We often hear the phrase “weathering the storm” during hurricane season. We also use “weathering the storm” to metaphorically describe someone going through a tough patch in a reasonably good way. Of course, there are many who do not weather their storms both physically, as we see in every hurricane season, and metaphorically, as evidence by the personal devastation around us and all over the world.

All this came into my mind while watching Hurricane Ian devastate much of Florida. Almost immediately I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Weathering the storm does not apply to the Christian walk.” Here’s what I believe He means:

As logical and desirable as it may seem, the storms God creates or allows for His children are not to be “weathered”. They are to be appreciated and leveraged as opportunities for God’s glory and the advance of His kingdom. They are intended to reveal the sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:19).

God does not desire His people to be survivors in adversity, but thrivers. We are not created and saved to live like potential victims, hunkering down in our shelters. Like the emergency management personnel who responded to Hurricane Ian, we are positioned and empowered to be rescuers and brave souls who work diligently to get and keep the light on (Matthew 5:16).

The followers of Jesus Christ walk the same walk (what else does follow mean?). We sacrifice for others during the storms of life, and we overcome obstacles as examples for those who need our encouragement in more than words.

So, how do we do this?

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

Face the storms God’s way. Trust Him to use you as it seems right to Him. Believe me, you do not want to miss the promised outcome.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:6

This decade will continue to be the stormiest season any of us will face in our lifetime – particularly those of us who steadfastly follow our Lord, Jesus Christ. The temptation to simply “weather the storm” will be great. We must resist and help others do the same. This is our time to prove our fidelity to the King.

Humbly yours and steadfastly His,

Rob

#iamjustthepen