Life throws curveballs, and sometimes it feels like we’re constantly weathering storms. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This simple quote holds profound truth, especially when we consider the inevitable challenges we all face. Storms in life are unavoidable, and as people of faith, we can find comfort in knowing that these trials are not without purpose.
Think about the Apostle Paul in Acts 27. He was caught in a violent storm at sea, a prisoner with no control over his circumstances. Yet, this storm was not a random event. Paul was on his way to Rome, exactly where God intended him to be. God wasn’t surprised by this storm; it was part of His plan. Paul’s imprisonment and subsequent storm were a direct result of his dedication to spreading the Gospel.
We see similar situations in the Gospels. After Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand, he instructed his disciples to sail to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Obediently, they set off, only to be met by a fierce storm. Another time, a tempestuous storm arose while Jesus himself was in the boat with them, seemingly asleep amidst the chaos.
These biblical accounts highlight a crucial point: following God doesn’t exempt us from storms. In fact, sometimes obedience leads us directly into them. Anyone who claims that Christians are immune to life’s difficulties isn’t accurately reflecting Scripture. The Apostle Peter wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
So, if storms are a part of life, and even a part of God’s plan, how do we navigate them? What does it truly mean to “dance in the rain”? Essentially, it’s about cultivating a heart of gratitude and thankfulness, regardless of our circumstances. The Bible instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Ephesians 5:20 further emphasizes this, urging us to “always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are called to give thanks during our storms and for our storms. This is the essence of dancing in the rain.
This might seem incredibly challenging, even unrealistic, especially when facing significant hardships. How can we possibly thank God for a job loss, a concerning health diagnosis, the grief of losing a loved one, or the pain of watching a child stray from their faith? Acknowledging the difficulty is important, but the directive to give thanks isn’t a suggestion; it’s God’s inspired Word.
Consider the story of a friend who lost his sight in middle age. The initial diagnosis and the reality of impending blindness were incredibly difficult. Yet, looking back, he considers it a pivotal point in his life, a catalyst for profound spiritual growth. While he doesn’t cherish blindness itself, he recognizes that this trial drove him to a deeper love and reliance on God, shaping him into a remarkable man of faith.
Learning to give thanks in and for everything boils down to obedience. It’s choosing to do what God commands, even when our feelings resist, even when our hearts aren’t inclined to gratitude. Perhaps this is what the concept of a “sacrifice of praise” truly means – thanking and praising God when it feels counterintuitive, when it doesn’t make earthly sense. But we can trust that God honors this obedience.
James 1:2-4 offers further insight: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Every storm we endure, whether directly sent by God or simply permitted by Him, serves a purpose. It’s designed to address a deficiency in our lives.
The Purpose of the Storm: What Are You Lacking?
Storms can reveal and address areas of lack in our lives, fostering growth in unexpected ways:
Faith
Is your faith wavering? A storm will test and strengthen your faith like nothing else. When everything around you is uncertain, relying on God becomes essential, pushing you to trust Him in deeper ways.
Joy
Is joy elusive in your life? The joy of the Lord becomes your strength precisely in the midst of a storm. It’s not a superficial happiness, but a deep-seated peace and contentment that anchors you when external circumstances are turbulent.
Humility
Is pride hindering your spiritual growth? A storm has the power to dismantle pride, bringing you to your knees in dependence on God. It reveals our vulnerability and our need for divine grace, fostering true humility.
Maturity
Is spiritual immaturity holding you back? Storms accelerate spiritual growth, forcing us to confront childish attitudes and embrace a more mature perspective on life and faith. They push us beyond our comfort zones and into deeper levels of reliance on God.
Courage
Do you lack courage in sharing your faith? A storm can ignite a boldness within you, breaking the chains of fear and empowering you to speak the truth of the Gospel without shame. Facing trials can embolden us in ways we never imagined.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This is the foundation upon which we can truly dance in the rain – knowing that even amidst hardship, God is working for our ultimate good.
Steps to Dancing in the Rain: Practical Application
It’s possible to go through a storm and completely miss God’s intended purpose. We can choose to succumb to worry, bitterness, and complaint, focusing on our distress and overlooking the potential for growth and God’s blessings within the trial. To truly rise above the storms and embrace “dancing in the rain,” we need to take intentional steps.
