Similar to valleys and wildernesses, storms are an inevitable part of life. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
There are peaceful times in life, where you feel like things have calmed down and you have life all figured out! But at the same time, it might seem like you’re always coming out of a storm, are in a storm, or are going into one! Storms can be more intense, more difficult than other life experiences. Think of a time when something in your life was uncertain and chaotic. This could be sickness or disease that leaves you wondering if you’re going to live or die, a destroyed marriage or relationship that leaves you questioning who you are, or job/lack of job that creates financial strain. Any one of these things can break a person.
Never allow the presence of a storm in your life cause you to doubt God or His presence! I’ve mentioned before that God doesn’t lead us to these difficult times but through them. Regardless of how hopeless a storm feels, God does not change. “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20). I hope it’s encouraging to know that people all over the world are going through storms similar to yours. God stays the same through all of it, and His promises remain. There is hope!
While some of the storms you experience in life are because of the evil that’s in this world and because of other people wronging you, it’s important to acknowledge that other storms are the result or your poor decisions. You can’t blame the Devil for all of your problems or say that he made you do anything. Sometimes problems are just the natural result of sin. In situations like this, acknowledge your sin, ask Christ to forgive you, and start taking steps toward a godly life. God will give you the tools to overcome your struggles!
Stay strong through whatever storm you may be in right now. God knows your pain, hears your cries, and has a plan for your life.