Storms. They come in nature, and they come into our lives: situational, physical, economical, relational, emotional, psychological, and spiritual.  We can and do encounter these and other storms in every area of life.

Why do we have these storms?  They come as a result of the first man and woman deciding they wanted to be in charge of their life, instead of following God’s ways.  The result has been trouble of every kind since that time.

There are two physical storms recorded in the New Testament.  The first is recorded in Matthew 8:23-27 and in Mark 4:35-41.  During this storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat.  He was not worried about it.  He was and is the Lord of everything.  He knew the storm would obey Him.  The storm became so violent, the waves swept over the sides of the boat.  These seasoned fishermen were terrified. They cried out asking Jesus, “Don’t you care if we drown?”  Jesus woke, rebuked the storm, and it became totally calm.

The disciples learned several things from this experience.  First, they learned that Jesus did care about them.  He cares about us also – even in the midst of storms.  He knows where we are, and He cares.  Second, they learned that Jesus can do something about the storms.  He can stop them.  And He can stop our storms also.  Until He does, He is with us, and will help us.

Why doesn’t He stop our storms sooner? Perhaps He wants us to learn that He, and not we, is really the ultimate One who is in charge.  We cannot stop the storms, but He can.  Perhaps He wants us to learn to cry to Him for help.  He loves to run to the cry of His children and help them (Psalm 34:17). And perhaps, He wants us to come to a deeper understanding of Who He is.  The disciples did.  After this incident, they marveled saying, “What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey him!”  Before this, they knew Jesus could heal all kinds of diseases.  Now they knew even nature obeyed Him.  How is He trying to deepen your understanding of His power?  How is He trying to deepen your trust in Him?

In Isaiah 43:2, God promises us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Realize that God is with you in this storm.   Cry out to Him and watch Him work.  Allow Him to deepen your understanding and trust in Him.  Grab hold of His hand and hang on through the storm.  He will see you through. His desire is to see you grown.  When you have learned what you need to know, He will stop the storm.

We will go through storms, but God, the ultimate power and creator of the universe is with us!