When storms of life come, and they indeed do, think about the things I’ve mentioned today in the Think About It section on trials and suffering. May it bless you today: For the purpose of this study, we are using storms and trials both literally and symbolically. Literally, Jesus controls the waves and storms and brings calm. Figuratively, any trials which come into our lives are anything but calm! However, since Christ is our source of peace, and the Father controls the waves and storms and permits them only for our good, they can be approached from the standpoint of faith as times of testing when God again proves faithful.
Charles Spurgeon writes: “May your whole life be so settled and established, that all the blasts of hell, and all the storms of earth shall never be able to remove you. But notice how this blessing of being “stablished in the faith” is gained. The apostle’s words point us to suffering as the means employed–“After that ye have suffered awhile.” It is of no use to hope that we shall be well rooted if no rough winds pass over us. Those old gnarlings on the root of the oak tree, and those strange twistings of the branches, all tell of the many storms that have swept over it, and they are also indicators of the depth into which the roots have forced their way. So the Christian is made strong, and firmly rooted by all the trials and storms of life. Shrink not then from the tempestuous winds of trial, but take comfort, believing that by their rough discipline God is fulfilling this benediction to you.”
Trials can take on many identities. Most common are illness, financial difficulties, persecution, loss of hope, misunderstandings, and times of grief. God did not promise us constant happiness. Actually, His Word says that when we face difficulties and turn to Him, we become stronger in character, and are more able to help those in similar circumstances by the assurance that He has provided the strength we needed to face the crisis.
May we find the strength and courage it takes to share our situations to others, first giving them a chance to bless us when we most need it, and finally, as testimony to the healing power of the Cross. When difficulties come, we are advised by the Cloud of Witnesses who have come before us and those who stand with us, that filling ourselves with the Word of God, praying unceasingly, and leaning on the Lord are the correct prescriptions for dealing with trials and suffering whenever they come.
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