Which is easier; Trusting God in the Storm or Trusting Him when things are rosy? Of course, it’s the latter, For It’s easier to Trust in God when things are rosy. However, Life is unpredictable as it can bring storms our way when we least expect, and then we begin to question the presence of God amid our helplessness and loneliness.
Does this situation sound familiar? Worry not! In this article, drawing lessons from the life of Job, you’ll learn how to Trust God in the Storm.
Who Is Job?
The story of Job is one of the most powerful and inspiring stories in the Bible for me because he was given to be tested by God Himself. Such a level of walk!
Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lived in the land of Uz. In a single day, a series of severe trials and tragedies befell him that took away everything he had within a twinkle of an eye. He lost his children, his possessions, and his health, and was left with nothing but his faith in God. Despite all of this, He never lost his faith in God as he never curse Him nor turn from Him. He never stopped trusting in His goodness and mercy. Instead, he chose to trust in God and maintain his faith, even when his friends and loved ones advised him to do otherwise.
Here are some valuable lessons you can learn from Job’s story about trusting God in the storm:
1. Recognize God’s superiority
Job recognized that God is superior over all things. In Job 1:21 — He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had and the lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” [NLT]. In other words, He understood that everything he had belonged to God and that God had the right to take it away. Thus, He did not blame God for his misfortunes but instead praised Him for everything he had been given.
Similarly, when you face storms in your life, you must remember that God is in control. Even though you may not understand why you are going through a difficult time, you can trust that God is Superior and that He has a plan for your life.
2. Rest in God’s strength.
When Job lost everything, he was left with nothing but his faith. In Job 13:15 — He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to His face.” [NIV]. This implies that he understood that his strength came from God and that he could trust in God’s power to help him through his trials.
Likewise, when you face storms in your life, you must rely on God’s strength. You may feel weak and powerless, but God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness. As the apostle, Paul said in Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” [NIV]
3. Clutch on to hope.
Job did not give up hope, even when his circumstances seemed hopeless. He said in Job 19:25 — “I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end, he will stand on the earth.” [NIV]. That is, Job knew that God was his ultimate hope, and he trusted that God would one day redeem him and restore everything he had lost.
In the same way, when you face storms in your life, you must hold on to hope. You may not know what the future holds, but we can trust that God has a plan for your life and that He will see you through your difficulties.
4. Yearn for wisdom from God.
Job’s friends offered him advice and counsel, just like it happens in this world of ours, but their words were not helpful. They were often accusatory and judgemental. Job eventually realized that he needed to seek wisdom from God instead of listening to his friends.
Likewise, when you face storms in your life, you must seek wisdom from God. You can do this by reading the Bible, praying, and seeking guidance from wise and godly mentors. God’s wisdom is far greater than your own, and He can help you navigate through difficult situations.
5. Trust in God’s goodness.
Job trusted in God’s goodness, even when his circumstances seemed to indicate otherwise. He said in Job 2:10 — “…Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?…” [NLT]
6. God’s ways are not always your ways.
Knowing this truth will save you a lot. Job could not understand why God was allowing him to suffer so much, but he never questioned God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Instead, he continued to trust in God and remained obedient to Him. We may not always understand why we have to go through certain trials and hardships, but we can trust that God has a plan for our lives and that He will bring good out of every situation.
Remember Jeremiah 29:11—”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” [NLT] If you read further,
Jeremiah 29:12-13—”In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” [NLT]
It follows that during storms, you’re expected to pray and search Him wholeheartedly.
7. Your Faith will be tested.
It’s only during storms that your love for God can be known and only then can you grow stronger. Job’s faith was tested in ways that most of us will never experience, but he emerged from his trials with a stronger and deeper faith in God.
You, too, will face trials and difficulties in your life, but you can trust that God will use those experiences to strengthen your faith and make you more like Him.
CONCLUSION
The life of Job teaches that Trusting God in the storms of life is important. It won’t come easy, but it’s worth it. You might not understand His ways, but learn to trust in His goodness, mercy, and love and know that He’s with you; and will never leave you.
I pray for the grace to learn from Job and always trust in God irrespective of the storms you may face. I pray for the grace to overcome every hurdle in Jesus’ name.
Amen.