Storms of Life

When I turned on my computer to write yesterday, I saw a notification saying we were under a tornado emergency. Before the storm was over, homes and businesses in the area were damaged. Thankfully, my neighborhood was spared.

This tornado was unexpected. A little like the storms of life at times. Some storms sneak up on us. Some we’ve watched form on the horizon. Other storms we know are coming, but truly wish they weren’t.

In the Middle of Our Storm

In the middle of our storm, we may feel like we’re spinning out of control on Disney’s Mad Hatter’s tea cup ride. Even if we are, that’s okay, because God remains in control.

The ride is going to stop at some point. We may need assistance getting off it, but the ride will stop when God tells it to. And when it stops, we’ll find God is standing right there with us.

Whether the storms occur in nature or in our personal life, they will occur. It’s all part of life. With that in mind, I would like to share seven anchors Preacher said to hold onto during the storms of life.

Anchor #1 God is in Control

God is in control of every situation in our life. Since God is in control, our storm did not surprise him. Whatever storm reaches us has to pass through God’s hand first.

The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Psalm 103:19 (NLT)

Anchor #2 God Has a Plan

When we’re in the middle of the storm, we often focus on what’s wrong, believing all is lost.

When we’ve lost what seems like everything, we need to remember God still has a plan for our future. We might not see it right away, but it’s there nonetheless.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Anchor #3 God is With You

Storms can make us feel all alone. They can isolate us. Some storms make us feel as if no one cares.

God cares. He is with us. He’ll never leave. We may not  see him, but we can be confident he is always working on our behalf.

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 (NLT)

Anchor #4 God is Bigger Than Our Storm

God is the Creator of the earth and sky. The sea and everything in it. He controls the wind and the rain, and he controls our storm.

When we feel as if we are about to go under during the storms of life, Jesus reminds us he is in our boat with us. He is the one who commands the wind and rain to cease.

They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!^” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed … Mark 6:50-51 (NLT)

Anchor #5 God Will Get You Where You Need to Be

Since God is in control, has a plan, is with us, and bigger than our storm, he will get us where we need to be.The storm might cause us to take a detour as we stumble over debris fields, but we’ll get to the place God prepared for us.

The storm, no matter how devastating, destructive, damaging, or overwhelming, can not keep us from completing the good works God created us to complete.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Anchor #6 God’s Timing is Perfect

During an especially difficult time in my life I purchased a small plaque. It is a picture of a sailboat on the water. The words on the plague say, This too shall pass.

Regardless of what storm we face, in God’s perfect timing, it too shall pass. Just as Annie sang in the musical of the same name, the sun will come out tomorrow.

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Psalm 55:16 (NLT)

Anchor #7 There is Life After the Storm

After the storm, life goes on. The storm is a disruption. A pain. Something we’d rather do without, but it is not the end.

Today, the day after the tornado ripped apart homes and businesses, there is life as people go about the business of assessing damage, and moving towards restoration.

Sometimes, after a storm rips through our life leaving a debris field miles wide and long, that’s all we can do.

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Job 42:10 (NLT)

Your Turn

I try to remember something Preacher said whenever storms come into my life. Perhaps it will comfort you in the midst of your storms of life.

“The Lord wouldn’t have allowed this storm into your life if he didn’t have something good on the other side of it.”

There you have it. Seven anchors worth holding onto during our storms of life.

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For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! Isaiah 64:4 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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