Storms

Storms in life test our faith, but God uses them to refine us. Trust Him through trials, knowing He is shaping you for His purpose.

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”—James 1:12 NASB

Many paintings by Joseph Turner are filled with images of nature: water, sky, light, storms. But in 1842, when he was 67, he decided to focus on storms in a fresh way. Instead of watching from afar, Turner felt compelled to experience the fury of a storm for himself.

Turner allegedly had himself tied to the mainmast of a ship, which sailed into the heart of a gale. As the story goes, it was an intense experience! Filled with this personal insight, he painted Snow Storm: Steam-Boat Off a Harbour’s Mouth. Art scholar Kenneth Clark observed, “There is nothing else remotely like it in European art, except, of course, other pictures by Turner.” Clark felt this painting “is the essence of all that Turner discovered about himself and his art during forty years of practice.”

In our spiritual lives, God may allow us to go through storms. As we do, we need to trust Him and realize that these storms have a purpose. They deepen our faith and refine our character. Persevering through trials results in blessings and “the crown of life.”

Paul described how God wants us to “celebrate in our tribulations.” Why? Because these bring about perseverance, proven character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5).

God has an eternal plan for your life. When you go through storms, have faith. Trust Him. Let Him perfect you, teach you, change your life, and prove Himself mighty!

Reflection Question: How can you trust God during life’s storms?