1. Face Your Fears
Storms naturally evoke fear. Think of a dog during a thunderstorm, seeking shelter and comfort. We too can react to life’s storms with panic and a desire to escape. However, running from fear isn’t the answer. Victory lies in confronting it. Fear often originates from a negative source, and allowing it to dictate our decisions leads to defeat.
Consider the example of a young professional paralyzed by fear in her challenging work environment. Her instinct was to flee. However, true victory wouldn’t be found in escape, but in overcoming the fear itself. As long as fear grips our hearts, dancing in the rain remains impossible. Fear is like lead weights on our feet, hindering movement and joy. Remember, growth and blessings often lie on the other side of fear.
How do we dismantle fear? By wielding the Word of God as our weapon. Scripture is replete with verses designed to combat fear. Here are a few powerful examples to declare against fear:
- Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.“
- Psalm 27:3: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.“
- Romans 8:15: “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”“
These are just a few verses among many that teach us to reject fear. To truly dance in the rain, we must confront fear head-on, armed with the truth of Scripture. Actively quoting and meditating on these verses will liberate us from fear’s grip.
2. Seek to Encourage and Help Others
Another crucial step in learning to dance in the rain is shifting our focus outward. Instead of dwelling solely on our own storm, we should intentionally seek to encourage and assist others. Ask God to reveal someone you can support. Then, proactively reach out and help them in tangible ways. This could manifest in various forms:
- Financial assistance: Offer monetary help if possible.
- Time and practical help: Dedicate your time to assist with tasks or projects.
- Words of encouragement: Offer uplifting and supportive words.
- Acts of service: Provide a meal or other practical assistance.
Remember the principle of sowing and reaping: “you reap what you sow.” If you desire encouragement, sow encouragement into others’ lives. If you need financial help, be generous in giving. If you need job assistance, help someone else in their job search.
Consider the example of a friend battling stage four lung cancer. Initially given a grim prognosis, she has lived years beyond expectations, radiating joy and resilience. Even in her own severe illness, she has become a source of immense encouragement to others facing health challenges, many of whom are dealing with less critical conditions. Her circumstances, though incredibly difficult, have become a platform for ministry and inspiration.
It’s easy to believe we must wait for our own storm to subside before we can help others. However, one of the transformative purposes of our trials is to cultivate empathy and understanding for those experiencing their own storms. Isaiah 58:6-9 highlights this interconnectedness:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.“
Our own healing and help often emerge when we turn outward, extending compassion and support to others.
Embracing Every Season: A Weather Report for Life
The poem “Weather Report” beautifully encapsulates the essence of dancing in the rain:
“Any day I am vertical is a good day, that’s what I say. And I give thanks for my health.
If you ask me, “How are you?”, I’ll answer. “I’m great” because in saying so, I make it so. And I give thanks I can choose my attitude.
When Life gives me dark clouds and rain, I appreciate the moisture that brings a soft curl to my hair.
When Life gives me sunshine, I gratefully turn my face up to feel its warmth on my cheeks.
When Life brings snow, I dash outside to catch the first flakes on my tongue, relishing the icy miracle that is a snowflake.
Life’s events and experiences are like the weather—they come and go, no matter what my preference.
So. . . I might as well decide to enjoy them. For indeed there IS a time for every purpose under Heaven.
Each season brings its own unique blessings. And I give thanks.”
Life, like the weather, is a series of seasons, each with its own unique characteristics, both pleasant and challenging. Our power lies in choosing our response to each season, deciding to find joy and gratitude amidst all circumstances.
If you are facing a storm today, remember that as a follower of Jesus, you possess the strength to dance in the rain, to experience true joy in the Lord always. The Psalmist declared, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (Psalm 30:11-12).
Don’t allow fear, worry, or despair to overwhelm you. Instead, resolve to say with Job, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). As you navigate your current storm, or any storm that may arise, ask God to guide you in dancing in the rain. Embrace rejoicing even amidst the tempest. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and choosing to dance in your storm will unlock the very strength you need to endure and emerge stronger on the other side.
