Storms are scary. When the waves crash and torrential rain pelts us, escaping or hiding from the storm may seem the best way to handle our circumstances. But just as the disciples endured the hurricane-force storm on the Sea of Galilee for a while, we may also have to wait for Jesus to calm the wind and clear the sky.
You may want to say, “Get me out of this as soon as possible, God.” But if He allows a storm to blow into your life, He has a plan and purpose. He wants your attention. And when someone close to us is living a LGBT life, God has our attention.
As the disciples battled the storm, Jesus slept in the stern. Their dismay and frustration erupted in their cry, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38 NIV).
The broken relationships that result from a loved one’s LGBT lifestyle threaten our peace and joy. They plunge us into a sea of fear, doubt, and hopelessness. Like the disciples, we may cry out, “Don’t You care about what’s happening to me, my family, my loved ones?” Why aren’t You doing something? How can You let this continue?”
Someone close to us may bring on the storm; other times our decisions create it. But the longer we hold on to the thought that the raging storm is all about our loved one, the longer it’ll take for us to realize this storm is also about us.
To survive the storm, God asks us to loosen our grip on the helm and allow Him to steer the boat. Releasing control may be difficult, but humble surrender demonstrates our obedience and faithfulness.
God doesn’t want the storm to destroy us; He wants it to strengthen us—make us better sailors. How can you begin this growth process?
- Admit your grief and pain; express your anger and disappointment to God. He already knows what you’re thinking and how you feel. Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our heart to God. The more honest we are, the more comfort we’ll receive.
- Read your Bible. Start with Psalm 62. Psalms 13, 27, 42–43, 57, 142–143 are also faith-strengthening, hope-building scriptures. Read them aloud. Pray them back to God. Add your own thoughts and feelings. Claim God’s promises of rescue and healing, of protection and guidance.
- Be thankful. Start with your salvation and the privilege of prayer. Move on to the basics: breath, sunshine, a pet, a friend. Start a praise journal and commit to writing five things you’re thankful for each day. Even if you have to repeat the same five for a while, the exercise will fortify your faith.
Your storm may last much longer than the one the disciples faced that day on the Sea of Galilee. But Jesus is the captain of your circumstances, and He will navigate you into calmer waters. In the meantime, focus on Him—His faithfulness, His power, His love. Study His Word, and surround yourself with supportive, godly people.
Trust your captain. The storm will end, and the sky will clear.