Insights on Lessons in the Storms

Sometimes He calms the storm and other times he lets the storm rage and calms His child.

Every one of us has trials and adversity in our lives. I would venture that most, if not all, of us have at one time looked at the storm raging around us, feeling its destructive velocity, and wondered why the Lord seemed unaware or unaffected by our terror. I think a common thought in these circumstances would be the exact phrase the disciples voiced to Christ in the middle of the storm they were in that He was sleeping through, “Carest thou not that we perish?” Most of us recognize His incredible power and ability to change our circumstances. It would be so easy for the Master of Miracles to calm the storms of our lives! Then why doesn’t He?

Well, sometimes He does, but many times He chooses not. I don’t know all the reasons He does not, but I know in my own life that it is much easier to see His reasons in hindsight. When I look back on my biggest storms, the ones in which I plead desperately for relief, I can see how much learning and growing was done for me in these moments that seemed to stretch on for eternity when I was going through them. Sometimes there were lessons I needed to learn about me and about my relationship with God that could have been learned in no other way. Sometimes there were things others around me needed from these heavy sacrificial moments that I would have gladly given if I’d recognized the need at the time. Sometimes what felt like the worst things ever actually opened doors that led to the most amazing things.

I think the most important thing I have learned through my own un-calmed storms is that my perspective and understanding is so limited. God sees the bigger picture and what is going to be most beneficial to me in the long run, rather than what would bring me momentary relief and a sense of instant gratification. I am learning to have faith in Him, rather than faith in outcomes.

The other amazing thing I have learned from the storms in my life is that even when He often chooses not to calm the storm, He will ALWAYS calm me. He has an ability to help me find what I now call the eye of the storm. When I go to Him in prayer now, I rarely ask for Him to change my circumstances and rather I ask for peace in the moment. I have learned that even though I may have to go through the circumstances, I don’t have to go through them alone and I don’t have to go through them in anguish. I can find rest in Him. I can almost tangibly feel heavenly arms around me. Sometimes this comes as I am on my knees. Sometimes it comes when I am reading His word or listening to uplifting music. Sometimes it comes when I open my heart to a friend or family member and allow them to see my vulnerability and pain. The peace and the comfort come in many different forms, but they come. And I recognize the source as the Master who has the ability to calm the storm in me.