Charles Stanley - Life's Passing Storms

“In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV). Of all the promises Jesus made during His time on earth, that’s one we all know too well. But thankfully, the verse doesn't end there. “Take heart!” He continues, “I have overcome the world.” In this message, Dr. Stanley explains how God works in our favor even amidst life’s passing storms.

We all experience storms in our lives—those occasions that bring pain, suffering, or loss. It’s in turbulent times that all sorts of questions come to mind: Where is God? Why has this happened? Was it something I did? Did God cause it? If so, why? The only safe place to go for answers in tumultuous times is God’s Word.

The underlying foundation for understanding the storms of life is found in Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” And in Psalm 107:23-32, a descriptive example of a literal storm provides insight into the Lord’s role in the various storms that come our way. The scene is a ship at sea battling the wind and waves. In the midst of misery and helplessness, the sailors call out for God’s help, and He brings them out of their distress by calming the storm and safely guiding them to their desired haven. In response, they thank the Lord for His lovingkindness and wondrous deliverance and extol Him to the people.

Was God in the storm? According to verse 25, the answer is yes: “For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.” Sometimes the Lord interrupts our lives by sending turbulence, but on other occasions, we create the chaotic conditions with our sinful choices. Our troubles could also be the result of natural occurrences. No matter what the source, ultimately, God is in every situation because His sovereignty rules over all.