Shelter in the Storm: Finding God’s Purpose in Life’s Turbulences 🌧️✨
As we step into the fresh start of 2026, the new year often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The holiday season might have wrapped up, but winter’s chill and the push for resolutions can feel like brewing storms in our lives. We question why challenges arise, wondering if God has stepped away. Yet, looking back, we see His hand at work all along. In this post, we’ll explore why God allows storms and how to navigate them with faith, drawing from Scripture. Let’s turn these trials into testimonies of His faithfulness!
Why Does God Allow Storms in Our Lives? ❓🙌
Storms aren’t random—they’re opportunities for growth, revelation, and deeper reliance on God. Especially in this season of new beginnings, these “storms” might look like unmet goals, health setbacks, or relational strains post-holidays. But remember, God uses them purposefully. Here’s how:
1. He Uses Storms to Correct Us ⚠️🔄
Sometimes, our own choices lead us into rough waters, and God allows the storm to redirect us back to His path. Just like Jonah, who fled from God’s call, we might need a wake-up call to realign.
“He said to them, ‘Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.’”
Jonah 1:12 (ESV)
Bold takeaway: If a storm feels self-inflicted, pause and reflect—God corrects those He loves (Hebrews 12:6 ESV: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”).
2. He Uses Storms to Show Us (and Others) His Power and Glory 🌟💨
In the midst of chaos, God’s miracles shine brightest. Picture the disciples terrified on the boat—Jesus calms the storm, revealing His divine authority. In your 2026 storms, watch for His glory to emerge.
“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’”
Mark 4:39-41 (ESV)
For added insight:
“The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”
Nahum 1:3 (ESV)
Bold takeaway: Storms amplify God’s power—share your story to inspire others!
3. He Uses Storms to Get Us to Depend on Him More Deeply 🤝❤️
When everything’s smooth, we might coast on our own strength. But storms strip away self-reliance, pushing us toward total trust in God. Like the Israelites at the Red Sea, we’re called to stand firm and let Him fight.
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’”
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)
Bonus verse for this winter season:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Bold takeaway: Dependency on God builds unshakeable faith—lean in during tough times.
How Should We Respond in a Storm? 🛡️📖
Knowing why storms come is one thing; responding well is where transformation happens. In this new year season, let’s make practical steps to weather any turbulence. Here’s your action-packed guide:
– Draw Near to God! 🚶♂️🙏
Don’t isolate—run to Him! Reserve daily time for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer. This builds intimacy and empowers you to follow His will. Try a 15-minute break: Walk outside, admire the winter sky, clouds, or birds, and chat with God. Give thanks and invite Jesus’ presence.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
Action Plan: Download an Engage: 21-Day Guide (or similar app) and start Day 1. Make it a 2026 habit!
– Invite Others into Your Life 👥🤝
You’re not meant to storm-surf alone. Community provides support and strength.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! … And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (ESV)
Action Plan: Identify your “noisy turmoil”—maybe post-holiday stress or resolution roadblocks. Share with a trusted friend. Clarify: What’s your load? What can a friend shoulder? What to surrender to God?
– Tell Others What He Has Done for You 📢🎉
Once the storm passes, shout His praises! Your testimony comforts others in their trials.
“For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.”
Psalm 18:49 (ESV)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Extra encouragement:
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 118:1 (ESV)
Bold takeaway: Your storm story becomes someone else’s survival guide.
As we embrace 2026, remember: Storms refine us for brighter days ahead. Stay anchored in faith, and watch God turn tempests into triumphs. 💫
A Closing Prayer 🙏
Heavenly Father, as we enter this new season of 2026, thank You for the storms that shape us. Help us see Your correction, power, and call to dependence. Draw us near in quiet times, surround us with supportive friends, and embolden us to share Your works. In moments of turmoil, remind us that our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Intercede for us by Your Spirit, and lead us in Your everlasting way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.