Weathering the Storm

It was a peaceful afternoon. A group of my church friends and I were hanging out on the patio at one of their houses enjoying the warm spring weather and conversation about the last book we had read. It was a sweet retreat from the craziness that had been going on in my life recently.

As we finished up and I prepared to go back to the craziness of my life we ended our book club with prayer. Before we prayed, I told the girls that I’d been hearing from God lately about weathering the storms with Him. I told them I felt like he was preparing me for a storm and sure enough utter chaos had erupted in my life and without the warning I may not have been prepared to lean on God through the storm.

Jesus tells us, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. Everyone will face troubling times in their lives. Everyone will have heartache, everyone will at some point feel like the storm is closing in ready to destroy all, but as a Christian, we have faith that we won’t have to face these troubles alone and that God will help us through.

As we prayed, and I came to see that most of the girls in my club were also weathering storms with God, I felt in my heart that He knew us. And in that beautiful moment God showed himself to us. As we prayed, as we were literally talking to God, it began to storm. It downpoured rain, the thunder clapped, the lightning lit up the sky in front of us. God was there with us in a literal storm.

I have trouble sometimes, feeling like God is close, but I knew in my heart of hearts that He created that storm just for me so I could have a physical representation to hold on to, to feel close to Him, and to know that through this wild time in my life God is right there walking with me. I don’t have to face these harrowing situations alone. I don’t have to feel like my life is in total chaos because God is my creator, my father and He only works out things for the good.

When you are in trials, when you are facing storms, remember what the Bible tells us about our God:

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” Psalm 23:4 NIV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

Reader, if you are facing a challenge in your life right now, if it seems like everyone one and everything is against you or if you feel like things will never get better I promise you, you are not alone. You do not have to face these situations alone. God is with you. He will be there with you every step of the way. Lean on Him. Cry out to Him. Ask for His help.

Psalm 73:23-24 says, “…I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”

There will be days of hurricane strength wind, drowning rain, lightning that blinds, but you will not fall if you lean on God. Let him be your strength to guide you through the storm.

“So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:16 ESV