RIDING OUT THE STORMS OF LIFE

“There are storms of this life still to be met, so get behind Christ by following him in the path of duty. If you never go anywhere but where Christ leads the way, you need not be afraid of storms, for they will beat upon him more than upon you.” – Charles Spurgeon.

Quantum Leap is a TV series where a physicist takes journeys back in time. Each week, we find Ben in a different time and a different place. Suppose you could travel back to Biblical times what scene would you want to see? Would it be the parting of the Red Sea? Or David and Goliath? To Bethlehem or a front-row seat at the sermon at the mount? Or would you choose to see Jesus still the storm?

There you would be, standing alongside the disciples when they woke Jesus and said, “ …Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown” (Mark 4:38)? Then you would stand in awe when Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still! “The wind stopped and there was great calm (Mark 4:39-40). We would walk away with a different perspective on storms. We will face storms. When storms rage around us, and every wave leaves us gasping for air, what do we do? What do we believe about Jesus? Do we believe that He’s sleeping, inattentive, disinterested? Are we left wondering if He has the power or wants to change things?

Maybe today, you are in the middle of a massive storm. The difficulties on your plate are too much—too hard to handle on your own. Jesus can turn the darkest moment around in a way you thought couldn’t be done. He wants to take care of our problems—but we must rely on Him. That’s what faith is all about. It does not mean you won’t face another storm. It means you now have someone on board your boat who takes care of the winds and waves no matter how many storms you encounter. Jesus brings peace and calm to the struggles you face.

So, what storm are you going through in life? What is it that’s giving you a difficult time right now? What is it that is bringing you pain, heartache, suffering, and disappointment?

Hebrews 6:18 encourages us to seize or take hold of the hope God has set before us, to grab it and not let it go. Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”

Without an anchor to keep us steady, when the storms of life hit, our souls – our minds, will, and emotions – will be tossed in the wind and rain. Hope in God, and His promises is the anchor that keeps us steady regardless of what circumstances we might be facing. Maybe you are in a storm that has lasted so long you’ve given up hope of anything being different. Grab the promise in Psalm 30:5, and don’t let it go. “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Discussion Questions:

What is the purpose of the “life storms” we experience? How have you reacted to the “life storms” you’ve experienced?
How has God proven himself faithful to you during a difficult time? What does having faith look like in your life?
What practical things can we do to help us face future “life storms” more confidently?