.” — Acts 27:23

Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 8:23-27; John 16:33; Hebrews 13:5

Description: God’s presence gives peace, strength, and assurance in the midst of life’s storms.

INTRODUCTION:
Every human being encounters storms: times of hardship, loss, confusion, or danger. These storms may come in different forms: sickness, persecution, financial distress, betrayal, or emotional pain. Just like Paul and his companions faced a violent tempest on the sea, we also face circumstances that threaten to sink our hope and faith.

However, the believer has a unique advantage: the presence of God. His presence does not always stop the storm immediately, but it guarantees that the storm will not destroy us. Paul’s confidence in Acts 27 was not based on the weather or the strength of the ship but on the divine assurance that “there stood by me this night the angel of God.”

In today’s world filled with uncertainties, believers must learn to find peace not in the absence of storms but in the presence of the Almighty. When you carry God’s presence, you carry stability, courage, and victory in every season of turbulence.

1. STORMS ARE PART OF THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY
Storms are not signs of God’s absence; they are opportunities for faith to be tested and strengthened. Every great man or woman of God passed through storms before entering divine fulfilment.

a) Storms test our faith (James 1:2-3):
Trials are divine instruments for building spiritual maturity. Faith that is not tested cannot be trusted.

b) Righteous people also face storms (Psalm 34:19):
The righteous are not immune to troubles, but God delivers them from them all.

c) Storms come suddenly (Mark 4:37):
Many times, storms appear without warning to reveal the strength of our spiritual foundation.

d) God uses storms for His purpose (Romans 8:28):
What looks like a setback may be God’s setup for greater testimony and promotion.

Biblical Example: Job faced a storm that shook his life completely: losing wealth, health, and family but he remained faithful. In the end, God restored him with double honour (Job 42:10-12).

2. GOD IS PRESENT EVEN WHEN HE SEEMS SILENT
God’s silence in the storm does not mean He is absent. He watches, teaches, and strengthens us while we wait on Him. His unseen presence is often working behind the scenes for our deliverance.

a) God never forsakes His people (Hebrews 13:5):
Even when we cannot feel Him, His promise remains constant, He will never leave nor forsake us.

b) His presence gives comfort in dark valleys (Psalm 23:4):
The awareness that God is walking beside us in danger brings peace that no fear can conquer.

c) His peace quiets every panic (John 14:27):
The peace of Christ is not dependent on circumstances but flows from trust in His presence.

d) The Word of God is our anchor (Psalm 119:105):
Holding onto God’s Word in the storm stabilises our faith and directs our decisions.

Biblical Example: The disciples were terrified when a storm hit their boat, but Jesus was right there, asleep in peace. When He arose and spoke, the winds obeyed Him (Mark 4:39-40).

3. DIVINE ASSURANCE BRINGS CONFIDENCE IN CRISIS
When God speaks in the midst of chaos, fear loses its power. Paul’s confidence came from the revelation that God was in control, not from the calmness of the sea.

a) God sends encouragement through His Word (Acts 27:23-24):
Divine assurance lifts our hearts above fear and fills us with hope.

b) Fear vanishes when faith arises (Isaiah 41:10):
When we trust in God’s promises, fear is replaced with courage.

c) God’s promises never fail (Numbers 23:19):
What God has declared concerning your life will stand, regardless of contrary winds.

d) Faith produces peace in adversity (Philippians 4:6-7):
The peace of God is the fruit of faith-filled prayer even in chaos.

Biblical Example: Daniel rested calmly in the lions’ den, confident that the God he served would deliver him and God did (Daniel 6:22).

4. STORMS REVEAL GOD’S POWER AND PURPOSE
God uses storms to display His sovereignty, reveal His glory, and strengthen our testimony. Every storm carries a divine lesson and a hidden miracle.

a) God reveals His power in storms (Exodus 14:21-31):
The Red Sea parted only when Israel faced a life-threatening situation.

b) Storms make us witnesses of God’s deliverance (Psalm 40:1-3):
When we are rescued, others see the faithfulness of God through us.

c) God turns pain into purpose (2 Corinthians 12:9):
Our weakness becomes the platform for the display of His strength.

d) Every deliverance glorifies God (John 9:3):
What the enemy meant for shame, God turns into a story of glory.

Biblical Example: Paul’s shipwreck became a testimony that revealed the power of God to pagans on the island of Malta, leading to miracles and conversions (Acts 27:44; 28:1-9).

5. TRUSTING GOD UNTIL THE STORM IS OVER
Faith is not only believing God for the beginning but also trusting Him till the end. Many give up midway, but victory belongs to those who endure with patience.

a) Enduring faith receives divine reward (Hebrews 10:35-36):
Perseverance proves genuine faith and attracts lasting blessings.

b) Obedience ensures safety in crisis (Acts 27:31):
When Paul warned others to stay in the ship, obedience preserved their lives.

c) God’s timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11):
The storm will not last forever; at the appointed time, peace will come.

d) Gratitude must follow every deliverance (Luke 17:15-16):
Thanksgiving seals our victory and invites more blessings.

Biblical Example: Noah patiently trusted God until the flood ended. His obedience led to a new beginning and covenant of preservation (Genesis 8:15-20).

CONCLUSION:
Storms are inevitable in life, but God’s presence makes the difference. The same God who stood by Paul in the storm still stands by His people today. When God is with you, you can face any crisis with calmness and confidence.

Therefore, do not panic in adversity. Instead, hold firmly to God’s promises and rest in His unfailing presence. The storm may rage, but it cannot drown a believer who walks with God. You will not sink, you will sail safely to your destiny in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for Your unfailing presence in every situation.
2. Father, strengthen my faith to trust You in the midst of storms.
3. Lord, speak peace to every raging situation in my life.
4. Silence every voice of fear and doubt in my heart.
5. Turn every storm in my life into a testimony of Your glory.
6. Lord, preserve my life and family from every destructive wind.
7. Help me to hear and obey Your voice in times of crisis.
8. Let Your presence go with me and give me rest.
9. Deliver me from every storm caused by disobedience.
10. Lord, cause Your glory to shine through every challenge I face.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall not sink in the storm of life!
2. The presence of God will overshadow you in every situation!
3. Every raging wind against your destiny is silenced now!
4. You will stand strong and see the salvation of the Lord!
5. The power of God will carry you safely to your destination!
6. Every storm in your life will turn into a story of glory!
7. Peace will surround you in the midst of life’s battles!
8. You will rise from turbulence into triumph!
9. Divine assurance will fill your heart with unshakable confidence!
10. You will come out of every storm victorious and full of testimony!