When God Doesn't Calm the Storm

We prepared. We prayed. We waited. Watched the wind. We had faith that God would save us. We expected Him to protect us and save the day.

And then the storm hit. Devastating our communities. Taking lives and properties. Ripping us away from our homes. We are left closing our eyes and praying the nightmare will end soon. How could this happen?

Whether or not you are dealing with this devastation directly, we are all hurting, and hurting for each other. Some of us may feel helpless and defeated. I can’t begin to imagine what some people are going through at this time. And more than physical damage, the storm has caused damage to our hearts. We may feel numb, like we are holding on trying to make sense of this. It may be revealed holes in our emotional or spiritual ships. We may not know what to pray, or how to go on.

“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

These times are hard, but it is moments like these that test our faith. How are we supposed to stay in the ship? How are we supposed to continue to believe? We must remember that just because God didn’t calm the storm doesn’t mean He wasn’t there. He gave us His word that He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Just because the storm raged doesn’t mean God is not in control. He is still sovereign. In the midst of this turmoil, we have two choices. We can jump ship, lose hope and turn away from God, or we can turn to Him and His Word. This is an opportunity for each of us to reflect, lean in to God, and ask Him to reveal His will. Remember, the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). You see, when the wind is blowing the strongest, that is when He is the closest. When our faith is challenged, that is when we can trust Him to be right beside us. Where is God calling you? What is He asking of you? If He asked you to board His ship in the storm, would you go?

The fact is, we know that storms of life will keep on coming. But the question is, who will we listen to when we cannot see through the storm? Ask God to help you keep a laser focus on Him. Ask Him to guide your ship. We cannot control a natural disaster. But we can control where we are headed in the storm. Other methods of coping are only going to create more storms in our lives. God remains our way, our truth and our life (John 14:6).

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

It’s hard for us to understand the “why,” but it’s okay to talk to Him about what is on your heart. So ask Him those questions if that is what you are feeling. I like to think that sometimes God is protecting us by keeping us in the dark. It's as if the hands that cover our eyes from knowing the “why” are the same hands who hold us and walk with us as we move forward. He asks us to trust that He knows what is best for us.

Remember that hopelessness and discouragement are not of God. Rather, take this chance to abide in His love and experience His presence. Stay in the present. Look at the silver linings around you. Count your blessings. Love your neighbor. Hold on to faith. He is still faithful. He is your anchor, whether or not the sails of your ship are torn. And He is always and forever our shelter in the midst of a storm.

Lord, increase our faith (Luke 17:5). We rest our faith in your power (1 Corinthians 2:5), and we trust that you make all things work for good (Romans 8:28). You are our Father, and we believe You are still good. We take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and hold tight to Your Word and Your promise. Amen.