Walk to You by: Paige Givens, copyright 2014 (BMI)

The wind is blowing me further off the shore
And I’m afraid that a storm is blowing through
The rain is pouring and the thunder starts to roar
And I don’t know just what I’m gonna to do
What am I gonna to do?

But who is this Man walking towards me?
Is it You, Lord, on this black sea?
I haven’t been able to see You through the storm
But You’ve seen me and I believe
That I can walk to You
Lord, let me walk to You

Searching for a foothold on a glassy sea
It isn’t easy when a storm is blowing through
The noise is pounding and my fear it starts to rise
But I’m okay as long as I see You
Lord, let me look to You

Well the jealous waves, they turn my head and I take my eyes from You
And in an instant I’m driven to my knees
In this circumstance I lose my way and there’s nothing left to do
Except cry “Lord, will You save me!”
“Lord, please save me!”

And You are this Man walking towards me
It is You, Lord, on this black sea
I haven’t been able to see You through the storm
But You’ve seen me and I believe
That I can walk to You
Lord, help me walk to You

I’ve encountered so many people that relate to the words of this song. No matter who we are, how old we are, where we’re born, we all have something in common.

We all go through storms. 

We all go through times when life’s events are out of control, leaving us reeling from the hurt, pain, sadness, and anger. And during the chaos, there are many times when we can’t see God’s hand in the midst of the debris. 

I used to be afraid of the question, “Why does God let bad things happen?” And I can’t say now that I have the perfect answer. But here’s what I do know.

God is always right. “You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right.” (Psalm 119:137 NIV) Who am I to question His timing, His will, or even the circumstances He has placed me in? He is always perfect and right. Honestly, though, I do question Him at times. I remember a time a few years ago when I laid my heart before Him and just asked, “Why, God? You knew this wasn’t going to work out. Why did it even happen? We would’ve been better off to not even get our hopes up.” Of course, months later, the circumstance came full circle and I saw where He had actually protected us from deep pain by letting us get by with a small scratch. He is always right, and He is for us.

We are in a sinful world. I definitely think that much of our pain comes from our own choices. There are some things that are out of our control (although they work out for our good), but our sinful choices cause us grief of our own making. Some of the results are obvious: the toll that drugs and drinking alcohol takes on our health and relationships, the destruction of infidelity on our families, the disrespect for authority that eventually takes away our freedom. There are other less obvious choices that cause us pain, though. Holding on to a grudge and letting bitterness grow in our hearts until it consumes us. Filling our minds with anxiety and worry until our health begins to decline. Spending money, time, and resources on this world until we are depleted of joy. Sin hurts us. Thankfully, we are reminded in Romans 6:23 (NIV) that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God will handle our storms. Has anyone ever told you that He won’t give you more than you can handle? I actually respectfully disagree with that statement. I think He gives us stuff we can’t handle all the time! As the hymn by Mylon LeFevre says, “Without Him I could do nothing, without Him I’d surely fail! Without Him I would be hopeless, like a ship without a sail.” I can’t handle sickness. I can’t handle the pain of my loved ones. I can’t handle disappointments. But God can. He never told us that He wouldn’t give us more than we can handle. But He did promise that He would handle it for us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

God uses our storms. I know that as Christians, God uses the unimaginable, the unthinkable, to draw us into His arms. He holds us closer and closer and loves us through the worst days of our lives. I also think that the suffering of those who are not Christians can be used by God to turn their hearts towards Him in salvation. I’m reminded of Romans 8:28 (NIV), which tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

God knows our pain. God sent His son, Jesus, who was part of Himself, to die for our sins. When Jesus was on earth, He felt the pain, temptations, and disappointments that we all feel in life. He was born among the lowly and died a disgraceful death. On the cross, He felt all of our guilt, shame, frustration, and agony. He can relate to you like no one else. I can’t feel your pain, although I can sympathize with you. The only One who can truly feel your pain and take your pain is God. 

I don’t pretend to have all the answers here. If I’m being completely transparent, I have to say that I hate storms of any kind. I enjoy fair weather any day of the year compared to stormy and even just gloomy weather. But I’ve learned that rain produces life and beauty. We need rain in our lives to experience the newness that follows.

If you are a friend who has been ministered to by the song Walk to You, I am so glad. If you are going through a storm right now, cry out to Him. Be honest with Him. He knows your pain. He will draw you close and pour His love on your wounds. You may not be able to see Him in the storm, but He sees you. He will call your name, and you can walk to Him.

Sharing on holleygerth.com and faithalongtheway.com this week.