During the “Storm” of this pandemic, we longingly wait for the time when things can return to “normal.” A time when we can gather together, worship together, and even share meals together. But even without coronavirus and Covid-19, life still makes us endure “storms” of many types: cancer diagnosis, loss of property, financial difficulties, loss of friends, and even death and grief.
In this devotional, Pastor Jim shares some thoughts on how we can survive “storms” and even grow from them…
PLEASE READ: Genesis 9:12-17
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all 
generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
Storms…
We are all too aware that “storms” come to us in a variety of ways as we journey through life. As God’s people we are not immune to these storms. However, when storms do come we have promises from God which we depend on, even lean upon, which provides us with hope. As we reflect upon the Scripture cited above, I feel led to share a story from my childhood which I trust will give us hope, regardless of the storm we are currently facing or may be facing as we journey through life.
However, around 3:00 in the afternoon things began to change quickly and dramatically. The air was so humid and as I looked at the sky in the West it was turning stormy and menacing. Huge storm clouds were rolling in and soon the sun was totally blocked out by the approaching storm. I remember thinking how fearful I was becoming as I was looking at the sky and as the wind began gusting.
Suddenly, there were loud claps of thunder and flashes of lightning as the clouds burst and huge drops of rain began to fall. Lightening flashed through the South Florida skies and the house seemed to vibrate with each crash of thunder. The rain was so heavy you couldn’t see across the field of orange trees to the road. After a few moments there was a loud “crack” and the power to the house went off. We sat without electricity waiting for the storm to pass over.
Little by little the flashes of lightening stopped, the loud booms of thunder were barely audible and the rain began to let up. After a few more minutes the clouds starting parting and the sun came out, its rays glistening in the light rain that still fell.
My Dad said, “Look! Over the other side of the yard. Do you see it?” As I looked, there in the sky hung a rainbow. We went outside standing in the drizzle to see it better. As we watched the rainbow its colors became brighter and brighter. It was a beautiful sight! My Dad said, “It’s just like what Noah saw right after the flood. God kept His promise to Noah and He has kept it to us”! I recall a sense of well being flooding over me. Even in my young mind I was confident that everything was going to be alright now. We had God’s promise, the storm was coming to an end, we were fine, and the rainbow was the reminder.
Rainbows…
You probably have a similar story tucked away somewhere in your memories which you could tell. To this day I look for a rainbow whenever it is raining and the sun is shining. There is a sense of comfort just seeing it. After the storm passes, there it is, that beautiful arch across the sky. It seems to have no beginning, no end, just like God’s promises. The rainbow just hangs beautiful and silent, yet it’s message screams loudly that God is faithful and God always keeps His promises!
Friends, like it was for Noah, as it was for me as a boy in Florida, just like it is for you today, the rainbow will forever be a sign of hope. The rainbow is a promise, a reminder of God’s promises to humanity. Promises which will never be broken, promises which will last forever! Regardless of the storm, look for the rainbows. 
Stay strong! Keep the faith!
Shalom,
Pastor Jim
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