God is with you in the storm. You are not alone.

A few years ago, my late wife, Lois, and I were on a cruise. We were having a great time, but at one point our ship ran into a storm that quickly became scary. In fact, things became so turbulent that Lois called the captain and scolded him for not knowing that there was such a frightening storm ahead of us. But the captain assured her that he had known the storm was out there and that we would be fine. “This ship was built with this storm in mind,” he said.

When you’re in a storm on the sea and the ship is tossing back and forth, I can assure you it makes all the difference in the world to know that the person in charge has the situation under control. It’s important to know the same thing when the storms of life hit as well.

In fact, without even knowing your circumstances I can say with confidence that you’re either coming out of a storm, in one right now or heading into one. Storms that can create fear and anxiety are a part of all of our lives, whether we are talking about marital storms, financial storms, health storms or any other kind of problem you can name.

Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). That’s a statement of fact. The apostle Peter wrote to believers, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

We shouldn’t be surprised when problems arise.

A storm at sea is a powerful illustration of the problems that come into our lives. Being on a storm-tossed sea can leave you with a helpless feeling, and few things look more threatening than dark, turbulent water. Perhaps that’s why Jesus sent His disciples out into the middle of a storm one night on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-34). He had some powerful, life-changing lessons to teach them—lessons we need today for times when God sends a storm of pain, suffering, loss or other trials into our lives too.

Yes, you read that correctly. Our trials are from God’s hand, whether He sends them directly or allows them to arise in the normal course of events.

Now a lot of Christians have a problem accepting the fact that God sends or allows storms to come, especially when they are trying to do His will and please Him. But if we believe that God is sovereign, and the Bible teaches from beginning to end that He is, that means He can do whatever seems best to Him for His kingdom purposes. And His love assures us that whatever He sends is for our good when we love Him (Romans 8:28).

So don’t panic when you feel the waves of negative circumstances crashing around your life. The Captain of your soul knows exactly where you are at every moment and what’s coming at you right now. He is not intimidated by what you are facing, and He doesn’t want you to be intimidated either. He is with you in the storm, and He is using it to bring growth and maturity to your life. So, in the midst of the storm, hang on and trust Him. He knows the way through and, what’s more, your life has been designed with this storm in mind. You WILL make it. Trust the One who leads you.