BLESSING IN THE STORM

When you’ve lived through as many storms as I have, from a metropolitan New York City to the rural, hometown feel of South Carolina and Florida, you learn about readiness but also about people in general.

Panic and fear are normal but storms have an undervalued ability to reveal negligence, deficiencies, and areas for potential growth. I would like to believe that epic storms like Hurricane Katrina and Sandy have taught us something of value, whether it’s a necessity for equality in human rights, change in archaic regulation, or maybe something more personal for you.

Jesus had once given a stunning tutorial to his disciples on what it meant to follow Him. The message that may have sounded harsh to those constricted by strong family ties or business obligations. There was a test in this storm.

 

1. Storms have an uncanny way of revealing faulty thinking.

“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27 NIV)

The disciples were in an enviable position where they had access to all the wisdom of the entire universe. They had a daily audience with the Master. They could learn countless lessons and take advantage of an opportunity very few were privileged to have. I’m positive the disciples were in panic and fear, like many of us have been during a storm. They probably wondered, like we have through the storms of life, if following Jesus was a good idea. They didn’t remember his teachings. They had forgotten his wisdom. Haven’t we done that at the most critical moments also?

The ship erupted into chaos except for a peacefully sleeping Master. How was it that He was able to sleep with a storm beating down on the ship so ferociously? He slept because He possessed the peace that the promise His father had made was rock solid. He exercised His faith. Since he didn’t yet see the promise, it was easy to surmise that this crazy boat ride would not be his swan song. Instead of the disciples rousing the Savior with their prayers fueled with faith, they roused Him with their fears. It’s hard to have peace if you don’t realize you have a promise. They were focused on the situation and took their eyes off of the solution.

 

2. Storms reveal the opportunity for a more soundly built structure.

When I moved into our current home, we were initially unaware of the reputation of the builder when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. There have been speculation regarding shoddy workmanship and corner cutting when it comes to building materials, code regulations, etc. Every hurricane season in the past 3 years has never failed to reveal some sort of defect or construction issue. So it would be safe to say that had there been no storm, there cannot be a revelation of a defect or potential issue. The storm shows us areas we can improve.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)

I was reading a book called “Bigger, Faster Leadership” by Dr. Sam Chand and it talks about a similar thought when it highlights initial attempts by the French to build the Panama Canal in the late 1800’s. The construction plan was fatally flawed as the rainstorm revealed insufficient irrigation systems, faulty dams, and inexperienced labor. Add to that mudslides, the damage of critical equipment, and a multitude of disease such as malaria and yellow fever, and you have a colossal failure. Millions of dollars on labor and equipment lost. There was a blessing in the storm.

 

3. Storms reveal the foundation of relationships.

Haven’t you learned more about the people in your life when you were at your lowest?

Haven’t you learned more about yourself when you were at your lowest?

Jonah’s relationship with God was publicly revealed through the storm. The mariners realized that they were all in mortal danger primarily because Jonah attempted to flee from God’s presence. (Jonah 1:5-15) They thought the wrath of God was upon them all because of Jonah. He eventually recognized the futility of his rebellion and thought more about the safety of others than his own personal safety. Jonah’s character was developing.

“And he said unto them, take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.” (Jonah 1:12 ASV)

Joseph’s relationship with God culminated through a series of tragic events, including a famine. He crossed the bridge from bitterness and revenge to forgiveness and redemption. The storms shaped his character and taught him the “why” he had to go through the storms in the first place. (Genesis 41-45) Joseph’s character was developing.

“And now don’t be worried or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life…..Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Genesis 45:5,8 HCSB)

I heard an outstanding piece of wisdom recently that has totally changed my perspective. When we encounter the storms of life, we often hold contempt in our hearts because of all the giving we have done for others and we fail to see it reciprocated. As a matter of fact, that happens more often than not. When natural and spiritual storms develop in our lives, we often feel alone or betrayed, wondering where is the love, concern, and appreciation that we have given out for so many years. It’s a natural reaction. It’s depressing to be in a storm much less feeling as though you are alone and detached within it. But I learned the healthiest approach in relationship is learning to give with an open hand. The hardest approach to giving, sowing, and sharing is doing so without any expectation of return. The hardest approach and the healthiest approach are one and the same.

As destructive and relentless as the storm can often be, they have an intended ability to reveal what we and the things we trust in are truly made of.