Where Is God in Our Storms?

Many of us are asking how any good could possibly come from something as devastating as hurricane Helene or the oncoming hurricane Milton.  Many whose lives and homes have been destroyed feel powerless and helpless.  Still, with hope in God, we pray that Milton will turn away or stop in the Name of Jesus, the One who stilled the storm when He said, “Peace, Be Still.”  

We want to have faith that our prayers are heard.  But doubt creeps in, especially for the many whose lives have been so abruptly changed.  Many have asked, “If there is a God and if He is good, how can He allow bad things to happen?   It’s a good question, but there are more basic questions we should ask.

We should first ask ourselves, “What is ‘GOOD?’”  What is “good” for some may be “bad” for others, and vice versa.  “Who among us knows how to define GOOD for all who are involved?”
Most people of faith would agree that only God can do this.  God is the only One who can still the storms around us and within our anxious souls.

In the Bible we read that Job was so severely tested that he questioned God’s purpose and goodness.  Job lost most of his livestock and possessions; and then, lost his sons and daughters in a windstorm.  Job’s wife advised him to give up and blame God for the calamity.  But Job said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2: 9-10).

We can search the Book of Job in hopes of finding an answer to why God allows “bad things” to occur.  But the answer is not there.  Nor did God answer Job directly when Job asked God why he had to suffer.  Instead, God pointed Job to the evidences of His wisdom and sovereignty in creation and in sustaining His created order.  When Job heard God’s powerful message to him, he bowed down in humble adoration and
    …answered the Lord and said, 
    I know that You can do all things,
       And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
  ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
       “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
         Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
  ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
       I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
   “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
       But now my eye sees You;
   Therefore I retract,
       And I repent in dust and ashes.”

Several millennia later, James, half-brother of Jesus, reminds us of ancient Job’s sufferings:
We count those blessed who endured.
You have heard of the endurance of Job
and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings,
that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. – James 5: 11

Today, in the midst of suffering and loss, Christ-followers, moved with God’s compassion and  mercy are coming together to assist each other and participate in the restoration.  May each of us who are not directly affected by these storms participate in the supply of “good” from the hand of God through our supportive involvement by prayer, by giving, and by hands-on help where possible.  For those who want to provide financial assistance to recovery efforts, we recommend giving to Samaritan’s Purse a faith-based organization led by Franklin Graham.

God Is in Our Storms
Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
 - Mark 4: 38-41

F.B. Meyer wrote an encouraging message for us when we question God’s goodness and love:

“We sail the lake with Him still, and as we reach its middle waters, far from land, under midnight skies, suddenly a great storm sweeps down.  Earth and hell seem arrayed against us, and each billow threatens to overwhelm.  Then He arises from His sleep, and rebukes the winds and the waves.  His hand waves benediction and repose over the rage of the tempestuous elements.  His voice is heard above the scream of the wind in the cordage and the conflict of the billows. Peace, be still!
Can you not hear it?  And there is instantly a great calm.”
He giveth quietness.   (Job 34: 29)
         -- F.B. Meyer (Great Verses through the Bible. Zondervan, 1966)

Add Your Word of Encouragement
We welcome you to share your words of encouragement, a comforting Scripture, or an account from your experience of how you saw God working through your time of trial.  Use the “Comment” link below to share, anonymously if you prefer; or communicate with us by e-mail:  silviusj@gmail.com