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The Old Testament prophet Nahum declared, in Nahum 1:3, “The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm.” We all know about storms; they are a way of life, whether they are hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, typhoons, earthquakes, blizzards, etc. Storms seem to have little to no purpose other than to disrupt and trouble. Once the storm is past, we gather up what is left and move on.

Somebody said, “You are either in a storm, just coming out of a storm, or heading into one.” Remembering what Nahum said helps give us perspective: “God has His way in the storm.” There are different kinds of storms, and God can use storms in our lives.

First of all, there are directing storms. A storm my cause us to shift course. The path we were on has been altered by a storm. It may not be something we chose, but the storm and its effects dictated the change. Once you realize that God is working through the storm, you can welcome the change. God can direct us through storms. Somebody said, “Nothing reorders our priorities like trouble or storms.”

Next, there are detecting storms. Storms test your roots; they reveal how strong you are. Well-built structures weather storms better than flimsy structures. When we build anything, we have to plan for the storm. Jesus taught about building foundations in the gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 48-49. The wise person dug deep and built their house on a rock. The foolish person did not look for a rock, but chose sand as a building site. When the floods came, both houses were lashed by the storm, but only the house on the rock stood. Storms test us and prove us.

Then, there are developing storms. Storms can change our course, detect our strength, but more than anything, they help us grow stronger. Trees that grow in windswept areas grow into the wind. Seems counter-intuitive, but the safest place for ships on the sea is to head into the wind. Trees with the deepest roots are where conditions are the harshest.

We need to always be prepared for storms. We may not know what kind of storm is coming, but we can be ready. The best preparation for storms are provisions. We can overdo it, but prudently laying in provision is wise. It is wise to “hunker down” in a storm. The best place to be in the midst of any storm is a place of safety.

Finally, in any storm, there are the first responders, those who risk their wellbeing to help others. We can all be first responders in some way.

Share, help, give; this storm will pass. Hopefully, we will all be better for it if we allow God to use it in our lives.

 

Dan Puckett works with road team operations at Life Action Ministries in Buchanan, Michigan.