Why Do We Face Storms
There are a number of reasons we face challenges in life. Some are hard to explain, but for Christians, many trials are tools used to assist us with becoming more like Christ. With exercise, for example, muscles will not grow unless weight or pressure is applied to the body. Similarly, we often do not grow unless our characters experience the weight and pressures of life. (James 1:2-4; Rom 8:28,29)
The following outline highlights reasons we often undergo challenges in life:
Reason #1: Storms are a fact of life
We live in a fallen world that has been subjected to sin; therefore, nothing operates as God originally intended.
This includes people and even nature. Some storms arise simply because we are inhabitants of earth. (Romans 8:18-22)
Reason #2: Personal sin and shortcomings
Sometimes we bring trouble upon ourselves by our own sin and shortcomings. Lying, fornication, bad management of finances, and laziness are common habits that fall into this category. We are all guilty at times, so we shouldn’t be surprised when trouble results from these and other sinful actions. (Heb 12:3-11; 2 Chron 7:13-14)
Reason #3: Preparation
Sometimes God uses storms to prepare us for challenges down the road for which we are not yet ready. In the Bible, David encountered lions and other wild animals as a young shepherd. These experiences prepared him to be a mighty warrior later in life and save Israel from opposing nations. (I Sam 17:34-37; Gen 45:4-8)
Reason #4: Sign of Warning
There are times when trouble comes as a sign that we are headed in the wrong direction. In the Bible, Jonah
encountered a terrible storm because he was going in the opposite direction from where God wanted him. (Jonah 1:1-4; Jer 25:8-9)
Reason #5: We are under attack
Satan is seeking to prevent us from living for God and fulfilling the purposes God has for us. As a result, he creates trouble to get us off course. (I Peter 5:5-10)
Sometimes, we do not always know whether trouble is the result of reason (5) we’re heading in the right direction or reason (4) we’re headed in the wrong direction. During these times, we must continue to pray and stay close to God. ( Prov 3:5,6)
Reason #6: We’re being perfected
The goal of the believer is to increasingly model the image of Christ. During trials we often develop the character, patience, and other attributes we need to become more like our Lord. (James 1:2-4; Rom 8:28,29)
Reason #7: We are fighters
The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. We face trials because we are amidst the battle of good v evil. For believers, we have the assurance that we are on the winning team. (Rom 8:31-39)
Note: Each topic of discussion is accompanied by associated scripture references. Every visitor is encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information shared through his/her personal bible-based research and discussion
with local ministry leaders, parents, and/or trusted advisors.
The following outline highlights reasons we often undergo challenges in life:
Reason #1: Storms are a fact of life
We live in a fallen world that has been subjected to sin; therefore, nothing operates as God originally intended.
This includes people and even nature. Some storms arise simply because we are inhabitants of earth. (Romans 8:18-22)
Reason #2: Personal sin and shortcomings
Sometimes we bring trouble upon ourselves by our own sin and shortcomings. Lying, fornication, bad management of finances, and laziness are common habits that fall into this category. We are all guilty at times, so we shouldn’t be surprised when trouble results from these and other sinful actions. (Heb 12:3-11; 2 Chron 7:13-14)
Reason #3: Preparation
Sometimes God uses storms to prepare us for challenges down the road for which we are not yet ready. In the Bible, David encountered lions and other wild animals as a young shepherd. These experiences prepared him to be a mighty warrior later in life and save Israel from opposing nations. (I Sam 17:34-37; Gen 45:4-8)
Reason #4: Sign of Warning
There are times when trouble comes as a sign that we are headed in the wrong direction. In the Bible, Jonah
encountered a terrible storm because he was going in the opposite direction from where God wanted him. (Jonah 1:1-4; Jer 25:8-9)
Reason #5: We are under attack
Satan is seeking to prevent us from living for God and fulfilling the purposes God has for us. As a result, he creates trouble to get us off course. (I Peter 5:5-10)
Sometimes, we do not always know whether trouble is the result of reason (5) we’re heading in the right direction or reason (4) we’re headed in the wrong direction. During these times, we must continue to pray and stay close to God. ( Prov 3:5,6)
Reason #6: We’re being perfected
The goal of the believer is to increasingly model the image of Christ. During trials we often develop the character, patience, and other attributes we need to become more like our Lord. (James 1:2-4; Rom 8:28,29)
Reason #7: We are fighters
The Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. We face trials because we are amidst the battle of good v evil. For believers, we have the assurance that we are on the winning team. (Rom 8:31-39)
Note: Each topic of discussion is accompanied by associated scripture references. Every visitor is encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information shared through his/her personal bible-based research and discussion
with local ministry leaders, parents, and/or trusted advisors.