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My friend Tom Kaastra shared an encouraging message at Calvary Assembly of God on Sunday about handling life’s storms.
Just like the disciples of Jesus in a boat on a stormy sea…
- …storms make us feel like we’re on water without any sure footing
- …and the wind is against us (Mark 4:35-41)
In the Psalms, David used similar language:
- the water is up to my neck and I cannot find a foothold (Psalm 69:1-2)
- my God, my God, why have You forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)
Even the well-known hymn The Solid Rock has the line that says, “When all around my soul gives way.”
Isaiah 40:27-30 gives us a helpful example from the eagle of how we can handle life’s storms.
Eagles have huge wingspans and can travel up to 125 miles in a single flight. When they see storms coming, they lock their wings in place and stop flapping on their own. Instead, they sense the warm currents of air and rides those up and over the storm.
So Tom gave us these steps:
- Disengage from our own efforts—don’t try to handle the storm on our own.
- Perceive the warmth of God’s promises.
- Trust the everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28). “Everlasting” means that God is infinite, vigorous, strong, faithful, and capable.
- Ride up and over the storm in God. When God says we mount up on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31), it means we are braided together with God.
- Live in the renewed strength that only God can give us.
Jesus went through the most unimaginable life storm that any human has ever had to endure, and He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). We need to trust our Heavenly Father just like Jesus did when we face storms!
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Craig T. Owens 