1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NIV)
"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them."
Storms. They are a guarantee in life. They will come. The question they present is usually "why" (or more often than not, "why me"), however the real question that should be asked is "what for". The greatest significance of storms is their ability to test our response to them. What will we do in the face of uncertainly and fear when we are stripped of our confidence and our faith is shaken?
When we encounter trials it is human nature to be led by our emotions whether it be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, unexpected health problems, financial issues, etc. Whatever it is we are forced to face, there is always an emotion that will rise up immediately to meet us. It can range from an explosion of anger, to a self-protective sense of disbelief, to a "bawling bag of ridiculousness" (as my mother and I have appropriately dubbed it in our odd sense of humor). In all these cases, and a vast many more that I have failed to include, logic is lost amidst a sea of melancholy and disillusionment.
To put flesh to my words, I can empathize with those who have experienced feelings of despair, hopelessness, resentment, bitterness, righteous (or sometimes not so righteous) anger, self-pity, depression, and rejection. However, I think worst of all is the sense of powerlessness that leaves one feeling utterly helpless and alone - the crippling effect that comes from a lack of control in our own life.
My mother, much to her humble objection, possesses an incredible amount of wisdom on the matter. She is a woman who has endured many storms and through both great struggle and God's grace has overcome them. I cannot put in to words how much I admire her faith and wish to imitate it. In turn she has given me the encouragement and practical counsel that inspires me to search for the treasure beyond the circumstances - the potential to grow if I will seek the Lord.
James 1:2-6 (NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
I can attest that storms in our lives are the most powerful tool God can use to draw us close to Him, if we allow them to. If our roots are shallow than how can one stand firm? It is only through faith that our roots will be buried deep so that we are able to withstand the assault of the tempest. If faith is not our response to the situation, it opens the door for other emotions to take hold instead. Bitterness may be the most poisonous of these, as it is like a weed with roots that extend to infect every area of our life. (Ever try to get rid of weeds? They are stubborn and hard to kill, especially if they have been left to grow far too long).
I once had a picture in my mind of a house on a beach - the kind built on stilts so that it's safe from the water. Although it appeared to be built on sand, when the winds came the sand was blown away to reveal a cemented foundation. God reminded me that although I was worried I would not have the strength to endure that particular storm (which felt like a category five hurricane) He gave me the assurance that I had been built on solid foundation (that is God) and I would not fall. (See Matthew 7:24-27).
Joshua 1:5 (NIV)
"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Never have I felt His presence more strongly than when I have cried out to Him in my most desperate of moments (and I've had my share to be sure). In saying that, there have also been times when I have felt as if He has abandoned me - as if His ears have been deaf to my loud cries. However, I have found this to be a convenient lie used to keep us from the truth. After all, if we only lived by what we felt, there would be no need for faith and if I have learned one thing it is that God is always faithful.
James 1:12 (NIV)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Our character is shaped by the way we chose to handle what life throws at us, come what may. I find my greatest reassurance comes from Mark 4:35-41. If the wind and waves obey Him then I need not be afraid. In saying that, I would be lying if I said it was easy to walk the narrow road of faith, however the only way we can stand victorious on the mountain top is to persevere through the valleys, trusting that God is good regardless of what we think or feel. Every storm I go through is another reminder that I am a "work in progress", but thankfully His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness.
When all is said and done, "I don't want to lose heart. I want to believe..."
- Robert the Bruce (Braveheart)
