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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may want to say, \u201cGet me out of this as soon as possible, God.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the disciples battled the storm, Jesus slept in the stern. Their dismay and frustration erupted in their cry, \u201cTeacher, don\u2019t you care if we drown?\u201d (Mark 4:38 NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The broken relationships that result from a loved one\u2019s 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, \u201cDon\u2019t You care about what\u2019s happening to me, my family, my loved ones?\u201d Why aren\u2019t You doing something? How can You let this continue?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019ll take for us to realize this storm is also about us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God doesn\u2019t want the storm to destroy us; He wants it to strengthen us\u2014make us better sailors. How can you begin this growth process?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Admit your grief and pain; express your anger and disappointment to God. He already knows what you\u2019re 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\u2019ll receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Read your Bible. Start with Psalm 62. Psalms 13, 27, 42\u201343, 57, 142\u2013143 are also faith-strengthening, hope-building scriptures. Read them aloud. Pray them back to God. Add your own thoughts and feelings. Claim God\u2019s promises of rescue and healing, of protection and guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 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\u2019re thankful for each day. Even if you have to repeat the same five for a while, the exercise will fortify your faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014His faithfulness, His power, His love. Study His Word, and surround yourself with supportive, godly people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trust your captain. The storm will end, and the sky will clear.<\/p>\n