How to Survive Life’s Storms

Running from God’s will is like running from His manifest presence. Some Christians lose God’s presence not just due to sin but also by ignoring His call. God’s will isn’t just for us to avoid sin but to stay active in His purpose—to reach others, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons.

God may cause a storm to wake us up if we’re avoiding His call.

Two Different Storms

Jesus’s Storm

We shouldn’t judge others’ circumstances because they may be in storms for different reasons.

When we look back at the story of Jesus in a storm, we see that it happened as Jesus was following God’s will (Matthew 8: 23-27). He overcame it by faith and trust in God, teaching us that not all storms are the same.

We also see that while Jesus was fulfilling God’s will, He encountered resistance from spiritual forces, yet in the midst of that, He rebuked the storm.

This Scripture reminds us that while we may be following and obeying the call of God, the enemy will resist our pursuit of it. However, it is during these times that we must find peace within and then speak to the storm with faith.

Paul’s Storm

Secondly, we see that Paul’s storm was different; it was caused by someone else’s decisions (Acts 27:13-43). He endured it due to the mistakes of others but survived by perseverance. Being in situations like this is not easy, but with the Lord’s help, you can overcome, even if it means swimming and holding on to broken pieces (Acts 27:43-44).

What to Do When You’re Caught in A Storm Because of Others

1. Forgive Those Who Are Responsible

Forgive those who are responsible for the storm you are in right now (Acts 27:21). Paul didn’t harbor bitterness. He addressed the decision that the captain made which led to the storm, but he also chose to save everyone on board. Forgiveness frees us from bitterness.

If you’re in a storm caused by someone else, as long as you hold onto that unforgiveness, you’ll drown in that storm.

2. Don’t Let The Storm Sink Your Faith

The storm may destroy the ship but it shouldn’t destroy your faith (Acts 27:22). Do not become too attached to your title, your position, or anything else that is easily taken because God never promised to save your “ship,” but He did promise to save your soul (Luke 22:32).

The enemy is not after your ship, he’s after your faith, and when that is gone, it is your biggest loss. Don’t lose your faith. Our faith is meant to be an anchor, keeping us steady even when our circumstances change.

3. Storms Don’t Mean God is Absent

Just like clouds don’t mean the sun is gone, storms don’t mean God is absent. In the story of Acts, we see that God sent an angel to reassure Paul that God was with him and that everyone on the boat would arrive (Acts 27:23-24). Similarly, I want to encourage you that when you are in a storm and experiencing delay and setback, know that God is still with you.

4. Not Everything God is Involved In Automatically Ends In a Miracle

Sometimes, God allows the storm to run its course. Paul knew the ship would be lost, yet he encouraged everyone to hold on (Acts 27:26). There was never a supernatural intervention that stopped the storm from happening. Similarly, in our lives, there may be some some endings where God is not stopping the storm, but rather we must swim to the shore.

5. Don’t Lose Your Spiritual Appetite or You Could Face Worse

In the storm, don’t lose your hunger for God. Feed your soul on His Word and prayer, even when you don’t feel like it (Acts 27:34-35). When you don’t feel anything, worship in spite of not “feeling” anything. Hunger for God’s word only comes from consuming God’s word.

God can help you to the shore, but if you don’t eat, you’ll die.

6. Hold on to What’s Left, Not What You Lost

Next, it’s important to focus on what you have left, not on what’s been lost. When the ship had been broken, Paul advised that the way they could make it was by holding on to broken pieces (Acts 27: 43-44). In the same way, when you’re in the storm, often the vision of the future is so dim. During these times, focus on the present and praise God for what you do have. God has your future.

7. If God Doesn’t Part the Sea, He’ll Give You Strength to Swim

If the sea didn’t split no matter how much you prayed that it would, then don’t be afraid to grab your swim clothes and go swimming. Sometimes it takes as much faith to swim to the shore as it does to be hidden between the fish.

It’s important to remember that sometimes God strengthens us to endure rather than removing the storm.

If you’re in a storm, remember God has never left you and promises to not forsake you. Stand strong in His strength and if you have to, swim.

Read: How to Remain Standing in the Midst of Storms