Storms have a way of reminding us just how little control we have over our lives. Hurricane Isaias, arriving exactly two years after the last U.S. hurricane landfall, provides a powerful reminder of that truth.
We can watch weather forecasts, track approaching storms and make preparations. But we cannot change their paths or determine how much damage they may leave behind.
Here in North Louisiana, we’re often far removed from the worst of a particular storm. When friends or family members live in its path, however, the threat suddenly becomes much more personal.
Of course, some of the worst storms we face never appear on a weather map. They arrive in the form of a frightening medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties or a family crisis. Sometimes they develop gradually. Other times they strike without warning, turning our carefully arranged lives upside down.
We like to think we’re in control. We make plans, set goals and anticipate what tomorrow will bring. Nevertheless, James 4:13-15 reminds us that we don’t even know what tomorrow holds. Our plans must always be subject to God’s will.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan or prepare. It means we need to recognize the limits of our own abilities and place our trust in Someone whose power has no limits. The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of that trust in Hebrews 6:19, describing our hope as “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”
Think about what an anchor does. It doesn’t prevent the wind from blowing or the waves from rising. It doesn’t make a storm disappear. Instead, it helps keep a vessel secure when everything around it is in turmoil.
Our hope in Christ serves much the same purpose. It gives us something firm to hold on to when circumstances threaten to overwhelm us.
But here’s something else worth remembering: Sometimes God does calm the storm.
In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm arose. Waves crashed into their boat, and the frightened disciples awakened Jesus, who had been sleeping. With just a few words – “Peace, be still” – Jesus brought the wind and waves under control.
What an extraordinary demonstration of His power.
But God doesn’t always remove our difficulties, even when we earnestly ask him to.
The apostle Paul pleaded three times for the removal of what he called a thorn in his flesh. God’s answer was not to take away the affliction but to assure Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Consider those two accounts. Jesus stopped the storm for his disciples. Yet Paul had to continue living with his difficulty. In both cases, God’s power was sufficient.
That’s an important distinction for us to remember when we pray. We can ask God to remove our burdens, heal our illnesses and resolve our troubles. Sometimes he answers those prayers exactly as we hope. At other times, his answer is the strength, courage and endurance we need to keep going.
We may not understand why one storm passes quickly while another seems to linger indefinitely. But our faith doesn’t depend on having all the answers. It depends on knowing where our hope is anchored.
We cannot predict every storm, control every circumstance or guarantee smooth sailing through life. But whatever winds may blow, we can trust the One who has power over the storm – and who can sustain us if it continues.
—————————————————————
Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:45 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
