In an earlier post we read about Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8:22-25. The disciples were seriously afraid, and Jesus was asleep. After he awoke and calmed the storm, they were utterly amazed. They had not fully known that he could do that—he was more than they thought he was.

Today, we have storms of weather, but also storms of fire, health, emotions, and finances. What we see from the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee is that even if someone follows God perfectly, the path that God directs for him or her may go directly into a storm.

Yet, he never leaves us.

According to the writer of Hebrews, Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Paul wrote to those living in Rome:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35,37-39)

And then there is this encouragement from the book of Psalms:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3)

So what do we know?

• Jesus is even bigger than we realize, and even following him there will be storms (Luke 8:22-25)

• He is there for us and nothing will separate us from his love (Romans 8)

• He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)

• We can trust him, and he will give us peace in the storm when we focus on him (Isaiah 26:3)

The lyrics of Leanna Crawford’s song, "Truth I’m Standing On" underscore this theme of trusting Jesus in storms. The lyrics of Tauren Wells' song "Carry On" do as well.

Let’s encourage one another to carry on, stand on truth and keep our eyes on him, no matter what happens.

Looking to Jesus,

Ellen