June 19
Through the
Storm
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not harm you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NIrV)
The sound of wind howling through broken windows still haunted Ivy as she stood in the middle of what used to be their living room. She held her toddler close, watching Owen sift through debris, hoping to find something—anything—salvageable. The hurricane had been unrelenting. The roof was gone, the walls warped, and their belongings scattered as if the storm had wanted to erase every trace of their home.
“How could God let this happen?” Owen said, dropping to his knees in frustration. His hands were scratched and muddy, trembling with exhaustion. Ivy had no answer. She felt the same way.
Their faith had always been strong—or so they thought. They went to church, prayed before meals, and thanked God for their blessings. But now, standing in the middle of destruction, all Ivy could feel was a deep void. The promises of God’s goodness felt distant and hollow.
Over the next few days, they stayed in a crowded shelter, surrounded by other families who had lost everything. Conversations were sparse, filled mostly with the unspoken grief of what could never be replaced. Ivy watched her kids try to play with donated toys, their laughter tinged with confusion. She overheard Owen praying at night, but his voice sounded strained, as if he weren’t sure anyone was listening.
One morning, Ivy met an older woman named Elaine who had weathered the same storm. Elaine’s face was lined with age, but her eyes sparkled with a peace Ivy couldn’t comprehend.
“How do you still trust God after all this?” Ivy asked, unable to hold back her tears.
Elaine smiled gently. “Oh, honey, I’ve been through storms before—both the kind you see and the kind you feel. And every time, God’s carried me through. The Bible says, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.’ He doesn’t promise we won’t face storms. But He promises we won’t face them alone.”
That night, Ivy opened her Bible, flipping through the pages until her eyes fell on Isaiah 43:2. She read the words over and over, letting them sink into her weary heart. She whispered a hesitant prayer: “God, I don’t understand this. I don’t know why we lost everything. But if You’re really with us, help us see it. Help us trust You again.”
The next morning, a church group arrived at the shelter with supplies and offers of help. They brought blankets, food, and gift cards. But what touched Ivy and Owen most was their kindness. They listened, prayed, and even offered to help rebuild.
It didn’t fix everything—not right away. The road ahead was still long and uncertain. But as Ivy held Owen’s hand that night, she realized they hadn’t lost everything. They still had each other. They still had their faith, however small it felt. And they still had a God who walked with them, even in the darkest storms.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise to be with us, even when life feels overwhelming.
Forgive us for doubting You when storms come our way.
Help us to trust that You are walking beside us, even when we don’t understand why things happen.
Thank You for the people You send to remind us of Your love and faithfulness.
Strengthen our hearts and give us the courage to face each day, knowing that You will never let the waters sweep over us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
