God Uses Storms to Bring Our Destiny to Pass
One of the truths I’ve learned is that not only does the Lord often use our storms to make us, and as vehicles to get us to our ultimate destination, He will use us to do ministry along the way. Don't think because you are in a battering storm that you can't be used of God. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. There are people in the midst of the turbulence with you that need to hear your message of hope.
I’m reminded of the apostle Paul. He was imprisoned yet again, thinking the end of his earthly life was near. While sitting there in chains, he writes these astounding words to the church at Philippi. “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13). Can you believe that God was so interested in the souls of those soldiers and “all the rest” that he allowed Paul to be imprisoned so he could be a light in their darkness? Paul’s not complaining about his situation, and it wasn’t a lack of faith that put him there. He recognized the Lord was right there with him using him despite his difficult circumstances.
On still another occasion, Paul had set sail for Rome. His calling and great desire was to get to Rome. God, however, allowed his method of transportation to be a prison ship carrying over 250 convicts while he was chained as one of them. If that's not bad enough, a massive nor’easter hits and tosses the ship around like a rag doll driving it off course. All the prisoners think they are going to die, but the Lord is right there in the midst of the storm with Paul, and he tells them,
“I urge you [men] to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island” (Acts 27:22-26 NIV).
God was in the middle of bringing Paul exactly where he needed to be, but it didn’t look anything like he probably thought it would. Yet, even through all of these circumstances we know that Paul’s words and actions have led people for generations to know Christ. My question to you is this. What are you doing in your storm?
God has us at the right place at the right time for His good purposes and He has equipped us to do the work he sets before us to do. God had a master plan for our lives. Ask the Lord to show you the gift He’s put in you and let Him develop it. It may surprise you. All you have to do is surrender all and be obedient, He will do the rest.
To learn more about 'Through the Storm', visit MyCharismaShop.com