Life has a way of throwing unexpected things at you. When they are difficult things that cause us to feel overwhelmed, we call them “storms”. The storms of life may be a medical crisis, problems with relationships, financial hardship, and others. Storms will come as long as we live because we live in a world of spiritual warfare and in a time when Good (God) and evil (devil) are in battle.
No one enjoys the storms of life. God assures us through His Word that He has the power to carry us through every storm and His promises are for us. When sickness comes, God says He is our healer. When relationships are broken, God tells us how to walk in forgiveness and love. When finances are tight, God promises to be our provider.
The storms of life have a very powerful way of revealing what we truly believe. Our faith is revealed when we exercise faith in the storm. “”Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, NIV84)
When a storm comes, when the crisis hits, if we have learned and applied and are walking in obedience to the Word of God, we will not be shaken in the storm. Just because the storm comes, does not mean the storm must wash us away. In fact, those who have lives surrendered to the Word of God will stand. “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” (Proverbs 10:25, NIV84) It is dwelling in the presence of God that gives us refuge. “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” (Proverbs 10:25, NIV84) Our relationship with God is demonstrated to be real by standing firm in every storm.
For many people, storms bring crisis. The fact that you seem overwhelmed by the storm is a good indication of where the Word of God has not yet taken root in your life. Jesus expects that those who follow him would find the power to get through every storm. “The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”” (Luke 8:24–25, NIV84)
The sense of fear and overwhelming powerlessness in a storm reveal where we do not yet believe God. If we can learn to look at the storms as a positive that can draw us closer to God, then every storm can only make us stronger. This is why James encouraged us to have joy in the trials of life. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 1:2–8, NIV84)
I may not enjoy the storms and the tests of life. However, I can rejoice knowing that each test must submit to God’s words and my faith will grow stronger as I seek God in the storm.
Are you fearful? Seek God.
Are you overwhelmed? Seek God.
Are you confused? Seek God.
Are you hurting? Seek God.
God never leaves you in the storm. It is time to take your eyes off the storm and put them on God who has the answer for every storm.
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