Spiritual Storms
Why does God allow me to struggle so much with sin? Why can’t I be free from the things that eat away at my soul? Why do I have to keep falling down repeatedly—and over the same things?
Sound familiar? Do you know the war within? The apostle Paul alludes to it in Romans 7:19-20. It’s that battle that sin continues to fight in us even as we walk in the light of Christ’s love. If you can relate any of this, then consider these words from Kelly Nemick & Marie Coombs:
“[When a spiriutal storm arrives, words] temptations or distractions are terms far too mild to describe the onslaught which is unleashed. Storms arise quickly and without warning. They are sometimes violent and wreak havoc. While we are in the midst of them, they seem interminable. They uproot and tear down. They destroy and overthrow so that something new can spring forth. Storms are an effective way by which nature prunes and renews itself. Our spiritual storms come gushing up from within us, and they do not subside until God has accomplished in us what he has set out to do through them” (The Spiritual Journey (1987): 108-109).
Do you believe that God is using the war within to draw you to himself? He will use it to His purpose if you will allow him. The storms can take many shapes: fits of rage, sexual temptation, greed, anxiousness, envy—but the purpose is sure. God wants to know, “will you absolutely trust me and my ways? Will you go it alone or trust in my power?”
Whatever it is that is weighing down your soul, you are not alone. God stands ready to walk with you and to do that through other brothers and sisters in Christ. Do you have people in your life that you can trust and shoot straight with about life? Don’t try to be a hero or to be Jesus.
Face your storm with the people that God places in your life, and when the storm has raged to its fullest, be amazed at the healing power of God. He makes all things new in their due season and he can do the same to you.
