Biblical Encouragement After a Storm

Storms are all around us. Sometimes they are literal and sometimes they are figurative. Either way they can be scary and often tragic. How do we handle these storms and not lose faith and hope in God? The Bible has much to say about this, but I will just share a few highlights. I’d also encourage you to look up the verses that I didn’t write in full.

1. We must remember that Jesus Himself told us that “in this world, you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Tribulation can come in many different forms, but it is essentially some form of suffering. Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life, but He did say that He “would never leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, He will be with us in the struggle.

2. Struggles are not bad or wrong, in fact quite the opposite. The Bibles declares such promises as these:

 “All things will work together for good for those that love God”   

Romans 8:28  

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

James 1:2-4  

“We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 

Romans 5:3-5  

This means that God can use these events in our lives to grow us, strengthen us and transform our lives in meaningful ways. That should encourage us no matter what we are going through. I for one can say sincerely that some of the greatest blessings I’ve ever had have come out of some of the greatest tragedies I’ve ever went through. I willing to bet that you can say the same.

Now, given all this some might be tempted to believe that God GIVES us “storms” to produce these kinds of positive changes in us.  That is actually not Biblically correct.  The Bible is quite clear that all things that cause destruction are a result of satan (John 10:10) and ultimately our own sin (Genesis 3, Romans 2:5-6, Deuteronomy 28:15-68).  Jesus even rebuked a storm in Mark chapter 4 and caused it to die down.  He would have never done that if storms were the will of God.    What He does do though is He takes what was meant for evil and uses it for our good (Genesis 50:20). Thank God for that!

3. God will provide for those who are being led by Him. He tells us over and over to not worry but to simply have faith that all the things we need will be provided for us along the way. (Philippian’s 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34).

4. God will give us not just what we need to meet our physical needs, but also our mental/emotional needs. Peace, joy, wisdom, strength, patience and whatever else we need. (Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:4-7, Isaiah 26:3, James 1:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

With all this in mind, can you see how it just makes sense to praise Him in the midst of the “storms” of life? Me too! Hallelujah!

Love and blessings!

Chris