Storm Assaults
Are the storms of life assaulting you? Do you feel that you are losing ground and drowning in despair with no relief in sight? Perhaps you are wondering why you are experiencing these troubles and what it will take to weather them? The storms of life come in all types and intensities and occur often at the most unexpected times. They can be financial, relational, physical, emotional, or a combination. They are frequently caused by things or events beyond our control or can be the consequences of our own impudent decisions or actions. These storms may overwhelm us, take over our thought-life, and often adversely affect our physical, emotional or mental health and our relationship with others. Although we might feel that we are the only ones who experience storms, we quickly find that no one is exempt.
In desperation, we often question God, asking why He allows storms to come into our lives. God’s Holy Word tells us that we are not promised a life free of trouble. Jesus warned us when He said, “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.” (John 16:33 (NIV)). Even though we are not guaranteed a trouble-free life, we can be encouraged to know that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. “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 (NIV)
Bible People and Storms
In the Bible, we find examples of people, who withstood fierce storms in their lives and were victorious when they walked out of the lion’s den or the furnace, became queen, crossed the Red Sea, or killed a giant. Was it easy for them; did they do it alone? No! They depended on God, who, as He promised, was with them throughout their disconcerting circumstances and their ultimate deliverance from their storms. They knew that they could not do it alone, so they called boldly on God. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) reminds us “…to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Navigating through our Storms
As we navigate through our storms, we can take refuge in God. His desire is to have an intimate relationship with us. However, our faith and trust in Him must grow so that these troublesome situations help to deepen our relationship with Him. God is not only our Heavenly Father but our friend and refuge. We have a choice—we can grow closer to the Lord and trust Him to help us work things out, or we can complain and become bitter, turning away from Him. “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
Facing our challenges help us to develop character and become more like Jesus and conform to His image. The trials we brave prove to be the testing grounds for the strength and depth of our faith as well as our love and dependence on our Heavenly Father. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 (NIV)
Our convictions, what we believe, deepen and strengthen as we persevere and work through the hardships of the storm, praying and depending on God for His love, strength, and direction. we are assured that He will not leave us when we most need him. “God is faithful and will never abandon us in the middle of a storm. ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
God’s Comfort
Finally, while we wrestle the issues of our storm, God brings us comfort. Comfort can come in many forms. It may come as a quick solution to our problem. It may also appear as a compassionate friend, offering prayer and hope to encourage us not to lose faith. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,” 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)
Storm Benefits
The benefits we derive during the challenging storms of life are primarily influenced by our own perspective, particularly in the most difficult moments. If we perceive the challenges in our lives as personal attacks, we will find few benefits. However, if we look at them, even in the darkest hour, as opportunities to learn about ourselves, developing a deeper, richer relationship with the Lord, the storm we endured will prove to be a beneficial growth opportunity to us and our spiritual journey with Jesus. With Him, we learn that we are indeed “stronger than the storm.” However, it is our choice how to endure the storm.
Juanita Adamson, April 2026
