I’ve heard it said that “God doesn’t tell us the whole plan because we wouldn’t be able to handle it.” And in this season of my life, I fully understand the saying…
I was so ready for purpose…so ready for this season that God spoke over me. I mean, I had it all planned out. I made goals for myself, and I figured that if I just stayed the course…if I just did what I planned to do…everything would work out.
…Then, the unexpected happened. And life got turned upside down. Like completely upside down. Nothing is as it was a few weeks ago. And honestly, it’s been hard to accept. There are days when I feel like I can’t do this.
“God, I know this is you. You told me your plan in advance. You told me where I was headed, but I had no idea I would have to go through all of this. I didn’t realize the effect it would have on my family. I didn’t realize it would be tough on my children. How am I supposed to handle this? This is too much, God.”
I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be, but I am still afraid.
“How long will this storm last? Will things begin to get better? Or will they get worse?” All of the unknowns run through my mind. And as I think of this storm that I’m in, and my reaction to this season of my life, I am reminded of a storm that we read about in the book of Matthew.
Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:23-25 NLT)
In this story, the disciples were terrified. They were afraid that they would drown. But, the crazy thing is that they were exactly where Jesus wanted them to be. In fact, He was right there with them…sleeping.
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:26-27 NLT)
Storms have a purpose.
Through this storm, the disciples got a revelation of who their Lord is. He isn’t just a man. He is sovereign and Lord over all…”Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Yes, storms are terrifying. But, we must remember that storms aren’t meant to harm us. They have a purpose.
God reveals himself through the storm.
This was the case with the disciples; but, also the case with the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. If you don’t remember the details of the story, I want to encourage you to read it in the book of John…
But, long story short… Jesus’ friend Lazarus falls ill, and his sisters Matha and Mary send a message to Jesus…expecting him to help. But, instead of running to Lazarus' side, Jesus remains where he is for two more days, and Lazarus dies.
Now, as you can imagine, the two sisters are distraught. Both of them acknowledge that if Jesus had come earlier, their brother would still be alive. They are in tears…they lack understanding. But…the storm had a purpose.
Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” (John 11:40-44 NLT)
If Jesus had arrived earlier, and halted the storm prematurely, they would have missed the opportunity to experience Him as a resurrector.
Our God is so magnificent. There is no way that we can comprehend His greatness, His glory, and His sovereignty. But, in the middle of the storm, we have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Him. Maybe it’s a glimpse of His healing. Maybe it’s a glimpse of His sustaining. Maybe it’s a glimpse of His provision. Whatever it is, we will be forever changed by it…and our lives will be so much better for it. But that’s not all…
We are developed in the storm.
Yes, God wants to reveal himself to us. But, He also wants to prepare us, and mold us into who He’s created us to be. How can we become strong without first needing to be strengthened? How can we become persistent without first needing to persist?
You see…the storm is necessary for purpose.
Although I don’t know the specifics… although I don’t know why everything has to happen this way… I believe it’s for a purpose…and I know that God has a plan to use all of it… the fear…the heartache…the tears….to push me further along the path that He has for me and my family.
How do I know this?
Because that is what He has always done in my life. Through every storm, He has sustained me. Through every storm, He has always provided for me. He has shown me how to wait on Him. He has shown me how to be persistent. He has given me everything I need for this moment.
This storm is perfect because this storm is preparing me for my purpose.
I know that statement might sound crazy, but just the other day, as I was reflecting on how I got to this point, I realized that this season is everything that I’ve been praying and believing for. I asked the Lord to provide for me. I asked Him to enable me. I asked Him to show me the way. And although this storm hurts…He has answered my prayers.
Purpose is on the other side of the storm.
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. (Isaiah 45:3 NLT)
This may be the darkest season of your life…this may be the hardest thing you have ever gone through…but don’t give up. Keep believing. Keep pushing forward, and continue the path that God has for you. Why? Because there is so much that He wants to reveal to you in this season. He wants you to experience His glory. He wants you to witness His sovereignty. And He wants to reveal the hidden treasures that He has hidden inside of you…your strength…your character…your talents…your purpose. He has created you to be someone far beyond what you can see…far beyond what you can imagine. But in order for you to get there you must trust in Him…even when you can’t see how it will work out…even when His plan seems impossible. Remember, nothing is impossible for Him. If He said it, He will do it. Believe in Him.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NLT)
And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.” (Jeremiah 1:12 NLT)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that even when life gets tough, you are always with me and you are always moving me closer and closer to the purpose that you have for me. Today, I am making the decision to trust you in the middle of the storm. I will trust your plan, so that I can experience your glory. I will trust your process, so that I can be prepared for purpose. I believe that you will provide for me. I believe that you will protect me. And I believe that you will continually strengthen me so that I can become who you have called me to be. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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