Life does not run a straight course. It is full of changes and exhibits diverse emotions. It can be sweet sometimes. It can sometimes also be insipid or outright bitter. Life can become so stormy and scalding that believers could be tempted to doubt the faithfulness of God. Some have actually lost their faith on account of such storms. However, when one realizes that human experiences, good or bad, are but only momentary phases in human existence and above all purposeful, one would be smarter and more creative in managing these moments.
Possible Reasons for Storms in Human Lives
Purposeful Act of God—the direct actions of God can be responsible for the storm a Christian encounters. God described himself as a potter and his people as the clay with which he molds his pots according to his divine intentions (Jer. 18). He does not mold any pot without a purpose. He shapes and reshapes a pot to be fit for its destined mission. To toughen the pots, he passes them through fire before they are ready for use. Such divine actions in believers do not happen without pain. St. Paul related his own turbulent experience in 2 Cor. 12:7: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me”.
The Devil’s Jealousy—the jealousy of the evil one is another reason there could be storms in a Christian’s life. Jesus said, the devil comes “only to steal and kill and destroy” (Jn 10:10). Nonetheless, he cannot achieve this purpose, unless God, in his eternal wisdom and divine purpose, grants him the permission (recall the case of Job). Christians themselves could also give him the opportunity to wreak havoc in their lives directly or indirectly.
The Wages of Sin—Storms in human lives could be the resultant effect of sin, which is basically a disrespect and, sometimes, outright disdain or contempt for God. This is where the storm, which Prophet Amos addresses in the first reading of today, falls. The reading reminds us of the dual character of God: a righteous Judge and a merciful Father. His justice condemns people to pay for their iniquities. However, His mercy grants forgiveness and healing for those who repent of their evil ways.
Natural Law—Nature has been arranged to follow a particular pattern of operation. Even though this sequence in nature can be infringed upon or controlled, it tries to maintain its uniform course. That means that most events happen according to natural designs. The human system, for instance, is mortal and has been created to be frail. It is natural, therefore, that the human body can be ravaged by diseases and can also succumb to the force of death due to natural causes. Such events resulting from nature can cause storms in the lives of even those who believe.
Human Folly—God endowed human beings with reason and free will. They are, therefore, free to decide their course of action. God does not infringe on the freedom of the will of any moral being. However, the decisions and actions of these moral beings have consequences for which they alone are responsible. This is to say that human actions and inactions can cause storms in their lives.
In Moments of Storm
When storms break in our lives, the following tips could be of help:
1. Be still—do not panic and remain composed. Adopt a positive attitude.
2. Try to find out what could be the possible cause of the storm and adjust accordingly.
3. Do not rage against the Lord but trust in his love, justice and mercy.
4. Pray with faith and without losing heart.
5. Avoid desperation. Be patient and wait upon the Lord.
6. Submit to the absolute will of God—say with conviction to the Lord, “Your will be done”.
[Readings for Saturday Week 13: Amos 9:11-15; Matthew 9:14-17]
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