Introduction
We all face ‘storms’, they are inevitable to life. What matters is how we prepare ourselves beforehand in order to live through them and emerge on the other side.
In each challenging situation we face, the test for us is the same: how will we stand? Only a full assurance of who our God is and who He has called us to be through Jesus’ blood will enable us to stand strong in Him as well as reach out an arm offering the certain hope of the gospel to others who are floundering.
These storms and challenges offer us real opportunities to shine the Light of Life we carry in our hearts. But it will not shine if our foundation is unstable and we do not know the nature, promises, character and faithfulness of our covenant-keeping God. These things are the true hope of the gospel the people around us need too.
Some years ago, I found a photograph of a lighthouse standing strong in the midst of an angry swirling sea. The waves were so high they reached half-way up the side of the building.When I looked more closely, I could see the lighthouse keeper standing in the doorway with his arms folded and every appearance of calm and peace. This image really spoke to me and since then I have been taken on a journey with God which I now share with you in Walking with God Through the Storm.
Please have a Bible or Bible app, and a notebook and pen, handy as you go through this devotional.
Sarah Winbow
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Reactions
Read the story of Noah in Genesis 6-8; Luke 17:26-33.
We all recall how, just a few years ago, the whole world was in complete lockdown, caused by Coronavirus. Anything like normal life was suspended for an unknown period of time. The pandemic alone meant that the whole world lived with an uncertain economy, food shortages, job losses, enforced social changes and upheavals; hundreds of thousands of people were forced by circumstances beyond their control to face many different types of storms.
They were so focused on their own affairs they ignored the warnings.
Unfortunately, being a believer is no immunisation from life’s experiences. People repeatedly ask me “Why is this happening to me?” The hard-hearted truth is that unless we have faced our own storm head-on, been tested and stood strong in God through it, then how can we possibly hope to be a help to others through the greater storm that is increasingly being seen in the whole world. Be certain, everything society holds dear – our homes, families, churches, finances, pension funds, health care, education, police and justice systems – EVERYTHING that comprises society as we know it will be shaken by the coming storm.
Not only are all these storms practical and personal but we also need to recognise we are facing a spiritual storm which requires a spiritual response. It would be perfectly understandable if we were to feel we do not have any spare capacity for this but that is exactly how the people living around Noah reacted. They were so focused on their own affairs they ignored the warnings.
Additional reading: 1 Peter 4:12; Romans 8:13-39.
Noah’s family was not saved from the storm - they still had to live through it - but through Noah’s obedience they were protected from it.
Prayer Time:
Reflect on today’s reading.
- What aspects of modern society can you identify that were also prevalent in the days of Noah and Lot?
- What was the outcome for Noah’s neighbours?
- Why would a loving heavenly Father allow such a severe judgement?
- Do we have a responsibility to warn people about the coming storm?
Noah’s family was not saved from the storm – they still had to live through it – but through Noah’s obedience they were protected from it. By God’s mercy and grace, they were given victory over it. Talk to God about the things on your heart where you long to see the victory.
Other devotionals in this series can be accessed here.
