So......You want to know where is God when trouble happens. I have spent many years asking God that at the first sign of trouble. With my particular personality, I can be somewhat suspicious and cautious but always curious. I just need to know what's going on before I can proceed further. So imagine me being Peter when Jesus called to him, (Matthew 14:28) "Come." I would have had loads of questions for Him, whom I say I trust. "Come where?", "Is anybody else coming", "So, what's going to happen when I come?" "Can you come closer just in case I fall on my first step?" And my all time favorite......"Can James come with me please?" Lol!! and on and on and on.
I'm pretty sure you can relate! As soon as an unexpected storm appears, questions arise. This seems like the time for our Savior to appear and show himself strong right? But when we look for him, He looks like a "ghost walking on the water" or in Job's case, you look to the left of him and to the right of him and God is nowhere to be found. Well, there are 3 things I want to share that may help you answer that question of where is He?
Lessons Learned in the Storm
He is Present
Ps. 46:1 says that He is a very present help in trouble. Since we know that God is not a man that He would lie, then we have to know and grasp as truth that HE IS PRESENT! He almost always shows up in a different form than what we are used to. We may be begging for Him to be our Savior when in fact He wants to show you that in Him you are more than a conqueror (Rom.8:37) and that this storm is no match for the God in you. We may want Him to be a shield, and He is in fact, causing you to abound in grace that you may be able to extend grace to those that come to you in the future for the same type of storm. We may want Him to stop the threat, and He's revealing Himself as a Firm Foundation that is Ordering your steps (Ps. 37:23) and goes before you to make the crooked places straight.(Is. 45:2) He is always there! His thoughts and ways are higher so He always has a higher plan and purpose that can come out of this storm in your life.
Show what you Know
During the time when Jesus was asleep on the boat with the disciples, another storm arose. This time they woke up Jesus and said "Do you care that we perish.(Mark 4:38)" I must say, it is hard for me to not accuse God of not caring when the storms rage on in my life. Jesus understands the emotions that you feel behind coming face to face with a storm, but he also wants to see what conclusions you will come to. Literally, what will you wake him up with....your fear or your faith. Either will wake Him. However, to pass the test, Jesus is looking for your declaration of faith, so that you may demonstrate what you have learned in Him. Jesus calmed the raging seas and then immediately said oh ye of little faith. Some times Jesus doesn't take authority over the seas in your life, because He is teaching you to do it and that you are indeed more than a conqueror in Him. Waking Him with fear means you don't see yourself as more than a conqueror or haven't learned to exercise your own authority yet. No matter the path, God is still with you and will ensure that it will "all work together for good."
Just Survive It
Sometimes like Paul, (Acts 27:44) there's nothing left to do but survive on broken pieces knowing you will make it to the other side. Some things we will just have to go through with a quiet faith and being fully persuaded that He who promised is faithful. Sometimes we can demonstrate our faith, and nothing changes. Sometimes we can have a visitation of God in the midst and yet the storm still rages. During these moments, we have nothing left to do but to hold to Christ as our Comforter and Joy and allow His will to be done in our life and in the situation. It may not feel good but nothing is ever beyond His scope of control. Stay with His word and you will make it to the other side!
Conclusion
In conclusion, He is with you because He promised He would be. He will never leave you nor forsake you.(Heb.13:5) He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (Prov.18:24)Even if you make your bed in hell, there He is!! (Ps.139:8) He went away that He could send us the Comforter and dwell within you. Just remember, He is the Master teacher. Ask Him, "Oh God, reveal yourself to Me, that I may not be afraid and continue to believe." And He will answer every time.....simply, because He said He would.