We all have seen and lived through many storms in nature, and some were life threatening while others were less severe. I have heard some people say they like storms and love to listen and see the thunder and lightning while others have said they are terrified of storms. We all encounter other storms in our lives that are unrelated to nature’s elements which try our faith and patience. The weather service will issue a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning as the situation demands, and those in the areas of the warning take precautions to ensure their safety. The scriptures issue a warning concerning the coming storms in the lives of God’s people.  Peter writes to the elect according to the foreknowledge of God and declares, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” (I Peter 4:12). Peter warns the children of God to not think it strange when the fiery trial (storm) comes because eventually it will come. This trial may be severe or less traumatic but nevertheless a storm. This storm may be overwhelming in its circumstance but we can take safety precautions and find refuge and safety. David said, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” (Psalm 61:2-3). If the storm is a flood that is ready to drown us in sorrow and sadness, let us be led to higher ground and to the Rock that is higher than any of us. The Rock of Jesus Christ will keep us safe until the storm passes by and the thunder and lightning cease to roll. If the storm is the wind of adversity and affliction, take shelter in the strong tower of the Lord. Solomon uses great wisdom when he declares, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Prov. 18:10).
  There is safety in the strong tower of the name of the Lord; that is why Paul, even in the weakness of the flesh, still said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4:13). Paul said he was often perplexed but not in despair and cast down but not destroyed. There is always hope and strength in the Lord. We sing the song sometimes that says, “When the storms of life are raging, stand by me. When my life become a burden, and I’m nearing chilly Jordan; Thou who saved Paul and Silas, standby me.” Knowing that the Lord has promised to “stand by us” gets us through the storm. Even though we have been warned about the approaching storm, we still have reason to rejoice as Peter issued the warning, he also issued the consolation: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:13). Look not to the storm but to the One who is above the storm and is able to say, “Peace be still.”–August 4, 2012–Elder Larry Wise