He Is Faithful in the Storm

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Rain poured and thunder clapped! A dense fog stood between me and the road, making it impossible to see. With the wipers on full speed, I set out on my journey—my knuckles white as I gripped the wheel. My heart pounded inside my chest, and I wondered how I’d ever make it home.

When was the last time you experienced a serious storm? Maybe it was a hurricane, a blizzard, or a fierce flood. Perhaps you faced a series of turbulent lies, doubt, fear, or rough relationships with family members or friends that have left you feeling totally wiped out.

The Massive Storm—Mark 4:35-41

Amidst storms, Truth can seem foggy, and our faith can feel shaken. I bet this is how Jesus’s disciples felt when they faced the massive tempest in Mark 4. Take a minute now to read Mark 4:35-41 and picture yourself in the story.

Ask yourself: What would it sound like, feel like, and be like to have experienced the furious storm as one of Jesus’s disciples in the middle of the storm?

Stronger than the Storm

Jesus certainly wasn’t surprised by the storm. Knowing all things, Jesus was aware that the storm would be on the horizon even before He set sail with His disciples. As the waves crashed against the boat and the wind ripped at the sails, Jesus’s disciples cried out. Fearing for their lives, they begged Jesus to do something!
Rather than flailing about, shouting in fear as the disciples likely did, Jesus slept on a cushion in the stern of the boat. What Jesus’s disciples didn’t realize was how much power He had over creation as the Son of God (Colossians 1:16-20). They had no reason to fear, knowing the very Son of God was with them in the boat. Friend, He is with you, too.

He Is With You in the Storm

No matter what waves of lies, doubt, and fear you may be facing, you can trust that Jesus is more powerful. If it feels difficult to grasp His Truth through the pouring rain of your circumstances right now, or to feel His presence amidst a raging storm, you are not alone. Jesus hasn’t left you and He never will (Hebrews 13:5).

Finding Purpose in the ‘Rain’

I’m sure Jesus’s disciples would much rather have avoided the storm altogether (wouldn’t we all prefer that option in life?), but Jesus had other plans. Remember, His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Through the storm, the disciples’ faith in Jesus grew even stronger—perhaps even stronger than the wind and the waves.

As Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” We may not understand on this side of Heaven why Jesus sovereignly allows us to face certain situations. But God can give us courage to keep believing and trusting Him even when we can’t always see what’s up ahead.

Friend, even when you cannot see what’s up ahead, when lies and doubts flood your mind, and when tears are filling your eyes, you can trust that Jesus is with you and He has a plan. I wonder how the Lord could be intentionally using whatever hardship you may be facing to help you learn to trust Him with all your heart and strengthen your faith.

He Is Faithful in the Storm

In case you were wondering, yes, I did make it home safely through that torrential storm that day. And as I hydroplaned through massive puddles, I prayed through the rain: God, thank You that You have never left me.

The truth is, He hasn’t left you, either. I get it, it’s easy to take our eyes off of Jesus and focus on our feelings, problems, or pain amid difficulty. But what if we actually believed the same strong God who can calm the storms is also our Source of strength in the middle of them?

Strengthened by the Spirit, equipped with God’s Truth, and locking arms with faithful believers, you can face the storms of life head-on, trusting God is with you, too. You do not go it alone.

Let’s pray:

Dear God,
Thank You for being more powerful than the wind and waves. You are with us in the midst of life’s storms. Please increase our faith and help us to believe that You are faithful even in trials; we can trust You completely. You will see us through.
In Jesus’s name, amen.