Storms and God’s Will

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger” (Luke 8:22-23).

One of the biggest misunderstandings of God’s will is when Christ-followers thinking that all storms in life are of the devil. Not all storms are of the devil. In fact, some storms are caused by our stupidity and actions. And then, get this, some storms are sent by God!

Whoa…

Look at our text. It was the will of Jesus that the disciples set sail and cross the lake. Oh. The sailing just happened to be a sailing that would send the disciples right into the middle of the storm. But, don’t miss the fact that Jesus sent them out there.

Notice. Jesus is present with them on the boat, but we are told that they were in great danger. We know that, in the end, Jesus calms the storm. But in the midst of the storm, the danger was very real and very present.

Never miss this: there was never a moment when Jesus was not present with the disciples.

So, what can we learn about storms we encounter in our lives?

• Some storms are of the devil. The devil hates God and loves to wreak havoc.
• Some storms have nothing to do with the devil. Some storms are our own creations. Our stupid decisions, our stupid actions, our stupidity is the cause of a good number of storms in our lives.
• Some storms are sent by God to help us to grow in trust and faith.

Here’s the million dollar question: how does one know when it is of God, the devil, or our stupidity?

1. Are you in the will of God? Are you doing what God asks of you? If you are doing God’s will, if you’re doing what God is asking of you and you find yourself in a midst of the storm, keep seeking God in the storm. You are not alone. God is there with you.
2. If you are doing God’s will, confess and repent. Get out of there. You don’t belong there. Even there, you are not alone. God is with you. Seek God and follow him.
3. If the storm is the result of your stupidity…look at number 2.

No matter what, the key to facing storms in life is to know that you are not alone because God is with you. Seek God in all circumstances. And stay clear of blaming all storms on the devil. That’s poor theology.