As a little girl, I loved to go out into the April rain with a large umbrella and splash through mud puddles. Under my umbrella, I felt protected and able to enjoy the mess and uncertainty in the middle of the pouring rain.
There have been many times growing up when I wished I could have pulled out my umbrella to shield myself from the storms of life. Unlike my fun in the rain as a little girl, real-life challenges have proven to be anything but fun. They also seem to come in their timing and not by your choice. As a young adult, when I faced challenges, I tried to protect myself and to find my own solutions while praying for God to help me.
A Personal Relationship with Jesus Changes Things
However, as I have grown in a deeper understanding of Christ through our evolving relationship, I realize he is my shield of protection. He needs to be the first thing I cling to and not my thoughts or plans. Jesus himself told us we would face trials on this broken earth in our imperfect bodies. Our trials help us see the depth of our faith and what we need to work on in partnership with him. When I dwell with Jesus and allow him to direct my steps, I can rest at peace in his provision, protection, and abounding love in the midst of life’s storms. Living in faith doesn’t mean that a storm will go away unless Jesus chooses to calm my storm. It means Jesus is my umbrella and I am never alone. As I hold on to him, he keeps my sight clear and focused on his love and solutions as we walk through the storms of life together.
Trusting Jesus to be the protection and comfort in the storms of your life is living or working out your faith. The storms of your life are:
- where your words meet your trust
- where heaven is working on earth as Christ lives in you and works through you
- where you can take his hand and overcome the challenges in your life, just as he did
You Don’t Need to Fear Storms With Christ
There is no way to escape the storms of life on this broken earth. The storms point us to the fact that we need a Savior. Only you can decide to walk with Jesus through the good and stormy times or to walk it on your own. For me, it’s comforting to know that in my imperfectness while living on this broken earth we do not have to face the storms alone. As you learn to let Jesus be your umbrella, you can experience his courage, strength, and joy as they flow from you and out to others.
Living in this model of faith is Christ’s lighthouse for those who are searching in the dark for his hope and a way to live their life to the fullest. The reality of living in your faith and maturing your faith is a lifelong journey. The most important thing to remember is to keep your hand in Christ’s while seeking to know him deeper. He is the only true umbrella of protection for your spirit. As you remain in him, he will carry you to meet him in eternity one day. You are never too far gone to receive his love and forgiveness as you repent and cling to him. Let Jesus be the umbrella of protection for your spirit, heart, and life, and you will be able to overcome even the fiercest of storms!
