The Storms of Life

[Pr.Paddick Van Zyl]

I am currently writing a new Ebook that focuses on the storm of life we all encounter on our Christian journey, and the Lord has been dealing with me on this subject for the last 2 years:

*Paul Tripp explains the suffering of Job and the glory of God as follows: “Rather than giving Job answers he wouldn’t understand and that his heart couldn’t contain, God answered Job by pointing to himself, to his presence, power, and glory. He knew that Job’s instinct was to seek answers, when what Job really needed was to seek God. Nothing good ever comes when a sufferer withholds trust in God because he’s unable to understand why something bad has happened. Yet there are moments when I am tempted, and you will be tempted, to do just that.” P.121 Tripp Paul, David:  Suffering Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, Crossway, Ill, 2018

*

Sometimes, when we face difficulty and trouble, it may look like it will never end. It will carry on forever. Yet, God is faithful. And when we are anchored in Him, He will bring us through. King David, one of the most anointed leaders and commanders in the Bible and Joseph, who ended up in an Egyptian prison, are but two examples of how God causes all things to work together for good in our lives, when we love Him and are called by Him according to His purpose Romans 8: 28-30.

The following three passages of Scripture are proof that we are not exempt from the storms of life. Jesus warned His disciples and us of the eminent storms but also gave them and us a promise in John chapter 4:

“33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”     John 16:33 AMP

Peter, the apostle, also wrote a letter to the believers who had been dispersed throughout the ancient world, namely Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia and were under intense persecution. Now If anyone understood persecution, it was Peter. He was qualified to write about suffering and storms in life. He was beaten, threatened, punished, and jailed for preaching God’s Word. Yet, he knew what it took to endure without bitterness, without losing hope and in great faith living an obedient, victorious life. It was this knowledge of living hope in Jesus that enabled Peter, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, to write the following:

“12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. 13 But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. 14 If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify]. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others; 16 but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a [a]Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. 17 For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator.”    1 Pet 4:12-19  AMP

We find King David, who penned the famous Psalm 23, when he endured on the worst storm of his life:

“4 Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”  Psalm 23:4  AMP

stay blessed and anchored in Christ our Lord

Pr Paddick van Zyl

LDMI

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