“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
― Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

“What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” –Charles Bukowski

“Another secret of the universe: Sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning and thunder.”
― Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
― Vivian Greene

There’s no denying that Canadian winters are beautiful. But when you have to get in your car and hit the road, that picturesque snow globe we call home can start to look a little less sparkly. I had a this kind of experience this past weekend. I had driven out of town to pick up some stuff from another city. When I left my home it clear with mild snow blowing, so I thought it would not be too bad. A few kilometers outside the city I saw 2 cars snow ditch.

The further I drove away from the city the more the blowing snow became stronger. As the weather got worse, it was harder to locate exit roads as I was thinking of returning back home, so I kept on driving on. At a distance I followed large trucks because their rear lights could shine through the storm. Closer to the city I was going to I saw a very bad accident, police were re-routing traffic.

Finally I had arrived my destination, I picked up my package then I turned around to go back home, I did not want the highway to be closed as it always happen when there is a snow storm.

Driving home I maintained a slow speed, I wanted to be safe. Driving slow had its challenges, the larger vehicles or drivers who were impatient started to pass me at a higher speed. As they drove they blew and trailed huge amount of snow, which for a moment made me to have total white out. It was scary driving in those moments but I kept on telling myself not to panic, stay in my lane and focus forward.

Finally, I arrived home safe after a torturous two hours on hours on the road. I felt better to be home, I was very thankful to God for leading me through the storm and making me reach home safe. I prayed for the families of the people affected in the motor vehicle accidents I saw while driving.

As I now reflect on this incident I am reminded that life is very much a journey with multiple storms, For some of us we are hit with ice roads that are hard to navigate, for some we are hit with huge blizzards, for some of us we slide to ditches, for others we are hit with huge blowing snow training behind those who think we are too slow or who are impatient with our waiting. Whatever kind of storm you are facing today I want to encourage you that God, the Strong One, the only One who has the strength to get us through any storm unharmed is on your side.

It may feel like you are all alone in this place. Like no one sees and no one cares but I promise you something. Even in the storm, at the darkest moment of your life when you are hanging on by a thread, He is God in the storm. And because He’s still God in the storm:

• You can not be lost to Him.
• Even in the storm, you are held in the palm of His hand.
• He saw this storm before it ever reached you, and has already worked out the provision you’ll need to get you through.
• He will see you through.
• You are His child, and nothing can snatch you from His hands.
• God is worthy of your trust. 

It can all seem so overwhelming, which often leads to anxiety and worry. In my experience though, anxiety and worry are never actually helpful. In fact, they inevitably make everything worse.

We need to note that storms of life are inevitable, but how we handle them is up to us. Sometimes the storms of life can sidetrack us, sabotage us, and make us question our faith. We can react with hurt, pain, sorrow, anger, and resentment. However, the storms of life can be the very thing that draws us to the Father and helps us grow in our faith. Before the foundations of the world God prepared a magnificent plan for your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He promises to be by your side through the inevitable storms of life.

He loves you and has plans to prosper you
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

He works all things together for good in your life, including what you’re going through now
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

He will give you the strength you need to get through the storm
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

His timing is perfect
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

He never leaves your side
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145: 18-19)

We have to remember that it’s not always what we know in times of a storm. All the weather forecasting knowledge and all the driving knowledge in the world can sometimes not prepare us for a storm such as the one I was driving through.

But I knew who I could call on and who I could rely on. So I prayed. It was important for me to have that hope, turning to the One who I knew was listening and who was there.

You have to walk THROUGH it.

There was no denying that I had to go through this storm to get home. I couldn’t go around it. I couldn’t go below it. I couldn’t go above it. I had to go through it.

My experience with God is that storms exemplify His wonders, His miraculous wonders, His beauty, His majesty, His grace, it was exemplified through that storm. And it doesn’t always make sense. And it’s not always pretty. And sometimes there’s pain, and there’s loss, and there’s hardship. But we don’t know the big picture. We don’t know the purpose behind any and every situation.

So we have to trust through every single storm that He who has started a good work in you will carry it out to completion and that He is working all things for good, whether or not it feels like it in this stormy season right now.