3 Types of Storms in Christian Life: Understanding Trials & God's Purpose

When we come to the Lord, when we are born again, and when we join a church, we often hear about the blessings of God. We receive New Year promises, monthly promises, and birthday promises—all focusing on blessings. More often than not, these blessings relate to health and wealth.

While the Bible is filled with God's promises of blessings, we must be careful not to develop a distorted view of Christian life. It is easy to think that if we pray, attend church, and read the Bible, we will only experience blessings and no hardships. But Jesus Himself said:

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

Jesus also spoke about the wise builder who built his house on the rock. The storms came, but the house stood. This teaches us an important truth: even if we follow God's commands, we will still face storms.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks about the armor of God, emphasizing that we must stand firm. Jude also assures us that God is able to make us stand. Trials and storms will come, but God enables us to stand.

If we do not have a correct understanding of Christian life, when the first storm comes, we may feel discouraged, confused, and even question God's promises. That is why we must teach the full gospel—not just the promise of blessings but also the reality of trials.

In the Bible, we see three types of storms. Understanding these storms will help us navigate life's hardships with faith and strength.

# 1. Storms That Come When We Run from God's Purpose

God has a plan for each of us. When we resist His call, He often allows a storm to bring us back to Him.

The prime example of this is Jonah. Jonah was called to preach in Nineveh, but he resisted because he did not want the Gentiles to repent. He fled from God's purpose, and as a result, a great storm arose while he was on a ship. Interestingly, Jonah was not the only one affected—everyone on the ship was terrified.

This teaches us an important lesson: when we run from God's purpose, we not only suffer ourselves but also bring trouble to those around us—our family, our church, and our community.

The prodigal son also faced a storm when he left his father’s house. He ended up in misery, eating pig’s food until he came to his senses and returned to his father.

# Personal Testimony

I personally experienced this type of storm. When I was in college, I had a strong leading to go to Bangalore. Multiple people gave me recommendation letters for job opportunities there. However, out of fear and reluctance, I refused to go. Instead, I stayed in Chennai and faced six years of struggles. Only when I finally obeyed and moved to Bangalore did my life flourish.

The lesson is clear: disobedience invites storms, but repentance and alignment with God's will bring restoration.

What should we do when we encounter this type of storm?

• Introspect and ask: Am I running from God's call?
• Repent and realign with God's purpose.
• Remember that when Jonah finally obeyed, the storm ceased, and Nineveh repented.

# 2. Storms That Come Even When We Are Walking in God's Will

Not all storms come because of disobedience. Sometimes, we face storms even when we are faithfully following God’s command.

An example of this is Jesus’ disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus Himself directed them to go to the other side, yet a fierce storm arose. These disciples were experienced fishermen, yet they feared for their lives. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep in the boat.

This storm teaches us that:

• Having a promise from Jesus does not mean there will be no storms.
• God's presence does not mean we won’t face hardship.
• When storms arise, we must go to Jesus, not give in to fear.

Jesus rebuked the disciples, asking, “Why are you afraid?” This reveals an important truth: fear can exist even when faith is present. That is why throughout the Bible, God repeatedly says, "Do not fear."

# Perspective and Faith

Pastor Rick Warren describes Christian life as a two-track journey—on one track there are blessings, and on the other track, there are challenges. He shared this after writing a best-selling book that was embraced worldwide, while simultaneously dealing with the tragedy of his son’s suicide. Joy and suffering can coexist in a believer's life.

Similarly, Psalm 73 shows David struggling with doubts about why the wicked prosper. But his perspective shifts when he enters the temple of God. This teaches us that:

When confusion and fear arise, run to God's presence.

• Spend time in prayer.
• Meditate on God’s promises.
• Keep your eyes on Jesus, like Peter did when he walked on water.

What should we do when we encounter this type of storm?

• Go to God in prayer.
• Keep your focus on Jesus, not on the storm.
• Stand firm in God's promises.

# 3. Storms That Come Because We Are Serving God

The third type of storm comes not because of disobedience, but because of obedience and ministry.

A powerful example is Paul’s journey to Rome. He was on a mission given by God, yet his ship faced a terrible storm and was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Unlike Jonah, Paul was not trying to escape his mission. Yet, a storm still came.

But here’s the difference:

• Jonah's storm came because of disobedience and brought fear to others.
• Paul's storm came because of faithfulness, and he brought encouragement to others.

# Persecution and Suffering in Ministry

Many ministers, missionaries, and pastors face storms simply because they preach the gospel.

• Graham Staines, a missionary in Orissa, was burned to death along with his two children. His wife faced an unimaginable storm, yet she chose forgiveness over vengeance.
• In the UK, a country that once sent missionaries worldwide, it is now illegal to preach in public, and ministers are sometimes jailed.
• In India, my own pastor in Panchkula faced false accusations and legal troubles simply for sheltering children in his home. Even though he was innocent, he endured the storm with faith and perseverance.

What should we do when we encounter this type of storm?

• Expect opposition when serving the Lord.
• Trust that God’s purpose will be fulfilled despite the storms.
• Strengthen yourself with God’s word and stand firm like Paul.

# Conclusion: How Should We Respond to Storms?

When storms arise in our lives, we often ask, “Why is this happening?” Instead of confusion and fear, we should respond with wisdom and faith.

# Assess the Storm:

1. Is this storm because I am running from God's purpose? (Like Jonah). If so, repent and return to God's will.
2. Is this storm happening even though I am following God? (Like the disciples on the sea). If so, trust Jesus and draw closer to Him.
3. Is this storm happening because I am serving God? (Like Paul). If so, stay committed and encourage others.

# Practical Steps During a Storm:

• Seek God's presence. Spend more time in prayer and scripture.
• Surround yourself with godly friends. True friends will stand with you in trials, as Job’s friends initially did.
• Avoid making quick judgments about others. If someone is going through a storm, don’t assume it’s because of sin—pray for them instead.

As believers, we are part of one body in Christ. Let us pray for one another, support one another, and stand together through life's storms. With God's strength, we will endure and stand firm.

Amen. 🙏

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