Another storm
Several weeks ago, Hurricane Debby blasted the Gulf coastline and her remnants surged northward with powerful rain, flooding, and wind. In the mid-Atlantic states, Debby’s strength, blunted by time and distance from the warm ocean waters, still released lots of wind and rain. But no longer a hurricane, our weather was just another storm.
Another storm
We continue to face “another storm” often in our daily living, don’t we? There’s sickness, economic hardship, a crisis in our job, conflict within our family, or the loss of a loved one. Those storms of life never seem to abate for long. How do we make it through?
Can we prepare for a storm?
Yes and no–Modern technology gives us some warning before a hurricane or blizzard arrives. But a storm of life can be difficult to anticipate and prepare for. But what we can do, is recognize that God is with us through all the storms we face.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Prepare? Storms may swoop down upon us with no warning. We may not be ready, but we can keep putting our trust in our Lord. He isn’t surprised by another storm–be it weather or a family emergency.
Don’t go through storms of life alone
Even when we feel we are alone–we’re not.
Sometimes the storms of life we face are initiated by other people. We may not be able to escape from the situation–a colleague at work, a relative with whom we are in conflict, or a troubled relationship with a spouse, child, or grandchild.
We may not know where to turn to find a solution to such conflicts. I encourage you to seek professional assistance and counseling when dealing with troubled relationships within the family. Or when your burdens, caused by trials, are too heavy to bear. But we should always remember–God is with us in all these contentious relationships.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise–in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)
Never Give Up
When we face another storm, we are assured that we’re not alone. God is with us on our life journey, to guide our perseverance through the trials and challenges of life–and those trials will come.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11)
Remember to pray
Prayer should be at the top of my list and at every point in between. I hope we pray for our families, our country, our world–and all of our worries and conflicts–pray through the storms.
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 17:6)
For believers, the life, light, and love of Jesus is revealed through our actions. Our behavior during interactions with others, when in conflict situations, and through all the storms of life, will demonstrate whether we share the light and love of Jesus with others.
Are you in the midst of a storm? May I pray for you?
Here is a recent, inspiring message that also focuses on finding peace in life’s trials. If you have a moment to read, I think you’ll enjoy Katy Kauffman’s blog.
One of my favorite old hymns, “Never Alone,” provides comfort in all life’s storms.
We are so blessed that our Lord and Father are always with us–we are never alone. Thank you for sharing that hymn with us, Diana.
I’m working on it: casting fear aside.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3
Your post is a blessing, Katherine.
Thank you, Connie. We often sing those reassuring words from Psalm 46. I’m so grateful you shared that inspiring message.
Storms come and go. I’m comforted knowing that we are never alone during those storms. God is always with us. 🙂
Melissa, I agree. We are blessed by that gift of peace and comfort during life’s storms. Wishing you joy!
As we brace for Hurricane Helena in Florida and Georgia, I can relate to this “Another Storm” post. And life storms are like that too for all of us. We must remained prepared for both types.
We’ve been seeing reports of the power and devastation caused by Helena. I hope all is well for you and your family, Candyce. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Funny to be reading this as we watch Helene. Some we see coming and some we don’t. Either way, God sees. He knows exactly what to do in every situation. He’s my shelter in the storm.
Terri, I hope all is well for you and your family. We’ve seen pictures of damage and heroic rescues of those areas where Helene brought heavy rain, storms surges, flooding, and wind damage. Right now, we’re dealing with floods, power outages, and tornadoes. So far, we’re all safe. I’m thankful that, as you point out, our God is with us during all of our storms.
I love that we can prepare for the storms of live by digging deeper into our relationship with Christ, knowing that He will shelter us no matter the rains that come.
Joanna–I love the way you shared your thoughts. We can prepare for storms by “digging deeper into our relationship with Christ.” He will provide shelter, peace, and comfort. Thank you for sharing encouragement with us today.
It’s so important to keep praying during those storms! I appreciate your insights for those stormy times that come to us all.
Thank you, Kathy. Yes–we need to be in prayer during those storms–and giving thanks for our Lord’s presence with us as we go through them. May God bless you!
Katherine, I needed this blog. I feel the force of 2 Corinthians 4:8-11. I’m also going to read Katy’s blog. Thanks for sharing this word and her blog link.
Thank you, Lisa. I’m so glad you were encouraged. Praying for you.
Wow, so incredible to read this after another devastating storms. It really makes me think. God can save us from all the storms of life even when they are as bad as Helene. Thank you Katherine
Yes, Yvonne, I wrote this based on a previous storm we experienced, yet Helene was so much worse for so many. Like you and many others, I’m praying for those whose homes received so much damage and for those still without shelter, power, and water. Thank you for your prayers.
Thanks, Katherine, for these great pointers. We need to be constantly reminded our Father in heaven loves us and will never leave us.
I’ve always wondered why our faith wavers at times. My heart knows our God is trustworthy and faithful, but in times of crisis and fear, the enemy sneaks in and plants doubts of His faithfulness. I’m grateful our Father forgives us our doubt, and loves us through the storms–and after. We are so blessed.
I want to do that – “share the light and love of Jesus.” In prayer for those affected by the hurricanes so far this year. May God help teams to rescue and give needed supplies.