We have now entered that time of the year when it seems like we have a thunderstorm every afternoon. After last summer’s drought, even if it is stormy, the rains are so welcomed.

I think back to years ago when I was a little girl. Anytime a storm would come up, my mom would have us unplug everything and stay away from the windows. If it was an intense storm with wind and lightening, she would have us move into the hall and close both doors entering the hallway. She had told me that, when I was very young, she had seen a funnel cloud near our house, and it was really frightening. I think that may have been why she was very cautious during storms while we were growing up. Up through my early twenties, I was cautious too during storms.

Fast forward to now, I do not give the storms much thought unless there is a tornado warning or flash flood warning. I do not unplug things, and I actually like to sit by the window to watch the rain and the beauty and the power of the storm.

Life’s storms can be pretty scary. As much as we would like to, we cannot dig a hole and crawl into it and hide. We have to face the storms head on, to try to find peace to endure them. We can find that peace only by trusting the Creator of the storm, the One who made us and who made all creation.

1. God has a purpose for the storm. Just like storms in nature serve a purpose, God always has a purpose for allowing the storms in our lives. They are for our good and for His glory. “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
2. The Holy Spirit prays for us in the storm. When we are too sick, too scared, too tired, too overwhelmed, and we cannot pray, the Bible says the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” Romans 8:26
3. Jesus is present during the storm. We are never alone in the storm. Exodus 33:14 says, “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
4. God provides us peace through the storm. Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
5. God’s power will deliver us from the storm. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Cry out to God in the storm. His grace and power are more than sufficient to help us in our hour of need. “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20

Dear Lord: Thank You for the rain on our land and in our lives. Even though the storm clouds can be frightening, the rain brings new growth that we need. Your Son Jesus endured the storms of life to die on a cross for our sins. The least we can do is endure a little rain. You are in control. Help us to trust You through the storms because You have never once let us down and You never will. Hold us close and help us to withstand whatever comes. You are our shelter and our peace. Please be with those enduring storms right now that are reading this blog. Please bless them and touch them and their situation, and bring them peace today. Amen

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Have you faced lots of storms in your life? Are you in the middle of a storm right now? You are not alone. God is there. Please share your experiences, thoughts and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. May God protect you through the storms of this life and shower you with His peace and grace.