It’s been a week. When forecasters first spotted a hurricane that would likely hit Florida, the entire state went on high alert. It was billed as the largest hurricane on record in the Atlantic and while everyone in the state would be affected, it was uncertain precisely where it would hit.
We’ve seen some massive storms over the last few weeks. Irma left thousands with damage and without power. Texas and Louisiana are recovering from record floods after Hurricane Harvey. And western states have been fighting dozens of destructive wildfires.
As I write this, another hurricane is looming and remains a threat for the Eastern United States. Only time will tell whether we’ll need to prepare for another hit or it will spin off harmlessly into the Atlantic.
Truth is, none of us wants to go through a storm. Not just hurricanes, but storms in our finances, in our jobs and in our families. If only the days could be all sunshine and clear skies. Those are the kinds of days we pray for. And often the kinds of days we think we’re entitled to.
But storms are actually vital for us. God uses them not only to reveal himself but to shape us to become more like Christ.
It’s not just that storms teach. It’s that there are lessons we can only understand in a storm.
Lessons only storms teach us
1. Storms teach us real gratitude
It’s easy to be grateful when things in life are going well. When the bank account is full and the children are behaving. But even in difficulty we can find things to be grateful for. Stopping to look for God’s good hand and keep a daily gratitude list helps us see that God is at work all around us even when circumstances are hard. It’s while Paul was in prison that he wrote he’d “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
2. Storms teach us real joy
3. Storms teach us real peace
We’re apt to think peace is when the kids are in bed, the house is clean and quiet, and our favorite movie is on for the evening. But that’s not peace; that’s calm.
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Peace isn’t the absence of difficulty. It’s the presence of God.
This too, Paul found while in prison, writing: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s presence brings peace even when circumstances are storming around us.
4. Storms teach us real treasure
5. Storms teach us real strength
6. Storms teach us real faithfulness
7. Storm teach us about real home
None of us are immune from the storms of life. While we don’t know how or when they will hit, God has assured us they will come.
But just like hurricanes, we can prepare.
First, we need to ensure we’ve trusted our eternity to God.
Second, we can strengthen our faith through regular Bible study.
And finally, we can join with other believers in a solid church to help weather storms together.
*This post was first written by Lisa Appelo for iBelieve.com.
Good stuff Lisa. We are either in a storm, coming out of one or a new one is looming close by. Can’t avoid them or run from them but we can run through them and be victorious if Jesus is present with us.
This’s wonderful message and teaching.
It’s a Blessing to me and I shall use this as Teaching and Preaching material.
God bless you.
Beautifully said Christy❣ Thank you Lisa for reminding us that all things are possible with God.
Thanks Lisa for blessing me with these words from the Bible. Remain blessed.
It’s very practical teaching. I blessed by your sharing. Our God is always with us in all circumstances. Thank you . God bless you
Thank you Lisa, I used to think that the storms came as a result of my shortcoming but I understand it better today that is part of the process I have to go through in life. In order to become what God wants me to be.
Absolutely beautiful everything that you spoke was true thank you it’s amazing how God opens up my eyes and makes me see things to remind me that he’s always there for me I strongly believe that God does send messages to people as well and today I’ve read what I needed to thank you God bless you.
Am blessed and very encouraged about the storm, may God give me grace and strength to move on
God bless Lisa. It is truly amazing that our God is shaping and moulding us for what we’ll be going through on the other side of the storms of life.
God bless you and your family..
Lisa God bless you. I have to study the word over and over. You have fine tune my thinking of storms. I will preach on it in my youth gathering coming soon. Thank you.
Three storms (one of them a super-typhoon) just recently battered my country (Philippines)…this Sunday I will preach again online and my topic is about storms…looking for some ideas about it and i came across your article…will conclude my sermon with the seven points you shared (will acknowledge your name) …thank you so much and God richly bless you