And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:23-26 ESV

It was September 17, 2018, when I left home to go out of town for my job. I had no way of knowing that a tornado would hit my community a couple of hours later. That year, this tornado followed Hurricane Florence that hit the Carolinas with a devastating blow a few days prior. The storm blew over; however, devastation and lasting effects were evident—power outages, flooding, downed trees, damaged homes, and fatalities. As I watched the news and saw the destruction resulting from the storms, I could not help but think of how the storms of life can leave emotional devastation and cause damage as well. I began to ponder about the storms we endure in our own lives—financial storms, relationship storms, family storms, grief storms, health storms, addiction storms, and those storms we endure in our professional lives. The aftermath of a major storm calls for a massive cleanup just as it can be very difficult to pick up the pieces after an emotional storm as well.

I may have dodged the physical storm that day; however, there have been many storms in my life that I was unable to dodge–one being the storm of divorce. I endured this storm feeling like a Category 4 hurricane had hit me. Left storm-battered with lingering emotional devastation, I was unsure of how I could ever maneuver past this adversity. I had been excelling in all areas of my life; however, a happy marriage was the one thing that seemed to elude me. Today, I can honestly thank God for this storm because during the healing process, I found “ME.” Before the storm of divorce, I could only identify myself as a wife and mother. Now, I can honestly say that I am a strong, powerful, empowered, creative woman who knows that possibilities are limitless. I am better emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially. I believe God uses the storms in our lives to draw us closer to Him and make us better. Don’t discount the storm—ride it out. Because of that storm, I would not have ever founded my life coaching business, New Wine, LLC, where I support others in reaching their goals and minister through these inspirational blogs.

In an article titled “7 Promises of God for When the Storms of Life Hit,” Debbie McDaniel offers the following advice:

1. Storms will come. Storms are inevitable and unavoidable, but God reminds us in His Word he will be with us in the midst of it all.
2. Heed the warnings. Sometimes God provides us a way of escape from what’s ahead; we need His wisdom to know when to stay, or when to go.
3. Be prepared. Often storms come on without much warning. The best way to stay spiritually prepared is to stay in close relationship with God.
4. Know where to find refuge. When facing a storm, we instinctively know to find a place, to be protected from the elements.
5. The enemy comes in like a flood. The enemy will try to wreak havoc in our lives. He loves disaster. He loves it when we struggle. His whole aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.
6. God is over the flood. God is still all powerful, over the floods, over the weather, and He’s not pacing heaven’s floors, but He “sits enthroned over the flood.” He’s still in control and He knows our way.
7. Life comes back. Even in the face of huge loss and ravaging storms, hard times do not hold the final say over our lives.

As gospel singer Douglas Miller expressed in the song “My Soul Has Been Anchored,”

Though the storms keep on raging in my life; 
And sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day; 
Still that hope that lies within is reassured 
As I keep my eyes upon the distant shore; 
I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. 

But if the storms don’t cease, 
And if the winds keep on blowing in my life, 
My soul has been anchored in the Lord. 

I realize that sometimes in this life were gonna be tossed, 
by the waves and the currents that seem so fierce, but in the word of God I’ve got an anchor 
and it keeps me steadfast and unmovable despite the tide, 

But if the storms don’t cease, 
and if the winds keep on blowing in my life, 
my soul has been anchored in the Lord. 

For those who are experiencing a life storm, I hope this message has been a source of encouragement. As always, please share with a friend and I would love to hear your comments. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:2

If you are interested in a free 30-min coaching session, book an appointment at calendly.com/new-wine-consulting.