5 Tests You Will Face in a Storm
Our goal in any storm or challenge in life is to get out as fast as we can. No one wants to sit in the rain of heartbreak or loss. So, we run as fast as we can to the nearest exit of the storm in hopes of sunnier days ahead. However, the only purpose of a storm is not always just getting through it. Just like storms in nature can both destroy and purify, so do the storms of our lives. There are aspects of storms that break us down, but with God, there are aspects of storms that God will use to build us up, if we endure. Keeping this in mind, here are 5 tests you will face when you face life’s storms and how to pass each one.
1. Not listening to God
The first test we often face in a storm is the temptation not to listen to God. In fact, some storms are sent by God to get our attention, give us warning, and actually protect us. But if we choose not to listen, we may find ourselves in a storm longer than necessary. In any storm, it’s important to stay in prayer and keep our lines of communication with God open so we can clearly hear what He wants us to do. And then we need to do it.
2. Giving Up Faith
The second test we will often face when in a storm is the temptation to give up faith. The challenges we have in any storm can cause us to think God is not with us, or He’s not strong enough to help us through. Storms remind us that we are not in control which is very true, but we must not make the mistake of thinking God is like us. He is not like man and no matter how crazy life gets, God has a hold on everything. We don’t have to be in control to place our faith in the One who does. And when we keep our faith in God, our hearts are encouraged to keep going to get to the other side of this storm because there is another side and no storm lasts forever. Our faith in God is the lifesaver that keeps and sustains us as we make it through.
3. Distancing Yourself From God
One of the most common questions we find ourselves asking when faced with a storm is “is God mad at me?” Now if we’ve gotten to the point that we’re asking this question, it’s most likely that we already believe the answer is yes. What we really mean is, “why is God mad at me?” And you know what? It’s really hard to connect and draw near to someone when you think they are mad at you. So here’s a truth you need to hold on to during your storm. God is not mad at you Beloved. He is not imparting some revenge on you. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. God is fighting for you as you go through this storm. In a storm of his own, the Apostle Paul wrote these words:
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV)
God has not abandoned you, so you don’t need to abandon Him.
4. Looking at the Storm and Not God
The fourth test we commonly face during a storm of life is the temptation to look at the storm and not God. I think of Peter who walked on water with Jesus, until his focus shifted from Jesus to the wind and the waves, and he started to sink. If you find yourself sinking in a storm today, I ask you, what are you looking at? Your circumstances or your God. Isaiah 26:3 says:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
Where your mind goes, your heart will follow. Be sure to keep your mind on God so that your heart will be at peace, no matter what storm you are facing. We can do that because there is no storm greater than our God.
5. Rushing Through the Storm
Finally, the last test we commonly face during a storm is trying to rush through it. Whether we act like the storm is not real or we try to move on before it’s time, rushing a storm is a common response to unfortunate life circumstances. Of course, this is because we want to get out of the storm as soon as possible. But storms still serve a purpose and we can’t accomplish that purpose if we don’t allow the storm to run its course. James 1:2-4 says:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)
We often think no good can come out of a storm, but God uses storms to increase our faith and strengthen our inner being to help us during the next storm and comfort others who are also facing storms. This work however can’t be accomplished if we rush through the storm not allowing it to complete its work in us.
Now I’d love to hear from you. How are you most likely to be tested when you face a storm in life and how does God help you overcome it? Let’s encourage one another in the comments.
What if I told you the challenges you’re facing in life aren't here to destroy or weaken you, but to heal, restore and strengthen you? Our upcoming Beloved Women Bible study series is called “Peace in the Storm” and teaches you the 6 types of storms we will face in life and how to trust God through each storm to experience His peace and strength through it all. I invite you to join me for this eye opening and life changing new video Bible study series exclusively on the Beloved Women app available in the Apple or Google play stores or at BelovedWomen.tv.
In addition to weekly video teachings, you’ll also receive a beautifully designed PDF study guide with weekly study questions, viewer guides, activities and more to help you follow along and make what you’re learning personal.
Whether you are just coming out of a storm, entering a storm, or currently in a storm, this series was created for you. If you’re ready to choose faith over fear, and develop the trust in God to dance in the rain, sign up for our next Beloved Women video Bible study series “Peace in the Storm” by joining the Beloved Women App today! I look forward to studying with you.
As always, thank you so much for watching today and until next time be beautiful, be blessed, and beloved.
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