Storms, like most natural phenomena, carry their fair share of beauty… the dancing breezes, showers of raindrops, brilliant displays of flashing light, and commanding rumbles of thunder. In Florida, our summers are known for daily doses of thunderstorms. Most of the time, it’s a manageable inconvenience that we weather our way through (pun intended!) knowing the sunshine will chase away the remnants of the storm soon enough. But sometimes those storms are not inconsequential and are not quickly followed by the sunshine.
If you have lived more than a decade or two, you are well aware that life carries storms much like the Florida skies. Some storms are intense yet brief and are quickly followed by smooth sailing. Other storms leave us feeling marooned on an island of pain and confusion, wondering if we will ever feel soul-healing sunshine again.
As I look back on my journey, there are several distinct times that I remember feeling very storm-ravaged by life’s circumstances. During those times, I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me and I was flat on my back wondering where it had all gone wrong. If that’s where you are today, I want to encourage you! There is a clear horizon on the other side of the storm! Keep moving forward, moment by moment, day by day, knowing that you WILL come through this storm and you will have a story to tell!
In Mark 4, we read the account of Jesus and His disciples taking a boat trip. When they were in the middle of the lake a violent storm whipped the boat around and the disciples were sure that death was upon them so they ran to wake Jesus. “Teacher, Teacher, wake up! Don’t you care that we are going to die?” Jesus brought perfect calm in the midst of the storm, then turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?”1 They were awe-struck!
In the midst of this storm, the disciples got a revelation! They encountered the truth that this Jesus was no ordinary man. He wielded power over the wind and waves! When they crossed over to the other side, their minds were eager to see more evidence of who this amazing Teacher was. AND they had a story to tell! Two chapters later, we see Jesus sending them out to preach and to demonstrate the power that they had seen in action.
What does this storm story bring to your stormy situation? Be encouraged! Your storm isn’t worthless. God can take any difficult situation, even ones caused by our own choices, and bring good out of it! Here are some proven “Storm Tips:”
Rest: Jesus, the son of man slept; but Jesus, the Son of God, never sleeps! He is always available to you! While He may not change your circumstances, He will calm the raging seas of confusion and doubt in your heart. He will bring supernatural peace in the midst of chaos allowing you to rest in Him. He is trustworthy!
Revelation: In the storm, Jesus revealed His power to the disciples up close and personal! Storms are perfect places to encounter Jesus! He will reveal Himself to you in new and tangible ways during the difficult times. The best thing is, no one can take that revelation away from you! Your new understanding of who He is becomes part of your firm foundation enabling you to stand in the midst of any storm owning your faith.
Readiness: No storm lasts forever! Your skies will clear and you will get to the other side of this situation. As you embrace the process of dealing with the debris your storm has left behind (healing, forgiving, rebuilding), you will find yourself ready to go to another level of understanding and victory. You will have a story to tell about the Storm-Stabilizer!
Remember I mentioned those times that I had felt very storm-ravaged by life’s circumstances? As I allowed my mind to look back and mull over those difficult times, I realized a few things that are encouraging:
- My pain has faded as a result of forgiveness, time, and healing.
- My understanding of the Lord as Father, Healer, Friend, and Lover of my soul is so much deeper.
- Experience and increased faith allow me to encourage others in their storms.
- I have stories to tell! He has seen me through every storm to the other side! Let’s meet for coffee some time and I’ll share one!
There is no wasted pain when we submit it to the Father! There’s beauty… even in the midst of the storm… when you realize you’re with the Storm-Stabilizer!
On the other side of the storm, someone needs to hear your story. Be alert and ready to be used by the Lord to help someone else weather their storm!
Live Loved,
P.S. Please comment and share if this encouraged you! Blessings!
1Mark 4:40 The Passion Translation