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TRUSTING GOD INTHE STORMS OF LIFE

I remember it like it was yesterday. My husband and I attended a college bowl game at the AT&T stadium in Dallas, Fort Worth. We were fast asleep after a long day of festivities when the phone rang out, breaking the silence in the room. My sister’s shaky tear-filled voice told me something was wrong. The news she delivered of my brother’s passing cut like a knife, for as much as we had enjoyed a celebratory day, our joy turned to mourning in hours.

Life is filled with storms that sweep through unexpectedly, shaking the very foundations of our existence. These storms come in various forms—financial struggles, health crises, broken relationships, or overwhelming situations that leave us helpless. They catch us off guard, leaving us wondering why we face such challenges. However, as followers of Christ, we are not exempt from life’s storms.

Jesus Himself told us that in this world, we would face trouble (John 16:33). Storms are not an indication of God’s absence or lack of care but rather an opportunity for growth, strengthening our faith, and deepening our reliance on Him.

Understanding the nature of Storms

During storms, it’s common to experience fear, doubt, and worry. These emotions can threaten to overpower our faith and paralyze us from moving forward. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to counter these emotions with the truth found in God’s Word. The Bible reassures us not to fear, for God is with us (Isaiah 41:10). It teaches us to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). In moments of doubt, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). By anchoring our hearts and minds in the truth of Scripture, we can find strength and peace, knowing that God is in control and will carry us through every storm.

One of the most powerful biblical examples of understanding the nature of storms is the story of Jesus calming the storm Mark 4:35-40. In this account, Jesus and His disciples set sail across the Sea of Galilee when suddenly a fierce storm arises. The waves crash against the boat, and the disciples are filled with fear and panic. Yet, Jesus remains calm and undisturbed, asleep in the stern. When the disciples wake Him, He rebukes the wind and says to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Instantly, the storm subsides, leaving the disciples in awe of His power and authority over nature. This story reminds us that even amid life’s storms, Jesus is with us. He can calm the raging storms within us and around us if we place our trust in Him.

The Foundation of Trust: God’s Character and Promises

During life’s storms, we can find solace in knowing that God is sovereign over all things. He holds the universe in His hands and orchestrates every detail according to His perfect plan. His faithfulness throughout history reminds us that He can be trusted in every situation. Our Heavenly Father’s love for us is immeasurable, extending beyond our comprehension. He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles; He walks alongside us, offering comfort, guidance, and strength. When we build our trust on the firm foundation of God’s character—His sovereignty, faithfulness, and love—we can confidently face the storms.

Abraham, the father of faith, teaches us about unwavering trust in God’s promises. In Genesis 15:6, God promises Abraham that he will have descendants as numerous as the stars, even though he and his wife, Sarah, were advanced in age and childless. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, Abraham believed God’s promise. His trust was not based on human reasoning but on the unchanging nature of God’s faithfulness. This story teaches us that even when we can’t see the way forward, we can trust God, who makes the impossible possible. Just as Abraham’s trust in God’s promise was counted as righteousness, our faith in God’s promises can lead us to experience His abundant blessings.

When we find ourselves in the midst of life’s storms, it is essential to anchor our souls in the truth of God’s promises and character. Take time to reflect on His faithfulness throughout your life and the stories of those who have gone before us. Meditate on verses that declare His sovereignty, love, and provision. Remind yourself that God is with you, that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). As you immerse yourself in the truth of His Word, you’ll find your trust in Him deepening. Your faith will be strengthened, and you will discover that even in the darkest storms, there is a glimmer of hope and a hand reaching out to guide you.

Cultivating trust in God

Cultivating trust in God begins with seeking Him in our daily lives. Through prayer, worship, and engaging with His Word, we open ourselves to experiencing His presence and hearing His voice. Prayer allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father, pouring out our hearts and concerns to Him. Worship helps us to focus our minds and hearts on God’s greatness, reminding us of His faithfulness and love. And diving into His Word reveals His character, His promises, and His guidance for our lives. When we intentionally seek God through these practices, we create space for Him to speak to us and deepen our trust in Him.

As a young First Class Petty Officer in the Navy and mom to a five-year-old, I was in a difficult situation many years ago. I received orders that would take us far away from the support system I had in place. There were no family or friends to lean on, no set childcare, and my job required me to work twelve-hour shifts. I remember what a stressful time it was, but what stands out to me the most is my father telling me the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Sure enough, as I began to read God’s word and focus on him, not what I could do but what God would do, I started feeling relief. When my son and I arrived at my new duty station, things began to fall into place. God gave me favor as I was placed in officer housing while enlisted; the same week we moved in, I met a lovely, bubbly woman with a big heart who offered to babysit my son. God met every need I had because I placed my trust in him.

