Turning from Tarshish

04/09/21 – 04/20/21

Reacting to the Storm

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/16/21

There are many ways we can react to a storm. We can try to run away from its source, or we can keep ourselves so busy that we don’t have a moment’s rest for dwelling on our problems. But these human methods will not stop the storm nor help us learn from it and use it for our good and the good of others.

How does God want us to react to our storms? He wants us to submit wholeheartedly to His will and to become willing servants to wherever He calls us.

When confronted with his storm, Jonah knew what he had to do. He told the sailors, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea, . . . and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you” (Jonah 1:12). Jonah knew Almighty God was not going to let his open rebellion go unnoticed. He knew that he could not hide from God’s sovereignty. In telling the sailors to throw him into the sea, Jonah was declaring that he was done running away from God.

When Jonah surrendered to God, “the raging sea grew calm” (Jonah 1:15). Sometimes the consequences of our sin linger, even after our repentance. But the storm of rebellion will abate only after we have repented of the sin. As long as disobedience occurs, we will be tossed about on those stormy waves. But when we seek God’s face, He’ll give us the strength to face our storms and deepen our faith to live out His good purposes for our lives.

Prayer: God, when I find myself in the middle of a storm, help me to submit to You so that You can show me the source of my storm. Help me respond in obedience. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19).