Hope in the Storm

My family and I have been glued to the television and our smart phones watching as hurricane Harvey bore down on Houston and the surrounding area.  Historic amounts of rain came pouring down; howling winds ripped roofs off of houses, while hundreds of people and animals were displaced as the flood waters rose.  Then in the aftermath comes the survey, inspection and calculation of collateral damage.  It is heartbreaking to see all the destruction and loss. I cannot wrap my mind around the enormity of it all.

One woman among the thousands tearfully said, “I’m grateful my whole family is alive and safe. But we’ve lost our home, we have nowhere to go.”

Often the trials and troubles that come our way are compared to a storm. Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a “storm” of life?   Sometimes you can hear or see warnings that trouble is near and take some precautions.  Other times, a storm hits you  without any real warning and you find yourself unprepared and trying to keep your head afloat. When that happens, where do you go? What do you hold on to?

People sometimes question God’s goodness when tragedy strikes. The Bible never said that life would be easy and carefree. The fact is we live in a broken world and He does allow bad circumstances to happen. But God’s word tells us that He is always good and will never leave us alone in our storms. He also promises that they can be used for good.

I have learned through the various “storms” of my life that God is in control.  Having HOPE, means all is not lost….life will go on and it will be okay – maybe different and not necessarily easy but Okay.  When an anchor is working it cannot be seen. God is always at work and my trust in Him keeps me from crashing or drifting away. Christ goes before the Father on my behalf,  and gives me peace, strength and direction to deal with whatever lies before me.

After all of Jobs’ suffering and loss plus the accusations from his friends, God finally answers. Job says that he has heard and seen God.  Dr Charles Ryrie states, “God reveals Himself in those storms. Unmerited tragedy helps us see God, which is unmerited grace.” Being able to evaluate things through the eyes of faith to see what is truly important builds character.

Have you recently been through some rough seas? Take a look back and ask yourself these questions. 1) Where did I see God’s hand at work?  2) How and what did God provide through this circumstance?  3) What have I learned about God or myself ?          4) What can I change or do better?

If you are going through some difficult circumstances right now, reach out and hold tight in faith to the One Who will never let go. There are so many wonderful songs about God’s love and faithfulness. To encourage you,I want to share the words from the last verse and chorus of:

 “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by the Ball Brothers

                                    He has a reason for each trial                                      

That we pass through in life

And though we’re shaken

We cannot be pulled apart from Christ

No matter how the driving rain beats down

On those who hold to faith

A heart of trust will always

Be a quiet peaceful place.

 

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whispered peace be still

He can settle any sea

But it doesn’t mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the wind and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child.