07/12/2022
Are we in the midst of a storm right now, and if so is it physical, spiritual, or a combination of the two? Sometimes we find ourselves physically challenged but our faith allows us to weather that challenge rather easily, sometimes we are tempted by the dark one in such a way that our spirit is directly under attack, but on occasion we face exceptionally violent storms when the physical things that we hold dear come under such horrific attack, that these storms shake us to our spiritual core, and loosen their roots. It is the latter two storms that Job faced which brought him such pain, and suffering, that he was nearly devastated, but once the wind had died, and the hail no longer pummeled him, he found that not only had his faith triumphed, but that it had grown, been purified, and was strengthened beyond belief. Are we being refined in our storms? In the end will our faith shine like gold?
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
Job 23:10 ESV
When storms race across the plains of our lives, or others come upon us unseen as they appear from just beyond a mountain peek, are we prepared to face them? When, we see a distant thunderstorm coming, and we know it will bring suffering with it which will be long lived, or which will end in a lingering death, or our being crippled, is our faith, ready to endure the months and years of relentless attack that we know lies ahead? Or, when a storm comes on us suddenly, and without warning with an intensity rarely seen, like an automobile accident, or the sudden death of a loved one, are we prepared to retreat to our place of safety and call on the Lord as we ride out the roaring winds of pain, mourning, and the quaking of our soul? Will we lose our faith, or will it endure the storm?
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37 ESV
In scripture we read of many trials and tribulations. Job suffered incredible illness, and lost his entire family; Sampson was blinded; there was drought and famine that took untold lives, and beatings of horrific proportion. Jesus himself suffer pain and suffering that would do more than shake the faith of us as saints. Our faith faces incredible challenges but the love of Christ remains…
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.””
Romans 8:35-36 ESV
What are we facing in our lives today that we don’t find a model for in scripture? What is the storm we are facing that is new, or that has never been seen before? All of these biblical stories, and accounts of fear, suffering, and hardship, should serve to strengthen us, and to prepare us for our own storms. The faith, prayers, obedience, and long suffering of Jesus, the doubt of Thomas, the denial of Peter, the betrayal of Joseph’s brothers, the return of the prodigal son, and so many other examples of enduring faith, and how God meets us in the midst of every storm. Are we prepared to meet Him in our faith? Are our prayers being raised up as we huddle together in storm shelters all around the world? Is God’s Word in our hands, our minds, and stirring the depths of our hearts?
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.”
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 ESV
So we face the easy challenges and overcome them, but then come the terrible storms… are we ready? Are we preparing ourselves to ride out the storms that seem to last forever? And, is our shelter fully hardened with prayer, righteousness, faithfulness, and all those things we need from God, to weather the sudden intensity of tornados, and severe storms that come suddenly?
“‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”
Jeremiah 32:17 ESV
So, we find that the storms and trials in our daily lives strengthen us in faith… are we ready to walk through them with our God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for walking with us in the midst of our storms, and for strengthening our relationship with you through these shared moments of spiritual suffering, and prayer. Help us to remain confident, patient, and faithful as we turn to you for deliverance. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sees us through every storm. Praised be your name for the warm summer rains in which we prepare ourselves for the coming storms. Praised be your name for the fierce winds, and the booming thunder that precede the storms, and for the steady rain of living water that follows. You are merciful Lord, and bring the soothing rain to temper and cool the blazing metal of our faith. Wash us clean in this, the blood of Christ, and make us stronger, and our faith more pure with each trial we face. Transform us into the image of Jesus as we endure our trials and tribulations. Judge us in this way, not by our works, but by your grace that flows through Christ.
Rich Forbes