us wants to go through a storm. Not just hurricanes, but storms in our finances,
in our jobs and in our families. If only the days could be all sunshine and
clear skies. Those are the kinds of days we pray for. And often the kinds of
days we think we’re entitled to.
But storms are actually vital for us.
God uses them not only to reveal himself but to shape us to become more like
Christ. It’s not just that storms teach.
in a storm…
1. Real gratitude
While in
prison, Paul wrote that he had “learned the secret of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want.”Philippians 4:12. It’s easy to be grateful when things in life are going
well. When the bank account is full and the children are behaving. But even in
difficulty we can find things to be grateful for. Stopping to look for God’s
good hand and keep a daily gratitude list helps us see that God is at work all
around us even when circumstances are hard.
2. Real joy
Paul
taught another truth in prison — to rejoice in all things. “Rejoice in the Lord
always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 After my husband died
suddenly, I wondered if I’d ever feel real joy again. I thought it would come
months later, after I’d processed the shock and grief. To my surprise, God
brought moments of joy in the midst of grief. Evenings with friends. Birthday
celebrations with family. Little surprises in my day. Storms show us that real
joy comes in the hard, not after.
3. Real peace
We’re apt to
think peace is when the kids are in bed, the house is clean and quiet, and our
favorite movie is on for the evening. But that’s not peace; that’s calm. Peace
isn’t the absence of difficulty. It’s the presence of God. This too, Paul found
while in prison, writing: “And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s
presence brings peace even when circumstances are storming around us.
4. Real treasure
This material world tells us we need bigger,
newer and more. Before the hurricane hit, I could have given you a long list of
things I thought I needed. But when it looked like we’d need to evacuate, none
of that mattered. In the dark storms that shatter life as you know it, what’s
really valuable becomes crystal clear. Again from prison, Paul affirmed this:
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”
Philippians 3:8.
5. Real strength
Often, we can handle the
mild annoyances and problems that surface on easy days. But trials bring us to
the end of ourselves. In those times, we realize we’re completely dependent on
God. We need him to give us wisdom, to replace our fear with faith and to give
us strength to battle the storm. But that’s a good place to be. God designed us
to be utterly dependent on him. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for
you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians
12:9a.
6. Real faithfulness
It’s easy to quote the promises of
God when life is good. But do they hold up in the hard? Storms show us they do.
We can see God’s faithfulness in ways we never see on sunny days. That’s when we
can cement our own faith, when it becomes deeply personal because we see
firsthand how God meets our needs and takes care of us in the hard. It’s in the
storms we so often see God do things we couldn’t even ask or imagine. “All the
ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his
covenant.” Psalm 25:10
7. Real home
Trials in life remind us
that this world is not our home. Difficult diagnoses, deep grief and financial
losses are stark reminders that this world is temporary. We’re often forced to
let go of things that don’t matter in the long – and the short – run. We can
refocus from building our own kingdom to working towards God’s kingdom. Storms
can be difficult; even brutal. But Corinthians 4:17 tells us “our light and
momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them
all.”
None of us are immune from the storms of life. While we don’t know
how or when they will hit, God has assured us they will come. But just like
hurricanes, we can prepare. First, we need to ensure we’ve trusted our eternity
to God. Second, we can strengthen our faith through regular Bible study. And
finally, we can join with other believers in a solid church to help weather
storms together.
[written by Lisa Appelo, a young widow]
