• From Calm To Storm

    By: Kristen L. McNulty

    Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.

    Recently I found myself staring out the window of a plane, completely captivated by the view. We were flying above a thick cloud bank, and I have to say, it was one of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever seen. The sunlight danced across the tops of the cumulus clouds, painting them in golden hues of colour. It was the kind of beauty that makes you stop and worship in awe.

    But as we continued our flight, the scene outside the window changed. The radiant clouds were replaced by grey ones that looked threatening as we entered a storm system. What had been peaceful and breathtaking was now unsettling.

    And then came the landing.

    As the plane descended, I expected the clouds to thin out as they usually do closer to the ground, but they didn’t. Instead, the cloud cover was low and dense. We couldn’t see anything outside the window. The runway? Nowhere in sight. Obstacles? Unknowable. At that moment, we were visually flying blind. The only thing the pilots could rely on were their instruments, their training, and the calm voice of air traffic control guiding them safely in.

    And it struck me: this is life sometimes.

    One moment everything is clear, full of beauty and purpose and the next, we’re in the storm. Visibility is gone. The path ahead? Uncertain. And we’re left wondering how close we are to disaster or whether we’ll make it through at all.

    But just like those pilots trusted their radar, their instruments, and their guide we too have something, Someone, to rely on. God.

    Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

    Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

    You Don't Have To See The Way


    You may be flying through clouds right now. You may not see the way forward, but you don’t have to.

    God sees what you can’t.

    He’s your radar in the storm.

    He’s your light in the darkness.

    He’s your Shepherd leading the way when the path is hidden.

    And He’s your landing gear when it feels like the ground is coming up fast and you are about to crash.

    So if you’re in the storm today, don’t panic. Don’t lose heart. He is in control, and He will bring you home safely. Not because you can see, but because He can.

    And this isn’t just an analogy, God as our guide and protector is a truth we see lived out in Scripture.

    Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. After leaving Egypt, they had no map. No GPS. No street signs or landmarks to guide them. But they did have God. And He didn’t just give them vague instructions, He showed up visibly. Exodus 13:21-22 tells us:

    The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.


    Let God Be Your Guide


    He led them one step at a time. Not always with explanations on why He was leading them where He was leading them. Not always on their preferred timeline. But He led them faithfully, just like He leads you faithfully and He leads me faithfully.

    So today, if you feel like you're flying blind, don’t try to navigate the storm alone. Let God be your guide. Lean into His Word. Listen for His voice. Trust His timing. And know that no matter how thick the clouds get, He will lead you safely home.

    Return To The Impact Devotional Archive