Storms are a normal factor of life. As humans, we encounter them physically, spiritually, medically, mentally, and even relationally. We often blame storms on Satan and His work, seeking to support the belief that God wants us to be comfortable in life. Recently however, God has been showing me that He is the storm.
Three types of storms in scripture
The Storm of Correction – Jonah 1:4-16
Jonah’s storm was to bring correction and consequence to Jonah for his direct disobedience. God was getting his attention. Jonah’s sin and subsequent storm affected the lives of the people around him. When the storm came, each sailor’s response was to do what he could in his own power. The natural man walks in the flesh: if you face storms without faith, your response will be to rely on your own capacity to solve the problem instead of resting in God to care for you (Matt 6:25-34). As adults, we’re expected to be responsible, it’s part of being an adult. But we are not primarily adults, we are first sons and daughters. Sons and daughters get to enjoy the capacity of our Heavenly Father to bear the responsibilities of life.
The Storm of Surprise – Matthew 14:22-33
The disciples storm on the sea of Galilee was completely unexpected and it came out of nowhere. Jesus, who walked across the water, was unfazed by the storm. He is our example. Our goal is to be like Jesus, to be so in tune with the Spirit of God that we traverse the storms of life unaffected by the waves. Of course, doing what Jesus did sounds great until you’re actually in a storm. For this reason, Peter serves as our realistic first step. He represents the opportunity for you to choose faith in this moment. The storm of surprise was created to grow Peter’s faith: for without the storm, Peter wouldn’t have stepped out of the boat.
The Avoidable Storm – Acts 27:10-11, 20-25, 33-38
Paul’s storm was intense. Stranded with 275 other individuals, the storm lasted over two weeks. The Bible records that they dropped all four anchors and were holding on just waiting for the sun, but it never came. Worse, Paul had predicted the storm. As a prisoner on his way to testify before Julius, he had told the centurion not to embark but his advice was ignored (Acts 27:10-11). Have you ever found yourself in a situation and thought, “I knew this was going to happen”? Paul’s storm was avoidable, and it was caused by negligence, pride, arrogance, and stubbornness. His storm, however, was not a death sentence; Paul’s storm also slowed him from reaching Rome. His storm was God’s protection. But even beyond that, Paul’s storm was an opportunity to show faith to unbelievers. Paul ministered in his storm.
Seventeen times in scripture we are told that our God is the God of the storm. Every storm we encounter is an opportunity for faith.
Three Yielding Prayers
Yield from Correction – Prayer of Repentance
Father, I am acknowledging my disobedience. I have chosen to go my own way, and the storm I face is a direct result of that decision. Lord, I do not want to wait for three more days, instead I repent now and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for the storm, thank you for getting my attention by whatever means necessary. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Sam 3:10). I commit to doing what you have asked me to do.
Yield when Surprised – A Prayer of Trust
Father, thank you for this opportunity to walk closer with you. I want to have more faith (Mark 9:24). I choose to accept the truth that you have seen everything and will be surprised by nothing (Psalm 127). I recognize that the more my eyes are fixed on you, the straighter and smoother my path will be ahead. Help me to step out of the boat today in faith of what you are doing in my storm.
Yield in an Avoidable Storm – A Prayer of Intercession
Father, please move in this difficult situation. Please bring forgiveness where it’s needed. I invite your wisdom in our path forward. Please make me a minister of peace, grace, and love in this storm so that all observing will see your amazing power and love.
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Isaiah 54:11-17 holds a promise for those going through storms:
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.