As you cultivate trust in God, I want to encourage you to deepen your relationship with Him. Make time each day to seek His presence, whether it’s through prayer, worship, or studying His Word. Allow Him to speak into your life and guide your steps. Find ways to involve Him in your decision-making and seek His wisdom continuously. Share your hopes, fears, and dreams with Him, trusting He cares about every detail. The more you draw near to Him, the more you experience His love, faithfulness, and peace. Let your relationship with God become the bedrock of your trust, knowing He is a constant source of strength and guidance.

Overcoming fear and finding peace in God’s presence

One of the critical steps to overcoming fear and finding peace in God’s presence is surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him. It’s natural to experience fear and worry in life, but we don’t have to let them control us. Instead, we can release our fears to God, trusting He is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives. Surrendering our worries means acknowledging our limitations and placing our confidence in God’s unlimited power and wisdom. When we entrust our fears to Him, we make room for His peace to flood our hearts and minds, bringing a sense of calm amidst the storms of life.

The story of Peter stepping out of the boat in faith is a powerful biblical example of overcoming fear and finding peace in God’s presence (Matthew 14:22-33). As the disciples battled a storm on the Sea of Galilee, they saw Jesus walking on water toward them. Amid their fear and doubt, Peter took a bold step of faith and asked Jesus to command him to come out on the water. As Peter stepped out of the boat, he experienced the miraculous power of God holding him up. However, when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the raging waves, fear overwhelmed him, and he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and saved him, gently rebuking him for his little faith. This story teaches us the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, even in the face of fear. When we trust in His presence and power, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.

The peace that surpasses all understanding is a gift God offers us as we place our trust in Him. It is a peace that goes beyond our circumstances, beyond human comprehension. This peace doesn’t depend on external factors or temporary fixes but is rooted in our relationship with God. When we trust in His sovereignty, love, and promises, we can experience a deep sense of peace, even amid life’s storms.

This peace guards our hearts and minds, bringing comfort, assurance, and steadfastness that enables us to face any challenge that comes our way. As we cultivate a trust-filled relationship with God, His peace becomes our anchor, grounding us in His presence and enabling us to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and serenity.

Learning from Biblical examples 

Joseph’s Genesis 39-41 story exemplifies unwavering trust in God during adversity. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later unjustly imprisoned, Joseph never lost faith in God’s plan. He remained steadfast and obedient, using the gifts and abilities God had given him to serve faithfully wherever he found himself. In due time, God elevated Joseph from the pit to the palace, using him to save Egypt and his family during a severe famine. Joseph’s story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem hopeless. From Joseph’s example, we can learn to use our gifts and remain faithful to God’s calling, knowing He can turn any situation around for His glory and our ultimate good.

Daniel’s unwavering faith in the face of persecution also inspires us today. Daniel was a man of unwavering conviction and deep trust in God. Despite being thrown into the lion’s den due to his faithfulness to God, he remained steadfast and continued to pray and trust the Lord. God protected Daniel from harm, shutting the mouths of the lions. Daniel’s story demonstrates the power of unwavering faith and trust in God, even when faced with life-threatening situations. We can draw strength from Daniel’s example to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is always with us and will never forsake us. In times of persecution or opposition, we can trust His divine protection and provision.

As we delve into these examples of trusting God in storms, we can draw valuable lessons and apply them to our lives. We learn that trusting God is not merely a passive act but an active choice to rely on His strength, wisdom, and guidance. Just as Joseph used his God-given talents and remained faithful, we are called to utilize our gifts and talents for God’s purposes, even amid challenging circumstances. We can learn from Daniel’s unwavering faith to stand firm in our convictions, even when facing opposition or persecution. By studying and meditating on these stories, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and provision during life’s storms.

In conclusion, trusting God in the storms of life is not always easy, but it is worth it. I encourage you to trust God in every storm you face. Hold on to your faith, knowing He is with you, working all things together for your good. Remember that He is faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. Take comfort in the assurance that His plans for you are good and His love for you is unending. Trust that He is able to calm the storms within you and provide a way forward.

Our prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before you, grateful for your faithfulness and love. We ask for strength and courage to trust you wholeheartedly in the storms of life. Fill our hearts with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Guide our steps and grant us wisdom as we navigate our challenges. Please help us to hold on to our faith, even when it feels shaky. May we find solace and hope in your promises, knowing that you are in control. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

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