WHEN STORMS HIT
We’ve had strong ties to Ft Myers, Florida, in recent years. So, when Hurricane Ian hit the end of September, 2022, we grieved along with the people who lived there. Fort Myers Beach has many special memories and was one of our favorite places to go. It was virtually wiped out. In a matter of hours, everything totally changed. It was sudden and unexpected. For many, life will never be the same as before Ian hit.
That happens in life, too. Storms roll in suddenly, leaving devastation and sorrow in their wake. One conversation, doctor’s visit, email or sudden change of circumstances can turn a life around. It can hit hard and leave us flat. We can’t stop them from happening, but we know where we can run for cover. God’s Word tells us how to prepare for and survive through the storms of life.
- Storms will come. It’s not a matter of IF but of WHEN that happens. “WHEN you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. WHEN you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2). God never promised to keep storms away, but He does promise to be with us through them. Daniel still faced the lions. Joseph was still thrown in prison. Job still lost all he held dear. The disciples still faced persecution. Being a believer doesn’t mean we will be kept from every hard circumstance, but that He will be with us in it all. “…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
- Always be alert. “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42. Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Don’t ignore the warnings or think somehow you’ll be spared. You need to know when to stay and when to go!
- Be prepared ahead of time. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 Storms can come with little or no warning, so always be prepared for the worst. Stay close to God at all times, lean on Him and be filled with His spirit. Listen to what He says. Know what to do when a storm hits. Plan ahead.
- Know where to go for refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:2 When storms come, we head for the nearest shelter, the best place to weather the event. Put your faith in Jesus and lean on Him. He is our safety and sanctuary, our constant help. He can speak to the storm and it must obey Him!
- Storms can be overwhelming. They can be too much for us, but never too much for God. “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Psalm 29:10-11 Even when it seems the water is rising above your head, God is with you. We do not face the storms alone. God may not always remove the storm, but, as the verse says, He gives “strength to His people,” and He blesses us with “peace.”
- Storms don’t last forever. “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13 No matter how hard the storm hits, or how long it lasts, it will not continue forever. There will be a stopping point. It may not seem like it when the storm is raging, but one day the sun will shine again and all will be calm. It may not always happen in this life, but it certainly will in the next. Remember that when in the midst of the storm. Go through the storm in such a way that won’t have regrets when it is over. You don’t want to look back with sorrow over how you handled it. You can’t do anything to change your response once it is over. You can only do that when in the storm. Storms do come, but storms also go. (Doylestown, PA December 18, 2023)
Matthew 8:26 “He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
Everyone is either in a storm, coming out of a storm or waiting for the next storm to hit. Which is true of you?
What do you need to do in this stage to prepare for or endure the next storm?
What has God taught you through the last storm you were in?
Who do you know that is going through a storm and could use a word of encouragement? Reach out to them today.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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