Life’s troubles and challenges may sometimes sweep over us so suddenly like a storm. And most of the time it takes us by surprise when we are most vulnerable and not prepared. Some sees the formation of little storms but to them it is insignificant because of its size but it will soon be so large it overwhelms us and covers the whole sky above us.Let’s admit it, we do not like storms. We know that physical storms causes massive damages to buildings and in the sea, it destroys ships and vessels and tears them apart if the ship is not strong enough. We pray for all kinds of good things to happen to us but how often do we pray and allow God to create storms in our lives.
Is it necessary?
Storms are God’s way of equipping us for greater challenges. A ship that is presumed to be strong can only be tested when the storm comes. And when the storm comes, she will know her true strength and only then will she make herself stronger. When no storms come, the ship will remain as it is, thinking that she is strong.
Take a look at the mighty oak tree. When God wants an oak tree, He will plant it where storms will shake it and where heavy rain will pour down on it. It is only in the midnight battle with the powerful elements that the oak tree develops its rugged fiber and becomes the king of the forest. Through the storms and rains, it beats itself to stand under such pressure. In the storm, the tree pushes itself to plant its root deeper into the ground to gain more strength and stability. The storms and rain will then form and shape the mighty oak tree.
When a storm sweeps over an area, it destroys all the things that are weak and useless. The storm reveals both the weakness and also the strength. The things that survive the storm have then proven its strength. The storm cleanses.
When God wants to make a person, He places him into storms. It is in the storm that he gets beaten and brought down and it is in the storm where he learns to stand up under it and to overcome the element. It is in the storm that his weakness is made known to him. It is when the storm is too overwhelming that he will learn to cry out to God and say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own. I need You!” and it is in the storm where he feels the warmth of God’s embrace. It is in the storm that he looks up to see God’s hand creating a shelter for him. It is in the storm where he learns to trust in God and to rely on God. It is in the storm that he is shaped.
It is through the storm that he comes out strong, mighty and powerful.
Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take, when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered a little while, God will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm,
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Click here to hear this beautiful song entitled Still.
*The pictures in this post were not taken by me. I grabbed them from Google.
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