The Storms of Life

Last week we had some stormy weather here in NC, and I love crazy weather. I went out one night and started to photograph the storm. I spent about an hour outside watching and taking pictures as I saw two separate storms collide and turn into a giant one. From where I was I could see the rain coming down, the flashes of lightning, if the storm was getting stronger or weaker, and when it was over for a certain area. I was out in nature by myself and that is one of my favorite places to be to hear from God. I realized something as I stood out there that night: it wasn’t raining where I was, it was almost clear above me. The storms that I saw were about 30-40 miles away pouring down on another town. I had an outside perspective from the people who were enduring a storm… just like God does. I didn’t have control over the storm and I couldn’t help the people who were in the storm from where I was. All I could do was see from a distance. That night I was reminded that God can do all 3 during a storm (have an outside perspective, control the storm, and help the people) and He’s the only one that can.

Right now it seems as if I, along with the whole world, are going through a disastrous storm, but I tend to forget that I’m not going through it alone. Recently, I have been struggling with fear, especially at a time when there is so much scary stuff going on. God used that night, out in the middle of a field, to remind me of who is really in control. I may be surprised, fearful, and concerned but God isn’t. He is in control and there is nothing that can deter God’s will. Sometimes He will even send people into our lives to speak His truth to us, or simply support us through those difficult times. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” No matter what happens, whether I think it is good or bad, it will not be against God’s will.

During the storms of life, I tend to get so overwhelmed by the strength and the storm that I forget God’s power in the midst of it. I can find peace in God, knowing that He is more powerful than me and the storm that I am going through. I can be still and meditate on God and His truth. Trusting that God is watching from the outside of the storm, and even when it feels like there are two storms beating down at once, I can know that He is there with me. Just like I was there that night watching the storms. We pray that as you battle the storms of life you are reminded of how powerful God truly is. We hope that you are able to be still and find Him in the midst of it. We may not know how the storm is going to end or when it will, but we have one truth through it. No matter what the world tells us or what we are going through, God is there protecting us and watching over us.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” ~Philippians 4:6-7