Storms And Struggles

As James was preparing to leave for the weekend, the vice-president called him into his office and asked him to sit down across the desk from him. In a somber voice, he said, “I’m sorry, James, but we are reducing the sales staff and this was your last day with this company. Here’s a severance check that will help you make the transition.”

Now he was not only out of work but facing a difficult job market. He was overwhelmed with the prospect of going home and telling his wife the news. She was a stay at home mom with a child that was paralyzed from an automobile accident. He could not help but ask, “Where’s God in all of this? Is He for me or against me?” Those certainly are fair questions that any rational person would ask.

Life is often one storm after another. None of us can escape the fierce winds, raging waters, or crashing waves. Sometimes they come swiftly. Other times they seem to swell slowly and powerfully. Often a problem that started as a whispering breeze turns out to be a tornado.

The Psalmist said, “Deep calls to deep...all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” It appears as though he is accusing God of a conspiracy. But that is not true. That is not how God works. He wants us to realize that our God is a God who is in the middle, the very center – if you will - of life’s storms, and will never forsake us.

Think of it this way: In the depth of life’s storms and the middle of life’s sorrows, God wants us to call on Him for the promise of His sympathy and support. He is ever-present and all-powerful, and His grace is more than sufficient.

Never forget that whatever we experience in our lives Jesus experienced it before us. Wherever we are He has been and whatever we have to endure he endured. We know that He understands our greatest sorrows and deepest needs and will rescue us. 

Prayer: We are comforted, Lord, to know that You have gone before us, know us and care for us. Assure us of Your presence and power to survive. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. Psalm 42:7 

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