Mike's Musings: We love storms, but do not fear the "Storm of Life"

by Mike Dvorak

Greetings Everyone, How is your summer going so far? The temperatures haven’t been extreme and the rainfall has been plentiful. This is a good combination for green grass, beautiful flowers, and fresh garden vegetables. It is a time that is enjoyable to be out of doors (when it’s not raining).

Weather like this is much preferable to 100 degree+ temperatures and drought. Speaking of weather, one of the most attention-getting phenomena that we have to deal with are storms. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is a thunderstorm or a winter blizzard, storms are on the forefront of most newscasts.

Many people are obsessed with severe weather. If anything concerning the weather is happening within 200 miles, there will be a news crew in the area. What is the fascination with storms, blizzards, floods, and tornadoes? Why do so many people drop what they are doing to watch the weather as it is happening somewhere?

It is understandable to be concerned with severe weather, especially if it is in your immediate area, but why do we pay so much attention to things going on in another state? It seems that we have a fear of storms that might or might not effect us. It seems that we are afraid of what might happen to us and our families even though the weather event will never get close to us.

We have all been involved in a weather event at one time or another so maybe that is what conjures up fear in our minds. Maybe we have been stranded in a snowstorm, or we have had damage caused by a tornado or strong winds. Could it be that we are afraid because the weather reporters are so descriptive in their reports and it scares people? It could be a bad case of “what if this and what if that” plays in our minds.

Whatever the reasoning, we are obsessed with storms. There are other types of storms that many people are fearful of also. These are the “Storms of Life”. Do you know someone that is afraid of what MIGHT happen to them? Some people so afraid of the what-ifs in their lives that they have a hard time functioning. They are so worried about things that probably will never happen that they can’t appreciate the things they are blessed with.

For instance, what if our home catches on fire, or a tornado comes through? What if I drive to the store and I am involved in an accident? What if I die in my sleep? What if God wants me to be a preacher, or worse yet, a missionary? These are all things people are worried about, even right now! I have read a philosophical saying that states “out of all the things we worry about, 99% of them will never occur and there is nothing we can do about the other 1%”.

I believe this to be true. Some people will argue that we shouldn’t worry and it shows a lack of faith in God.

I won’t argue with that except to say that everyone worries about something, at least sometimes. So, does worrying about the storms we might face show a lack of faith? Possibly, but maybe it shows a lack of experience if you don’t put your full trust in God. We should turn to him to provide for the things we need and to guide us through our storms of life. It seems the older we get, the more issues we have dealt with; and the more things we’ve dealt with, the more experience we have. Thus our faith is increased by the things we have faced, especially when God has been with us and provided for us in our times of need.

The Bible tells us “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11, verse 1). How does that help us in our everyday lives?

As Christians and believers of Jesus, we are assured that God is with us. If God is with us, then who is more powerful than him? No one. Not another person and certainly not Satan. In other words, God is our protector and guide. Does that mean “bad” things won’t happen to us?

No, the scriptures tell us it rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5; verse 45), and in Ephesians 6 it tells us the good news that as Christians and believers that the Lord will fight for us and we can hold our peace. In other words, if we have hope and faith, we are not alone. The problems that we face will not stop us because God is with us. The problems and issues we have to deal with can be good things if we approach them correctly. It is like working out in the gym. If we don’t exercise, how can we get stronger? The same is true for our spiritual strength. If we exercise our faith, it will grow and become stronger also.

This is true for any Christian, not just preachers, Sunday School teachers, missionaries, or others serving in a church. We can become stronger in our faith and God can use us to help others in need. Serving God is nothing to be feared. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the highest. Better yet, it is comforting to know God is with us and watching over us. Give it a try and see what God can do with your life. Blessings and peace to you.