The Three Storms Of Scripture

“But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.” - Jonah 1:4

We read in Scripture of many natural disasters such as famines, earthquakes, floods, and storms. To the best of my knowledge there are three major storms in the Bible each used by God for distinctly different purposes. If we take a brief survey of each, I think we will find that God will show us why they exist and what purpose God has for each.

The first storm we encounter of major import is the one found in Jonah. Jonah was a reluctant prophet who ran from God but found that God could not be ditched. The Lord brought up a mighty tempest in order to discipline a wayward child and bring him back to the right way.

The second storm is found in Mark 4 where our Lord tells His disciples to get in the boat and go over to the other side. When the storm whips up, the disciples become afraid and begin to doubt. However, since Jesus told them they were going to the other side, what else could have happened but safe arrival to the other shore? This storm was not one of discipline because, unlike Jonah, they initially obey. This was a storm of trial which the Lord needed to expose weakness in character. He exposed a lack of faith. He wanted to bring them back to the truth.

Storm number three is found in Acts 27 where Paul is on his way to Rome to stand trial. A huge storm brews up and the 276 men on board are frightened. An angel appears to Paul assuring him that all will arrive safely and there will be no loss of life. So what is the purpose behind this storm? Paul was obedient and certainly didn’t lack faith. This was a storm to expose strength of a believer before unbelievers. This type of storm brings life.

Storm number one shows Jonah the way, storm two shows the disciples the truth, while storm three shows unbelievers the life. Since Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we should expect the storms of life to reveal Him in the process. That’s the way I see things.