How Storms Help Us Encourage Others

There’s something awe-inspiring about a thunderstorm.

The loud rumbles. The dark sky. The foreshadowing of electricity.

Thunder is an audible reminder that there are things bigger and more powerful than us in this world; that storms are part of life and that some circumstances are out of our control.

The Bible is full of references to thunder and storms:

• God answered Moses in thunder in Exodus 19:19.
• Jesus called James and his brother John the “Sons of Thunder” in Mark 3:17.
• Job 37:2-6 compares God’s voice to the roar of thunder.
• “Seven thunders” sounded in Revelation 10:3-4.
• David often used thunder as an allegory for God (e.g., Psalm 29, 77 and 81).

And what God has done in singer Thunderstorm Artis’ life is just as awesome as his namesake. He shared his incredible journey with transparency and vulnerability in his White Chair Film, and how he had to learn to love the gifts God had given him and be willing to use them to walk in the purpose for which God created him. Thunderstorm found his voice, and as he grew in his walk with God, he discovered how God wanted him to use it.

Thunderstorm’s story is a beautiful reminder that everyone will have good and bad seasons in life. Some days, it seems like life is sunny, bright and everything makes sense. Other times, it seems like the clouds will never go away and your confidence is shaken.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

Having the right perspective is everything. When we accept that storms are part of life — when we expect them rather than worry about them — it makes it easier to see them as beneficial experiences rather than negative ones. Keeping this perspective also makes it easier for God to use us to help someone walking through a similar storm.

Storms Can Display Vulnerability and Courage

Being open about our struggles can be difficult. It requires a tremendous amount of vulnerability and courage. But here’s the thing about vulnerability: once someone has the courage to be vulnerable first, it inspires others to do the same. In the same way that Thunderstorm discovered healing and the power to share hope through his music, God will show us how we can share hope with others.

“Leaders go first,” as the popular saying goes. So whenever we are open about storms, weaknesses and feelings, we are not only being honest and transparent, but we’re showing servant leadership in action, just like Jesus did. When we are able to do this in a community setting, it opens the door for genuine connection and growth.

Storms Can Help Others Find Healing

It can be difficult to receive advice from someone who hasn’t experienced what you’re going through. And that’s part of the reason God allows us to struggle. Those who have experienced personal storms can help others find healing:

• Someone who recovered from addiction can walk alongside someone trying to overcome addiction and give them wisdom and advice.
• Someone who battled depression and anxiety knows what words, actions and prayers can lift another’s spirit.
• Someone who’s been dealing with a lifelong physical ailment can offer hope to those facing ongoing trials (and inspire everyone else watching, too).

Whatever your storm, there’s an opportunity for God to use it in ways you wouldn’t expect. He has a unique plan for your life and no one else can use your storms the way God can use them.

Storms Can Point Others to God

As believers, our trials naturally point others to Jesus. He suffered immensely on our behalf. He didn’t deserve it, but he didn’t question God’s goodness. Jesus took his feelings to the father, but ultimately submitted to God’s will, because he trusted him.

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” (1 Peter 2:23-24)

Our actions in the middle of storms have the potential to say more than our words ever could.

God Can Use Our Storms for Good

Notice any similarities in the above headlines? All include the word “can.” Our storms can help so many people, but only if we choose to let them and put ourselves out there. Like Thunderstorm, we have to find our voice and be willing to let God use it to speak life and encouragement to those who are hurting. We can dwell on our storms and focus on bitterness, resentment and despair — or, we can turn them into a positive instead.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Thunderstorm’s journey didn’t make sense to him sometimes. Yours might not, either. But if you keep your eyes focused on the one who is in control, you’ll find there really is peace in the eye of the storm.

Don’t let your stormy season keep you from making a positive impact for God’s kingdom.