November 4, 2025 When Storms Keep Coming

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 

When the Storms Keep Coming 

“Are you there, God? It’s me, Gloria.” I was feeling a little like eleven-year-old Margaret in Judy Blume’s 1970 novel by a similar title.   

It had been one of those months. The kind when prayer lists seemed to grow exponentially. Lingering illnesses. Sudden losses. Friends at odds. Fear creeping in with the headlines about conflict, corruption, war, and category 5 hurricanes. It was enough to make anyone whisper, Are you still there, God? When will it stop? What can I possibly do to make even a dent of a difference? 

Then came two sleepless nights of real storms. Lightning flashed like daylight, rain hammered the windows, thunder rolled in waves that shook the house and my peace. By morning, I was weary in body and soul. 

But God, in the miracle of His perfect timing, met me in Scripture that day: 

“So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever.  It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ  —eternal and glorious plans they are!—  will have you put together and on your feet for good.  He gets the last word; yes, he does.  The church in exile here with me—  but not for a moment forgotten by God.”  (1 Peter 5:10-11, 13 MSG) 

Peter wrote those words to a church experiencing the storms of oppression and hardships of living in exile. Followers questioned whether God was still there. His inspired words reminded them – and me: even when the world feels splintered, God is still faithfully at work holding it together … and us, too. For like rains that nourish the earth, life’s storms refine our faith, teaching us dependence on Him, humility, and hope. 

We don’t have to be perfect or fix everything. That’s not our concern (Ezekiel 2:7). We only need to stay faithful—with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and our witness—to wherever and however God calls us. And in it and through it, we need only keep a firm grip on the One who spoke light into darkness and has the final say. 

Reflect: When the world feels out of control, how might God be using life’s storms to deepen your trust in His power and timing? 

Pray: Lord, when the winds rage and the world feels heavy, draw me near. Strengthen my grip on Your promises and quiet my spirit with the assurance that You are still in control. Let every storm I face deepen my faith and point others toward Your unshakable hope. Amen. 

By His Grace,  
Gloria Ashby  
Lay Leader