RISE ABOVE THE STORM

RISE ABOVE THE STORM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:2
Supporting Texts: Matthew 14:22-33; Psalm 107:28-30; Isaiah 41:10

INTRODUCTION:
Life’s storms are inevitable, but they are not insurmountable. God’s Word assures us that He is with us through every trial and challenge. Trusting Him enables us to rise above the storms and experience victory, peace, and growth. This message will guide us on how to trust God through life’s challenges and overcome the storms of life.

1. UNDERSTANDING LIFE’S STORMS

a) The nature of storms (John 16:33):
Storms are part of life’s journey and come in various forms—trials, temptations, and unexpected challenges.

b) God allows storms to strengthen us (Romans 8:28):
Every storm has a purpose; it is often designed to build our faith and character.

c) Storms reveal who we are (Matthew 7:24-27):
A person’s foundation becomes evident when faced with a storm.

d) Not all storms come to destroy (Genesis 50:20):
Some storms are for divine redirection or blessings.

e) Biblical Example: Job (Job 1:13-22):
Job faced great storms, but his faith in God led to restoration and blessings.

2. HOW TO TRUST GOD IN THE STORM

a) Acknowledge God’s sovereignty (Isaiah 55:8-9):
Trust that God’s ways and plans are higher than ours.

b) Stand on God’s promises (Isaiah 41:10):
His promises are unchanging, and they give us strength in difficult times.

c) Keep your eyes on Jesus (Matthew 14:30):
Like Peter, focusing on Christ helps you overcome fear and doubt.

d) Pray persistently (Philippians 4:6-7):
Prayer brings peace and divine intervention.

e) Biblical Example: The disciples (Mark 4:35-41):
During the storm, they cried out to Jesus, and He calmed the sea, showing His power over storms.

3. RISING ABOVE THE STORM

a) Have unwavering faith (Hebrews 11:1):
Faith lifts you above fear and gives you the strength to persevere.

b) Speak to the storm (Mark 11:23):
Declare God’s Word over your situation.

c) Stay anchored in hope (Hebrews 6:19):
Hope in God is a firm anchor that steadies you in turbulent times.

d) Depend on the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6):
The Holy Spirit empowers and guides you through the storm.

e) Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 27:22-25):
Despite a shipwreck, Paul trusted God and encouraged others, leading to their survival.

4. THE BLESSINGS OF RISING ABOVE THE STORM

a) Strengthened faith (James 1:2-4):
Storms produce patience and spiritual maturity.

b) Deeper intimacy with God (Psalm 34:18):
Storms draw us closer to God as we lean on Him.

c) A powerful testimony (Revelation 12:11):
Overcoming storms becomes a source of encouragement for others.

d) Divine promotion (1 Peter 5:10):
After enduring storms, God establishes and exalts us.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:16-23):
Rising above the storm of the lions’ den brought honour to God and promotion to Daniel.

CONCLUSION:
No matter the storms you face, God is with you. Trust in His Word, depend on His power, and focus on His promises. As you rise above the storm, you will see His glory revealed and experience His peace that surpasses understanding.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the strength to rise above life’s challenges.

2. Every storm in my life, be still in Jesus’ name.

3. I declare victory over fear and doubt.

4. Holy Spirit, guide me through every storm.

5. Lord, turn my trials into testimonies.

6. Strengthen my faith to trust You completely.

7. Father, let Your peace reign in my life.

8. Lord, help me to focus on You and not the storm.

9. I receive divine grace to persevere through tough times.

10. Every storm in my family and career, be silenced in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will rise above every storm in your life.

2. The Lord will calm every raging sea troubling your destiny.

3. Your faith will not fail in the face of trials.

4. God will turn your challenges into stepping stones for promotion.

5. The storms in your life will bring you closer to God.

6. You are victorious over every opposition.

7. The peace of God will guard your heart and mind.

8. You will emerge stronger and more confident in God’s power.

9. No storm will be able to sink your destiny.

10. The testimony of your triumph will inspire and bless many.

RISE ABOVE THE STORM

Title: RISE ABOVE THE STORM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 4:35-41
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1-3; Matthew 14:28-31

INTRODUCTION:
Storms are inevitable in life; they come in various forms, such as trials, uncertainties, and challenges. However, as believers, we are not left helpless. With God on our side, we can rise above every storm. The story of Jesus calming the storm reminds us of the divine authority we have access to when we call upon Him in faith.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF STORMS

a) Storms are temporary:
Challenges are not meant to last forever; they have an expiration date (2 Corinthians 4:17).

b) Storms are a test of faith:
They reveal the strength of your trust in God (James 1:3).

c) Storms can be a tool for growth:
Trials refine us and prepare us for greater responsibilities (Romans 5:3-4).

d) Storms are part of the journey:
Even Jesus faced challenges, and we must follow His example (John 16:33).

Biblical Example: The disciples on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37-38).

2. TRUSTING GOD IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

a) Focus on God, not the storm:
Fix your eyes on the One who controls the storm, not on the challenges (Hebrews 12:2).

b) Call on Jesus:
The disciples cried out to Jesus, and He responded (Mark 4:38).

c) Hold on to His promises:
Remember that God’s Word assures us of His presence and deliverance (Isaiah 43:2).

d) Keep your peace:
Faith-filled peace silences the enemy’s lies (Philippians 4:6-7).

Biblical Example: Peter walking on water but sinking when distracted by the storm (Matthew 14:30-31).

3. GOD’S POWER OVER EVERY STORM

a) His authority is unmatched:
Jesus commanded the wind and waves, and they obeyed (Mark 4:39).

b) He is present in the storm:
God never leaves us; His presence is our anchor (Psalm 46:1).

c) He brings peace:
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He calms both the external and internal storms (Isaiah 9:6).

d) He uses storms for His glory:
What the enemy meant for evil, God turns for good (Genesis 50:20).

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas singing praises in prison during their storm (Acts 16:25-26).

4. OVERCOMING STORMS WITH FAITH

a) Stand on God’s Word:
The Word is a lamp and a guide through dark times (Psalm 119:105).

b) Strengthen your faith:
Faith is the shield that quenches the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16).

c) Surround yourself with believers:
Fellowship strengthens us during tough times (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

d) Speak to the storm:
Declare victory and command peace in the name of Jesus (Mark 11:23).

Biblical Example: David facing Goliath with faith and victory (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

CONCLUSION:
Storms are inevitable, but with faith, we can rise above them. Trust in God’s power, rest in His promises, and remain steadfast in worship and prayer. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever; the same God who calmed the storm for the disciples will bring peace to your situation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, increase my faith to trust You in every storm.

2. Father, calm every storm in my life and grant me peace.

3. I declare victory over every trial and challenge by the blood of Jesus.

4. Lord, strengthen me to stand firm in the face of adversity.

5. I rebuke every plan of the enemy to destabilise my life in Jesus’ name.

6. Holy Spirit, guide me and give me wisdom during difficult times.

7. Father, turn every test into a testimony for Your glory.

8. Lord, fill my heart with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

9. I receive divine protection and guidance through every storm.

10. Thank You, Lord, for Your power to bring me out stronger.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I decree that every storm in your life is silenced in Jesus’ name.

2. You will come out stronger and victorious through every trial.

3. The peace of God will guard your heart and mind in all circumstances.

4. Every challenge will turn into a stepping stone for your promotion.

5. The presence of God will never depart from you in the storm.

6. You are shielded from every plan of the enemy.

7. Your faith will not fail, and you will triumph gloriously.

8. The joy of the Lord will be your strength in every battle.

9. You will testify of God’s goodness and power over every storm.

10. I declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.