Many times we find ourselves in a place where the winds of life are blowing, things are crashing down around us, and we can not see our way. And what if we are in a place were we can not track back and you wonder “why is this happening? God what are you doing?”
Acts 27:14 says “ …before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island….”
Now I am from Florida, so I know first hand what those hurricane forces can feel like and the devastation they can leave. But what I am talking about is what if there comes a “northeaster” in your life that is approaching and it looks like it is going to take you with it.
Some questions you may ask is “What is the cause of this storm?” and “what is God trying to teach me?”
1. Storms can come into our life because of self.
Psalms 32:3 “When I kept silent my bones wasted away through groaning all day”. In other words “when you did not repent”.
Act 9:5&6 Here Saul asks “Who are you Lord?” or basically, “What do you want me to do?” “What do you want from me?”
Surrender to God, when the strong storms come. The first thing to do is “get square with God”. Repent any sin, and move on from there.
2. Storms can come to us because he is Savior.
What does God want to do with our lives?
Isa 1:17 says “learn to do good and to do what is right”.
Sometimes God needs to show us what we can do (basically what we are made of), so we can then move to where he can use you.
I know personally there are things I have gone through in my life (pre-mature baby, financial hardships, etc…) that if someone would have told me before hand about these trials, I would have said “I could never survive that….” But you know what, I did make it, and God has used me to minister to others, given me a boldness to speak his word. I have found that God is faithful, He is good, and He is there. But if I did not go through the storm, how would I have known (through Christ) I could make it? How could I encourage others that they too will make it?
3. Storms can come to us because of relationships.
You may find yourself in the middle of a storm, but it may have nothing to do with you. God could be working on someone around you. Think about the fishermen that were in the same boat as Jonah. They were going through the hard storms with Jonah, but this had nothing to do with them. Joshua and Caleb still had to wait to enter the promise land, but the waiting had nothing to do with them. Or when my husband was laid off, and really struggled with depression, and his relationship with God. So what are you to do in that situation?
Heb 3:13 says “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today….”
So if you are in the middle of a storm, but you know it has nothing to do with you, be an encouragement. Help the person going through the storm.
I hope these words are an encouragement to you today. Whenever the storms hit, God has a reason, God has a purpose and sometimes during those difficult times that is all we have to hang on to (our faith, and God’s truth).
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, that’s timely - we have a tornado and severe storm warning today!
Good life lesson…and sometimes storms come to grow us up.
I can see how seeing your son movedby Holy Spirit in church, would be such a blessing to you. Very cool.
Rena
Very encouraging and timely post. Thank you for sharing!
Really nice post Laurel, we are in the midst of a small storm right now, though it seems so large when you are in the midst of it- so thankyou for your thoughts, very encouraging. I really like your blog design, it’s beautiful! You came and visited me, so I wanted to visit you. I am glad I did!
blessings,
Jenny in Ca
I believe that is true…storms can come from many different factors…
Thanks for stopping by my blog leaving your comment. I really enjoyed this post of yours too!
See you around!
Wonderful post! Storms can teach us so much, can’t they? The analogies of storms to life just go on and on. One of my favorite lessons from storms is how much easier it is to weather them if we are PREPARED! That could mean stocking our pantry and buying a generator… or it could mean staying in the Word and nuturing our relationship with Christ constantly. We can’t stop the storms from coming, but we can do our best to be ready for them when they hit!
I thank God for your boldness to speak His Word. Thank you for your encouragement. I needed it.
I have a little plaque in my bedroom that says, “Sometimes, God calms the storm And sometimes, He lets the storm rage And calms His child.”
Thank you for those 3 wonderful points you have made. I totally agree with you.
I am just glad when the storms do hit - that He is right there besides me. Sometimes we don’t understand until we look back and “Ah - yes - I get it now, Lord”.