A rather poignant scene in the movie, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” finds the Count giving Albert a birthday blessing. An excerpt from his speech particularly got my attention. “Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” There is truth at the core of his statement. What we do when the storm comes is ultimately what matters. The truth is, “storms come for all of us.” As a pastor friend of mine often says, “You’re either going into a storm, in the middle of a storm, or coming out of one.”
We don’t always act or react in the best way when facing the storms of financial stress, relationship problems, or a spiritual crisis. Here’s a game plan that might help.
1. Pray and Seek God’s Presence. Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer is both surrender and strength. In storms, prayer draws us into God’s peace that “guards hearts and minds.”
2. Stand on God’s Promises. Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” Holding onto God’s promises keeps us from being swept away by fear or doubt.
3. Trust God’s Sovereignty. Remember: storms are not bigger than God. Even when He doesn’t remove them immediately, He rules over them.
4. Stay in Community. Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Isolation magnifies storms. Fellowship brings encouragement, perspective, and prayer support.