The Storms of Life

The Storms of Life

Have you ever experienced a really bad snowstorm? Ever had to weather a hurricane? I have somehow managed to be driving in both, and the effect on me was the same: a combination of confession, panic, and resignation. Confession because in retrospect being behind the wheel in this weather was probably a bad idea. Panic because it was now apparent just how bad an idea it was, and resignation because there was nothing to be done but continue forward.

I knew it was only wise to turn to God on those occasions. I had to let go of the fear by thinking of God's promises in the scriptures and staying focused on the task. Thank God for the Holy Spirit because I didn't know what to pray for, and, in the case of the hurricane, it was too loud to hear myself pray.

And although these were environmental storms, the same tactics would apply in other storms of life. Because God has promised;

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

Storms will come to everyone, regardless of station in life, profession, or age. My concern is not that we have troubles, trials, and tribulations in life. My concern, brothers, and sisters, is what do we do when the storm comes. How do we deal, as preachers, professors, students, or parents — how do we deal with tough times in life?

Rough times often seem unexplainable, and sometimes our first reaction is to rail out at God. During those times, we need to refocus, let go of the branch we are hanging on to, and just trust God because he always delivers His children.

There are times when God delivers us from trials and storms. Because of his mercy, we avoid the dilemma altogether. Then there are times when God delivers in trials. He miraculously delivers us at some point, and the storm raging around is just gone. Of course, there are also times he delivers us through the storm. As Isaiah mentions, he walks with us even as we traverse the waters, never leaving or forsaking us. There is someone in the storm with us, and we shall prevail.

I confess that many of my storms are self-created, and he is with me. I panic because I can see no way out, and then he comforts me. In the end, trusting is not easy, but it is what he has called me to do—trusting in his word, trusting him in prayer, and practicing that trust in the times between storms so that I am ready when they come.

I pray the weather (actual and metaphorical) is sunny wherever you are. Thank you for remembering us in your prayer even as I pray for you.