We have witnessed some horrific storms over the past year. Hurricanes hitting both on the coastline and inland, causing massive flooding and mudslides. Tornadoes ripping up large swaths of land throughout the South and Midwest. Most recently, we have been witnessing the devastation of wildfires in California. There is no limit to the amount of storms and trials each of us witness during our lives.
Anyone who has lived for any amount of time knows that in life, storms will surely come. Often out of nowhere, we face an unexpected job loss, a grim diagnosis, the painful passing of a loved one, or the sorrow of goodbyes. The sudden deaths of my brother and, more recently, several friends have dramatically affected my life, making me realize my mortality. How will I handle the next storm or trial?
Like the disciples caught in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we can feel overwhelmed by these trials, as if our boat were sinking. The storms of life are never a matter of “if” a storm will come, but “when” it will come. In the book of Mark (Mark 4:35-5:1) we read about a terrible storm at sea. The disciples were with Jesus on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a storm arose, the disciples (most, seasoned fishermen) were afraid for their very lives. Did God not care about them? These were handpicked by Jesus and closest to Him, yet they were afraid. Why were they having to go through this?
No one, not one, is exempt from storms and trials in life. Just as the disciples came to revere Christ more after the storm, the trials we face can bring us to a deeper knowledge of God. We can learn so much through trials, especially that no storm is big enough to prevent God from accomplishing His will in and through us. Rest assured, we can gain comfort knowing we will get through the trial, through the person of comfort (Jesus), through the purpose of comfort (God’s purpose and plan), through the promise of comfort from God.
It’s important to concentrate on the practical ways we can make it through the storms and trials in life, by focusing on truth, remembering God’s faithfulness, and inviting others to pray for you. While we may not understand why God allows trials in our lives, we can trust that through them, we can come to know who He is.
“You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of our faith … may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The storms of life prove the strength of our anchor. Where is your anchor?
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Contact Debby at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: Jesus, purpose and calling, Texas weather
