Christ’s Power in Your Storm

David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:1-3).

The Bible offers powerful warnings about guarding against falling asleep in the midnight hour. Our foremost concern should be about our personal walk with Christ. We need to ask, “How can I escape the consequences if I neglect Jesus and drift from him?”

David, the author of so many psalms, grew weary of his struggles. He was so tired in soul, so embattled and beset by troubles, all he wanted was to escape to a place of peace and safety: “My heart is severely pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me. So I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest’” (Psalm 55:4-8).

Like David, many of us yearn for escape when we’re enduring times of fearfulness and weariness. We want to slip away to some place that’s far away from people, away from our problems, battles and struggles, where things are quiet and peaceful. And so, some turn inward, living in constant discouragement, about to give up the struggle to trust God to bring them through.

Right now, the Body of Christ is in the midst of a “perfect storm.” Hell has erupted, and Satan has launched an all-out attack on the overcoming church. Many believers are in retreat, wanting out of the struggle completely. They’ve decided, “I can’t do this anymore! I won’t leave Jesus, but I’m going to find an easier way.”

Here is a truth every believer should get hold of: we find the power and glory of Christ primarily in the midst of the storm! We all remember how Jesus manifest himself when the boat seemed to be sinking (see Mark 4:35-41). And just as he did for the disciples, he shows up in the midst of our storm, calming the winds and the waves. Indeed, his strength is given to us most in our times of weakness.

Paul testifies, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9).