STORMS GET OUR ATTENTION 

Clarissa Hernandez 

Today's Scripture: “But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.” Jonah 1:4-5, ESV  

Theme: While not every storm is caused by disobedience, some are sent by God to get our attention. 

STORMY ROADS 

Years before I moved to North Carolina, I was driving to Asheville to meet up with friends when a massive summer thunderstorm unleashed its fury. This type of weather was very unfamiliar to me. As rain pummeled my rental car, lightning lit up the sky, and thunder shook me to my core, tears poured down my cheeks. I was terrified. My only option was to find a safe place to pull over and collect myself.  

Then came the question so many of us ask in difficult circumstances: “Why?” Why is God allowing me to go through this storm? Often, God allows storms to get our attention and transform our trajectory. 

REVEALED AND CHANGED 

Jonah tried to run from the presence of the Lord, so God sent a storm to embattle his ship. Likewise, Saul (later called Paul) was actively defying God, persecuting Jesus’ followers and travelling to Damascus to arrest even more when he encountered his own “storm.” God interrupted his journey with a bright light from heaven and a voice calling his name. The divine roadblock left Saul blind.  

Can you imagine the fear, uncertainty, and grief that must have filled Saul as he sat in darkness, wondering what his life would become? God stopped him on that road, blinded him, and then three days later opened his eyes to reveal Himself as Lord. The experience turned Saul from a persecutor of Christians into Paul, one of the greatest missionaries of all time. He spent the rest of his life passionately pointing others to Jesus and leading the early church. Sometimes God uses storms in our lives to reveal Himself to us and transform us. 

DEMONSTRATION OF POWER 

Not all storms are due to disobedience. The Gospel of Matthew recounts a time when the disciples’ boat was battered by wind and swamped by waves while Jesus slept. Panicking, sure they would drown and confused why Jesus wasn’t doing anything to help them, they cried out to Jesus. He asked them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26b, ESV) and then He calmed the storm, leaving the men in awe. The disciples had already witnessed many miracles; they really shouldn’t have been so surprised that the One who healed diseases, cast out demons and turned water into wine could also calm this storm. And yet their faith wavered. I can relate to the weary faith of the disciples. I too have witnessed God’s provision and healing and yet--when faced with new storms--I often forget how God brought me through the last one. God allowed this storm to demonstrate Jesus’ power over it and to give the disciples an opportunity to grow in faith.  

BE A WITNESS 

Sometimes God allows a storm in our lives so that we can be a witness of His goodness. Storms can redirect our paths, leading us to a new home, new job, or a new season of life. And God uses the storms to spread His message to those watching. Who we cling to and how we weather the storm becomes a testimony of faith and hope.  

Make it Personal: Are you facing a storm due to your own disobedience? Are you willing to turn from the path you are on and allow God to transform you? Are you faithfully following the Lord, yet still facing a storm in your life that feels overwhelming? Remember God has a purpose, even though it is difficult to go through the storm. 

Prayer: Dear God, I know You have a purpose for all the winds and waves that I face in life. I pray that You will open my eyes to reveal how I can respond and grow through these storms. I pray that my faith will increase, my witness will be bold, and I will be refined to become more like You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen. 

Read: Acts 9:1-19, Matthew 8:23-27 

Weekly Memory Verse: “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:3a, ESV