Strength In Storms

You’re either about to enter into a storm, you’re in the middle of a storm or you’re getting ready to get out of a storm. Either way, storms will always be a part of our lives, not to destroy you but to strengthen you.

Maybe he won’t calm the storm

but he will calm you in the middle of your storm

I’m reminded of the storm the disciples faced in Matthew 14, remember when Peter got off the boat and began to walk on water? Yeah, that storm. The disciples had just witnessed Jesus do one of the greatest miracles, hands down! The feeding of 5,000 (not including women and children, so let’s just be generous and say about 15,000 people) with just only five loaves of bread and two fishes. The bible says that Jesus took them, looked up to the heavens and blessed it, he then broke it and the disciples began to distribute it to the people. The Word says that everyone ate as much as they wanted and then some. The disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers, can you talk about multiplication?! So, just imagine how marveled and full of faith the disciples must have been after seeing this epic miracle. 

After a few hours of celebration, these men find themselves in the middle of a storm. Jesus wasn’t with them at the moment; he stayed behind to pray for a while, these guys were scared! Haven't you ever noticed that almost always after a great victory, it seems as though a storm is brewing around the corner? After you’ve experience a breakthrough, a powerful Word, a blessing; it appears as though you can’t afford to get too comfortable because rain is on its way. The winds will soon pick up, the showers will intensify, the waves will rise and thunder will begin to roar because a storm is on its way. 

As a Floridian, I can sympathize with these fellas, we’re talking about a hurricane guys. And mind you; they were not in a shelter, safe from harms-way, they were in the middle of the sea. Crazy! But how many of you know that life can get crazy? And the winds and waves will violently crash into you to try and defeat you. The disciples cried out to Jesus but he wasn’t there with them. How many times don’t we cry out to Jesus and it feels as though he isn’t there with us. How many times don’t we plead and beg so that he can put an end to our storm? We want him to take us our of our misery because who likes to suffer, anyways?

9 out of 10 times we don’t get the answer we are seeking. We want God to remove us from the storm and he says “No, I will meet you in the storm.” If you continue to read this story, in the midnight hours when the raging storm was at its worse, Jesus decided to walk toward the boat where the disciples were.

Friends, today I want to encourage you that in the midst of your raging storm, in the darkest hour of your pain, Jesus will meet you right where you’re at. He may not take you out of the storm but he will be with you. Maybe he won’t calm the storm but he will calm you in the middle of your storm. 

Isn’t easier for God to take our problems away, to answer our requests, to calm the storm, to remove any pain or suffering? It’s easier but why would he want to prevent your growth? You see, the only way we grow and mature is through trials and tribulations. How else will our faith be tested? You have to pass the test in order to get to the next grade level. And every tear, every pain, every sleepless night, every suffering is not taken lightly. God does not rejoice in your pain, he remains faithful throughout your pain. There is purpose in your pain! Let me repeat it, there is purpose in your pain. And God wants to develop something beautiful and courageous in you. You will never know how strong you are until strength is all you have. Storms will make you strong! And my friend, I have great news, you don’t have to rely on your own strength, there’s someone greater and more powerful than you and I and he is making his strength available to us. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that his power (God’s power) is made perfect in our weaknesses. 

I’ll end as I began, you’re either about to enter into a storm, you’re in the middle of a storm or you’re getting ready to get out of a storm. No matter what stage you’re in, know that God is with you and you have the necessary tools to get through it. Remember his Word, remember his promises, trust him and know that he will meet you wherever you’re at. He’s not late, he hasn’t forgotten about you, you’re not plan b. He’s simply taking his time, his perfect time designing a masterpiece that will be revealed at the end of your storm. You will get through this and when you do, look around and help someone who needs strength to get through theirs.

Are you currently in a storm or just past one? How are you coping, how were you able to survive it? Your response may bless and encourage someone. Comment below.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

~landypf