Lately I’ve noticed that so many people I know are in the midst of a storm. Everyone’s storm is different, but none of us escape them. A wise person once said, “If you are not in the middle of a storm, you likely either just came through one, or you are about to encounter one.” I’m convinced that some reading this needs to be encouraged today.

The truth is that storms are a part of life. The apostle James, in writing about life’s trials, used the word “when,” not “if!” Then he gave us encouragement to ride out the storm:

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

~James 1:2-4 [Emphasis mine]

The apostle Paul went a step further:

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

~Romans 5:1-5

The storms of life have a purpose. Testing produces faith and patience resulting in the Holy Spirit doing a complete work in our lives. Perseverance develops character, and those with Godly character have hope, which is a conduit through which God pours out His love!

Would you truly know the depths of God’s love if not for storms? If we never had to rely upon God, I doubt we would even give Him a thought! Paul had the right perspective:

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Whether you are in a storm, coming out of a storm or about to enter one, be encouraged! God is at work doing His good will in your life!

For further edification: