Everyone has experienced a storm in their life in one form or another.

When was the last time you were in a raging storm?

In life, it’s not a surprise to experience storms. In fact, we experience all kinds of storms in all different seasons of our lives. There are storms that reflect the weather, like thunder, rain, hurricanes and snow. Some storms are predicted, and we can prepare for them ahead of time. We run to the store and we stock up on batteries, groceries, gas and other essentials to help us through. But what about the storms that come suddenly? What about the storms that enter our lives, the ones that hit us without time to prepare and with no warning, the ones that can feel as if they can rip our lives apart piece by piece? These storms of life can come strong, and at a moment’s time, they can deliberate us and even paralyze us emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

That happened to me. My storm came suddenly and with no warning. I found myself alone, scared, and emotionally drained. The storm that surrounded me this year was full of uncertainties and worries. It hit me hard. How do you trust God, I mean truly trust him from the inside of your heart, when everything feels like it’s falling apart around you, when you just don’t know how badly it’s going to get or how you’re going to come out of the storm?

The Bible tells us we should trust God in all circumstances, and with no doubt, give everything to him. So, in my worry and fear I cried out during my storm and pleaded for help, for peace, and for healing. I prayed for his comfort and for safety. Believing that he would hear my prayer. I trusted in our almighty God and knew there was no storm too strong for him.

But suddenly the waves became bigger, and they overcame me. My faith wavered back and forth like strong winds with no control. At this point I had to ask myself, “Why do I find doubt in my faith, and where is my true trust for the Lord?

The reality was I was drowning in my worries, my doubt, and my focus was not on Jesus but in my fear! So, the question remained: Would I trust God to calm my storm?

As I continued to search for answers in the powerful word of God, it soon reminded me of the story of Peter when he was in the boat. A big storm came, and Peter was scared. He was fearful and doubtful. He was in the middle of the sea. All he could see were the waves and winds of the raging storm knocking him down. Peter felt like he was drowning. The storm was coming from all directions, and Peter was very fearful. Suddenly Jesus appeared on the water and Peter cried out to him as the storm got stronger and stronger, “Lord, save me”!

As Peter came closer to Jesus he gained strength and trust, but when the waves got even higher, Peter took his eyes off Jesus.  He began to focus on the situation again, he began to doubt. That is when Peter started sinking. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, and during the storm, Jesus pulled Peter to safety. The storm became calm, followed by the peace only Jesus can give us. (Reference scripture: Matthew 14:22-33)

As I read this story, I asked myself how many times have I doubted like Peter? In the middle of my storms, how many times have I focused on the situation instead of the Word of God? Jesus tells us to trust in him and not to be afraid. He also tells us to have faith.

James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

Jesus can calm every storm and bring you to safety. So for me, the question remained: would Jesus calm my storm? Would I believe with no doubt that he is willing and able, or would I continue in my fear?

God also tells us, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) as well as, “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

In the course of this year, I have conquered many storms. I have learned that Jesus gives us the way out of every situation with his word in one way or another. He will fill us with peace until the storm passes, or he will rescue us in the middle of the winds. But, if we don’t apply the word of God to our life, we will often remain in the storm longer than we need to.

Jesus extends his hand to us, but we must take hold of it in faith so he can pull us up to safety in his perfect timing. We must believe and then apply his word to our lives–daily. So when the storms of life come, they will not knock us down. We must ask Jesus to help us in this, so we can trust him fully and not doubt when the waters get rough in our times of troubles.

POINTS TO PONDER:
Do you doubt God in your storm? Are you fixing your eyes on the waves of your situation, or are you whole heartily placing your trust in Jesus without wavering in your faith?

We will all face a storm in our lives at some point, whether God has allowed your storm to teach you something for victory in your life, or whether your storm will bring you to a closer relationship with Christ. Maybe your storm results from your own choices in life. It doesn’t matter the reason, because God will not leave you or forsake you.

He will be there to strengthen you as he walks you through the raging waters. God will grab your hand and not let you sink. He will never let you go. He promises to be with you at all times through the Midst of the storms and the force of the winds will not overtake you! Don’t let yourself be conformed to fears and worries that can distract you from what God is already doing in your situation. God is in control of everything, including your job, your marriage, family, and your health. Whatever the storm is that you may be facing right now, grab on to the hope that comes from Jesus Christ, and when you start to doubt, cry out to him! Let him pull you up from sinking into those fears and worry. Fears and worry can derail your trust and hope in Jesus. Cry out to him during your pain and suffering, and be assured that Jesus will rescue you in the storm. He will make a way and pull you out of the roaring waters into peace.

Jesus will always reach out his hand to us. All we need to do is ask and believe!

PRAYER: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans15:13)