When Others Experience the Storms

For I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you. Jonah 1:12

It is a difficult thing to face the storms in our life. Consequences for choices we have made can be painful at times. That is the case when we choose to sin and sometimes that is the case when we are striving to do what is right. Jonah was running from God and yet he was not the only one to experience the storm at sea. When confronted with the question as to what they should do, he told his ship companions to throw him into the sea and he gave voice to the bottom line of their predicament. The trouble they were experiencing was on account of him! The price of his choice to disobey God’s command was being paid by himself as well as others.

I think of the many Bible characters who faced hardship because they chose to follow God. The storms of persecution came not only upon them but upon their friends and family members as well. If a father was put in prison for his faith, his family suffered the loss of his presence, protection, and provision. The enemy would be quick to condemn his choices because of the suffering others were experiencing on account of him. In many countries today there is still persecution abounding. What is it like for the one whose passion for Christ has a cost to not only himself but for his family as well? If they do not live under the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father, they will very easily second guess their decisions. Watching others suffer because of our personal choices can add extra pain to what we are already experiencing.

This has been the story of my life for the past seven months or so. My husband is facing the darkest and most difficult days of his life as a direct result of choices I made in relationship to my walk with God. It was easier when I was the only one paying the price for my decisions. It is much harder to see him in the midst of the storm. I have no doubt God will bring us out on the other side in complete victory. But I also know the enemy will use every thing he can to get us discouraged, doubtful, and disheartened. Every day I have two choices. I can choose to let God define this time for me or I can choose to let Satan do the defining. I choose what God says!

Father, You are the only Anchor in the midst of this storm. Help us to hold on to You like never before. We seek Your glory, Your honor, and Your deliverance. Amen.