Recently these words by Chuck Swindoll crossed my path a few times:
“When I ask people when they really grew spiritually, they never describe an easy time. Never.”
For each of us, some life storms may very well be God-appointed storms.
“The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
(Nahum 1:3, NKJV)
The one thing life storms have in common is that God was the One in control of each of these storms.
“But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.”
(Psalm 115:3, NKJV)
These storms of life have a way of changing the course of our lives, often bringing us back to what is important.
“When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you,
in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God
and listen to His voice.“
(Deuteronomy 4:30, NASB)
It’s interesting to think the storms of life serve deeper purposes than we oft times realize. We would do anything to avoid pain and difficulties.
Chuck Swindoll makes this observation:
“Two things should comfort us in the midst of daily lightening and thunder and rain and wind. First, these squalls surge across everyone’s horizon … Second, we all need them. God has no other method more effective. The massive blows and shattering blasts (not to mention the little, constant irritations) smooth us, humble us, and compel us to submit to His script and His chosen role for our lives.”
(from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, page 133)
Somehow the big storms, and the little irritations, brought on by God in life serve the purpose of changing us, of growing us up in Christ. The lessons stick and carry us for the rest of our lives.
“Your way was in the sea and Your paths in the mighty waters,
and Your footprints may not be known.
You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
(Psalm 77:19, NASB)
When we are trying to get our from under the storms of life, most times we do not see His footprints leading the way. Not every storm is detrimental, some are for our benefit.
One thing we can be certain of:
When we trust Him in the storm,
He will lead us through and
work His perfect will in our lives.
Reflection:
How do you keep your focus maintained on the Lord when in the midst of a life storm?
Photo by Shashank Sahay on Unsplash
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