The Flame Within

Last week, Hurricane Erin passed through the Atlantic, causing massive waves and dangerous sea conditions, taking a toll on parts of the North Carolina coast. Living on the coast allowed me and my family to observe the storm’s impact on the water. It was the most powerful force of nature I’ve ever seen in person. The waves were massive, the sea was furious, and the wind coming off the water was intense. They were intimidating—full of strength and energy.
We watched several brave souls attempt to surf those dangerous conditions. Many tried with all their might, with skill, and with every creative idea they had to ride the mighty waters. Most, however, couldn’t even get past the first set of waves, let alone make it to the bigger ones further out. Watching from the safety of the shore was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It reminded me of the time I watched the movie The Perfect Storm in the theater. My eyes could barely believe what I was seeing!
As an empath, and as a soul who finds connection with God’s creation, I stood there in amazement, and I couldn’t help but think about life’s storms. I thought about some of my own storms—times that felt like they would last forever, times when I felt like I couldn’t endure another hit, and times when I wondered if God even heard my cries. At times, life’s circumstances can feel just like those crashing waves—too overwhelming, too powerful, too relentless to face. Maybe you’ve been there, or maybe you’re caught in a storm right now.
Life’s storms come in many forms—loss, betrayal, illness, financial strain, broken relationships, unfulfilled dreams, or even unanswered prayers.
Standing there on the shore, watching the waves pound and crash again and again, watching debris from other places wash up where I stood—it was awesome and humbling. Maybe your storm feels that way too—like you can’t catch your breath before the next wave comes crashing down, like you just can’t get a break. I know the storm is painful! But I also know this: every storm has a beginning and an end. No storm or trial lasts forever.
In those moments, it’s easy to wonder if it will ever end. It may feel like your life has become nothing but crashing waves, leaving you questioning if you can hold on.
But as I sit now at my favorite coffee shop overlooking the Atlantic, I’m reminded of something beautiful. Less than a week later, the same ocean that had been raging with enormous waves, rip tides, and danger, is now calm again. Gentle waves roll in. Families play in the surf. A yellow flag waves and lifeguards welcome swimmers back. The waters have returned to their normal baseline. It is hard to believe this is the same shoreline I saw last week—wild, furious, and overwhelming. Now it is peaceful and joyful.
God is amazing.
This is the truth we need to hold onto in the middle of our storms: Storms don’t last forever. They begin, and they end. Life will return to normal. You will get a chance to breathe again.
Psalm 107:29 reminds us: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
The same God who created the sea has authority over the storm. He has authority over every storm we face.
If you are caught in a storm right now—if the winds are raging, debris is crashing in, and waves keep knocking you down—remember this one profound truth: His voice has the power to calm your heart in the midst of it all. The storm will not last forever. It will return to its baseline. Until then, hang on to Jesus.
Jesus showed His power when He calmed the storm in Mark 4:39. The disciples feared for their lives, but with three simple words, the waves obeyed Him. The storm they thought would destroy them suddenly became still.
“Peace! Be still!”
Friend, the storm you are in today will not last forever. You may feel like you can’t get past the first crashing wave, but hold on—God is with you. He promises never to leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is your anchor when everything else feels unstable (Hebrews 6:19). And one day, you will look back and see that what once felt impossible has given way to calm seas. You will see His love and grace over the storm, and you’ll realize how much you learned through it.
For today, it’s okay to cry in the storm. It’s okay to not be okay.
So if you’re walking through one of life’s storms right now, take heart. Hang in there.
Remember:
The waves may be big, but your God is bigger.
The storm may feel endless, but God’s love for you is endless too.
The waters will settle, and when they do, you’ll clearly see the faithfulness of the One who carried you through.
Hang on. Hang in there.
Peace is on the horizon.

Blessings, Crystal