Storms

     Often times we get angry at life or angry at God because of the situations in life that cause pain or frustration. Many of us go through the storms of life without ever considering that this storm was purposfully brought about or allowed by God.  Have you ever considered the possibility that the pain you are going through, you are going through for a reason?  We sometimes find ourselves in the corner in a fetal positioin just trying to survive the storm and hoping that it ends soon.  After we have finally weathered the horrible storm that was so incredably painful, we go back to life as usual hoping that the next storm that comes will wait a while and that it will not be as bad as the previous storm.

     What if it were different? What if you thought and believed differently? What if you/we believed all the things that we say we believe about God?  You know, all that about "He's Got the Whooooole World in His Hands."  We sang these songs as children but they have become dinosaur bones that hide in our history closet or fond memory drawer with no real skin or meat.  What if you truly believed that God had perfectly planned and meticulously organized the events that surrounded you, whether you thought that they were good or bad, for your good and for His glory?  What if you believed that the pain that you were experiencing at this very moment would work out in the end to be COMPLETELY worth it?  Would it change the way you "survived;" would it changed the way you felt; would it change the way you carried on life?  Would it change everything.

     I contend that none of us, myself included, believe like we should but that we all need to go deeper.  If we believed the things that we claim to believe it would change everything about our lives to the degree that everyone would notice and even call you crazy.  Imagine if you really believed that God was your security, would you spend more money on those in need? Imagine if you really believed that God was your acceptance, would you share the gospel of Christ even if those around you thought you were crazy? Imagine if you really believed that all your righteousness was as filthy rags, would you look differently at "dirty sinners" that came to your church?  We feel good about sending or giving money to a problem, but what if we truly believed that Jesus, who is the perfect God, emptied Himself to come to this disgusting place full of sin and hate for us, we would not only give our money but our hands, bodies, minds, hearts and everything else.  We would go.

     You say, what does that have to do with this storm? I'll tell you.  I feel your pain and I am not happy that you have to suffer at this moment and neither is God, but you must see this as an opportunity to be led, shaped, and grown by the one true God. He does not make mistakes, and He is never surprised.  Do not let this storm pass you by without using it to press farther into and understand God and His purpose for you. If you are going to suffer and go through pain, use it.  Use it to believe harder and better. Use it to become more powerful in your ministry and life by being more like Jesus.  This storm is the iron that God is using to sharpen your sword so that you can make war on Satan and sin.  This storm is the chisel that God is using to mold you into who He wants you to be for Him.

     God is looking to make you a mighty warrior for the kingdom of God, a seasoned veteran that has truly lived life and can now lead others in life.  He is looking to give you freedom and victory over the world.  Storms give us better perspective and teach us more about ourselves than virtually anything else.  You will learn where you are weak, where you are strong, where you doubt, what you care too much about.  You will learn that you are weak and He is strong.  Will you ignore what you have learned through this storm and keep trying to pretend that you are the strong one that has it all figured out, or will you fall on your face and trust God in His strength?  Strength is found in Christ alone; the sooner we realize and live in this truth, the sooner we live in strength.

     Your storm is purposeful; it has a reason.  It will make you or break you depending on what you believe.  Believe in Christ and trust Him and this storm will produce great strength and wisdom.  In the book of Ruth, Naomi went through a tremendous storm. She lost her husband and her two sons.  She lost nearly everything that was of any value or importance to her, but if her storm would not have happened she wouldn't have moved back to Judah with Ruth, her daughter-in-law.  If Ruth would not have moved back with Naomi then she would have never met Boaz. If she would have never met Boaz then Jesus would not have been born.  Naomi went through a horrible storm, but out of her storm came the birth of The Son of God and the salvation of the World.  The Son always shines brightest after the rain.  Suffer well friend; suffer well and to God be the Glory!