Into His Presence: Why You Must Sit with God Before the Storm Breaks
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God, this is not a motivational article. This is a call to spiritual survival. Because some of you are burning out, not because you're doing too much—but because you're doing it without prayer.
Some of you are weary because you’ve been trying to live the Christian life in your own strength. And you're frustrated because the strength is running out.
Jesus didn’t live like that. Neither should you.
1. Jesus Withdrew to Be Alone With the Father
Scripture tells us that “when evening came, He was there alone” (Matthew 14:23). That means Jesus had been in prayer for hours—alone. Not multitasking. Not speed-praying. Not sermon-prepping. Sitting in the presence of the Father.
And He was modeling something for us:
You cannot live in Kingdom power without learning how to sit in the presence of God.
Quick prayers have their place. But if you're a follower of Jesus, you must learn the discipline of being still in God’s presence for extended time. Not to impress Him. But because that’s where the real work happens.
2. The Secret Place Is Where God Does His Deepest Work
God does not do His deepest work in the spotlight.
not behind a microphone,
not on a platform,
not on a screen,
not in the sound of applause.
He does His holy work in hidden places.
It is in the secret place:
- He convicts your heart.
- He warns you of danger.
- He refines your desires.
- He heals what no one sees.
- He reminds you who He is—and who you are.
The early Desert Fathers knew this well. Abba Moses said,
“Sit in your room, and your room will teach you everything.”
Some of you are afraid of stillness. Afraid of what might surface in silence.
But stay. Stay in the quiet.
Stay until the noise inside breaks and the voice of God begins to speak.
Because if you don’t know how to sit in His presence,
you won’t know what to do in the storm.
3. He Sent Them Into the Storm on Purpose
“Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side.” (Matthew 14:22)
He didn’t suggest it.
He made them.
And He knew what was waiting.
He knew the wind would rise.
He knew the storm would hit.
He knew the waves would pound that boat.
And still He sent them.
Not every hardship in your life is demonic. Some storms are sent by God Himself.
Why?
- To train your obedience.
- To break your self-reliance.
- To reveal His authority.
You prayed, “Thy will be done.”
He answered with wind.
4. When You're Rowing Against Resistance, Keep Going
The disciples rowed for hours into the storm.
And here’s what Scripture doesn’t say:
It never says they turned around.
When you know you’re inside God’s will—when you’ve obeyed His command—even if the waves rise and the wind screams, don’t turn back.
Some of you are in spiritual warfare because you obeyed.
You left the job.
You cut off the toxic relationship.
You started the ministry.
And now everything feels harder.
That doesn’t mean you were wrong.
It means you’re rowing into resistance—because Jesus said, “Go to the other side.”
Keep going.
5. Jesus Comes Walking Through the Chaos
“In the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.” (Matthew 14:25)
That’s 3–6 a.m.
They had been battling that storm all night.
And when Jesus shows up—He doesn’t shout from the shore.
He doesn’t send a boat.
He walks on the waves.
Why?
Because He is Lord over the storm.
Psalm 77:19 says: “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.”
He didn't take the path around the storm.
He walked through it.
6. The Trial Is Long—But He Is Coming
He could’ve come sooner.
He could’ve stopped the wind at hour one.
But He waited.
He waited until they were exhausted. Until their arms were weak. Until their hope was nearly gone.
And then He came.
Some of you are right there.
You’ve been in the battle for hours—or years.
You’re close to the other side but feel like giving up.
Hear this:
He sees you.
He’s walking toward you.
He has not forgotten you.
Hold the course. Keep rowing.
Jesus does not abandon the obedient.
7-Day Presence Before the Storm Challenge
Purpose: To train your soul to seek God’s presence before the chaos hits—so when the storm comes, you're not shaken.
Each day includes:
- A core truth
- A Scripture to meditate on
- A simple presence-based action
- A prayer of surrender
Day 1: Sit Before You Serve
Core Truth: Prayer isn't preparation for the real work. It is the real work.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16
Action:
Schedule 15 minutes of uninterrupted stillness with God. No multitasking. No list. Just sit and be still before Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to sit with the Father like You did. Strip me of hurry. I don’t want to serve You without knowing You.
Day 2: Stay Until the Noise Breaks
Core Truth: God does His deepest work in the secret place, not on the stage.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Action:
Get quiet for 10 minutes beyond your comfort zone. Stay past the mental noise. Let silence lead you into stillness.
Prayer:
Father, I stay here—not to impress You, but because I need You. Quiet my soul and speak in the silence.
Day 3: Obedience May Lead to Storms
Core Truth: Some storms come not because you disobeyed, but because you obeyed.
“Jesus made the disciples get into the boat…” — Matthew 14:22
Action:
Reflect: What act of obedience has led you into resistance lately? Write it down. Don’t retreat—recommit.
Prayer:
Lord, You told me to go. I will keep rowing even when it gets hard. Strengthen my obedience in the storm.
Day 4: Keep Rowing Into Resistance
Core Truth: Resistance doesn’t mean you're off track—it may mean you're on the narrow way.
“They were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.” — Mark 6:48
Action:
Say aloud: “I will not turn back.” Then journal one area where God is calling you to press forward today.
Prayer:
Jesus, You said to go. I won’t turn around. Give me perseverance when the wind is strong and my strength is weak.
Day 5: He Comes Through the Chaos
Core Truth: Jesus doesn’t wait for the storm to calm—He walks on the waves.
“In the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.” — Matthew 14:25
Action:
Worship Him in the chaos. Play one song today that reminds you Jesus is Lord of the storm. Sing, even in pain.
Prayer:
Lord of the waves, I welcome You into my storm. Let me see You walking through the chaos. Increase my faith.
Day 6: He Delays to Deliver Something Deeper
Core Truth: His delays are not abandonment. They are divine training.
“He saw they were making headway painfully… and came to them.” — Mark 6:48
Action:
Ask: What have I accused God of delaying in my life? Confess any resentment. Then declare: “He sees me. He is coming.”
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for doubting Your timing. I trust Your delays more than I trust my clock. Come when You will.
Day 7: The Presence Prepares You
Core Truth: If Jesus needed extended time with the Father, how much more do you?
“Your way was through the sea… yet Your footprints were unseen.” — Psalm 77:19
Action:
Spend one final extended session today—30 minutes minimum. No agenda. Just sit, worship, listen, pray. Let Him fill you.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want Your presence more than clarity. Before the next storm breaks, anchor me in You. Walk with me always.
Final Word: The Presence Prepares You
Don’t try to face the storm without spending time with God in silence.
If Jesus needed extended time with the Father, how much more do you?
Before the wind rises—get on your knees.
Before the waves crash—get in the Word.
Before you despair—go into the presence.
Because in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God:
That storm you’re in was not sent to destroy you.
It was sent to reveal the One who walks on water.
Let Him find you in prayer.
Let Him meet you on the sea.
And let Him carry you the rest of the way.
Amen.
Much of the insight in this article was drawn from a sermon by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell on Matthew 14. His message stirred my spirit and helped shape the words you’ve just read. All glory to God.
