In this lifetime, we will face storms at times, whether they are storms within our own souls, storms within our emotions, relationship storms, or financial storms. When they come we tremble, we wonder where has God gone; doesn’t He know how desperately we are hurting? Doesn’t He care? Why would He allow such tragedies to occur? Some would even say, “I’ve been trying to follow His will? What now? How do I start again?” I am certain Job very much felt that way as He sat in the ashes scraping his wounds-everything gone. Was this God’s punishment? Was it judgment for Job’s sins? Yet, the scripture tells us that “Job was a righteous man.” Job’s faith had been counted for righteousness, much like ours. So, why the storms?
Used by permission of Ronald Barba for information go to http://www.barba-art.com
In Job 37 we are reminded: “12 The lightning bolts are directed by his hand and do whatever he commands throughout the earth.13 He sends the storms[a](TLB) 13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.”(KJV)
We see here that though there may be times when God sends storms for correction; yet, other times it is “for the land” and other times it is “for mercy.” So, let us explore these three reasons for storms just a little deeper.
1. Storms for correction. There are those times in our lives that we may be headed down a destructive pathway, even as Christians. God sees the devastation that lies before us and sends a storm to block the path. Each of us who are the children of God must at times face the inner human demons whether they be pride, lust, fear, selfishness, or whatever sin which is our pitfall. God’s corrective storms for the believer are also storms of mercy at the same time, since He only wants to turn us around, refocus us on Himself so that we can be filled with His joy, hope, and faith once more. Look at Psalm 107: “Psalm 107: 24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble…28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Note: He brings the storm, so that He can bring them into that place of joy, their desired haven which can only be found beneath His Wings of Love. “7 How precious is your constant love, O God! All humanity takes refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 You feed them with blessings from your own table and let them drink from your rivers of delight” (Psalm 36).
2. Storms for the Land. There are times that God sends storms to punish mankind’s wickedness such as was the flood, or to awaken the hearts of men to their need of God in their life. Storms in my own life may serve as “testimonies” for other men. If in the midst of the storm, others see that my life remains filled with hope, faith, love, and joy; then, they may be drawn to God. So, sometimes our storms are for the good of the kingdom. Is there any price too great to pay for the good of the kingdom? This lifetime is but a fleeting second compared to eternity. So, again; is there any storm too hard to weather for the salvation of one soul? The apostles didn’t think so. “Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same attitude he did; you must be ready to suffer, too. For remember, when your body suffers, sin loses its power,2 and you won’t be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires but will be anxious to do the will of God”( I Peter 4 TLB) “12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4 KJV).
3. Storms for Mercy. For those who know Christ as their Savior, the storms are always an act of love. Sometimes it is in the storm that He speaks as He did in Exodus 19 “16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.18 And mount Sinai was all on smoke, because the Lord came down upon it in fire, and the smoke thereof ascended, as the smoke of a furnace, and all the mount [i]trembled exceedingly.19 And when the sound of the trumpet blew long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by[j]voice.”
Whatever storm you may be facing today, God has ordained it so as to bring you to your desired haven. Turn your eyes upon Him who has promised “all things work together for good” to His beloved children. His plan is to prosper you by leading you to a place of joy, hope, and Glory wrapped in His arms of love. Until the storm passes, like David in Psalm 57, call out to God. “O God, have pity, for I am trusting you! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this storm is past. 2 I will cry to the God of heaven who does such wonders for me. 3 He will send down help from heaven to save me because of his love and his faithfulness… 7 O God, my heart is quiet and confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!8 Rouse yourself, my soul! Arise, O harp and lyre! Let us greet the dawn with song! 9 I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations. 10 Your kindness and love are as vast as the heavens. Your faithfulness is higher than the skies. 11 Yes, be exalted, O God, above the heavens. May your glory shine throughout the earth.”
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Listen to this song, “Til the Storm Passes By”
The artist featured above is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.