Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4 NKJV

Storms are never random, they are never hit-and-miss and that's it! There are times we may treat a storm as insignificant, but they are never without purpose. The disciples climbed into the boat, pushed off into calm waters. Just a regular day. The day before Covid-19 virus hit, life was normal. But then it hit the globe with a furry, it seemed to gain so much momentum in a matter of days, not unlike the Sea of Galilee – it can be calm one minute, furious the next. We are often surprised when storms or hard times hit. However we find that trials, suffering and storms are not strange events. Reading Old Testament stories, we find prophets suffered greatly as they carried God’s Word to the people, disciples were New Test. Messengers – they endured hardships for their faith, homelessness, stoning, even prison. Peter wrote to Christians of that day saying, “Don’t be surprised, these fiery ordeals have come upon you to test you. Isn’t that a strange concept!

But regardless of the storm, God is doing a unique internal work to bring us eternal blessings. It is in that place of “helplessness” and “desperation” that we see the power of Christ. We experience a deeper understanding of His love as the sea begins to calm, we now know that His identity over wind and sea opens our heart to experience the Rescuer and Deliverer.

As we read the above passage, Paul endured more sufferings than any other messenger, but it is with heartfelt praise to God that he shares his experience and encouragement with us today. Think of all the personal trials you have come through. You are on the other side of that experience, as you reflect, take time to pass it on to others in their trials. Remember, you came through, now give out what you received because of God’s mercy! Paul wanted to know Christ, to know the power of His resurrection, to participate in His suffering and become like Him in his death. Give others hope, Hope is what hurting people need! Read Philippians 3:10-11.

This present trial that many are facing today is life-threatening, but it is not without a new reliance and trust upon Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul makes reference to his outward man wasting away, but in his spirit he was being renewed more-so every day. It is a mystery, but trials prepare us for eternity. Paul refers to these struggles as being light, momentary experiences in comparison to the eternal glory of which nothing can compare. Know that God is “the Father of Compassion, that your suffering will end. But also realize that trials won’t be wasted, it will bear fruit, both now and for eternity. Jesus tells us a deep but encouraging truth in John 16:33 that “in Him we may have peace, take heart for I have overcome the world.”

One of the greatest weapons Satan uses is our desire for comfort. He wants us to seek comfort and self-fulfillment over seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. We can’t live without hope. God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, He rains on the righteous and unrighteous. As a believer, you live in the same world as unbelievers, you encounter a mix of good and bad, but God can use both to expand our trust in Him. Your response to trials is seen in how you relate to others. God never stops loving us, His plan takes His involvement but also our trust and obedience to Him. Two voices are speaking: One - The devil would say “God must not love you to let this happen to you, your plans are over.” 2nd voice The Comforter says, “take heart, nothing will touch you that doesn’t pass through the nail scarred interceding hands of Jesus..” God will never abandon, never short change you, never be unfair, He is making you more like His Son, Jesus.

In closing – Look at your storm scars, let God use them for His glory and give the hope of heaven to others.