After The Storm: Living Out Your Faith When the Dust Settles

I’ve weathered more storms than I’d like to count, but thankfully, not as many as the times I’ve moved! Growing up as a missionary kid and spending my entire life in ministry has kept me familiar with change. But let me tell you, when the dust settles after a storm, it can leave you feeling vulnerable. Where you were standing before the storm and where you’re standing now can be completely different. Maybe it’s your surroundings that have changed, your job, or even your location. Maybe you’ve walked through a divorce and are starting all over again. I don’t know what that change looks like for you, but here’s what I love like crazy:

Jesus, who was with you at the beginning of the storm, the one who helped you walk on water in the middle of the storm, is still with you at the end. And because of that, you will make it through this vulnerable place of change. It might feel shaky right now, but Jesus has you.

Here’s the beauty of where you are now—this place you’re standing in is a season of new growth, new experiences, and new joys waiting to come alive in your life. I always told my kids growing up that they had two ways to look at life: they could either see all the misery around them, complain, and bicker about it, or they could find those rays of sunshine that always come after the storm. Because they do—every single time. The clouds break, the sun pierces through, and the brightest blue sky you’ve ever seen is right there. I’ll choose the second option any day.

So, as you stand in this new place after the storm, I want to share some promises from God’s Word that will help you walk through this season with your focus on Jesus and nothing else. Each day is a gift, wrapped up with a promise of your future in Him. Let’s dig into how we can walk this out:

1. The Storm Might Be Over, But Healing Takes Time

After the storm ends, it doesn’t mean everything is back to normal right away. The wounds are still there, even if you’ve made it through. And you know what? That’s okay. Healing takes time. Jesus isn’t in a rush—He’s still with you, mending what’s been broken. The calm might feel unsettling, but here’s the aha: Jesus is still working, even when it’s quiet.

2. Faith Isn’t Just for the Crisis

Okay, so here’s the real talk: We’re great at running to Jesus when the storm is raging, right? Like, “HELP!” But what about when things calm down? It’s easy to think, Phew, okay, I’m good now, and move on with life. But real faith—the kind that sustains us—happens in the ordinary, everyday stuff. When we’re not in crisis mode, that’s when need to dig our roots even deeper. That’s where our faith gets real.

Faith isn’t just about surviving the storm; it’s about thriving after the storm by staying connected with Jesus when life goes back to “normal.” That’s where the real growth happens.

3. You’re Standing in the Aftermath—Now What?

Ever notice how after a storm, everything looks different? Trees are knocked over, stuff’s out of place, and the whole landscape has changed. Life’s kind of like that, too. After the storm, things might not look the same as they did before. And that’s okay. While I fully realize it's uncomfortable to see change, sometimes change is needed for us to actually grow strong in our faith walk. You see, God often uses these moments to redirect us, giving us new paths or new perspectives.

God doesn’t just help us survive storms; He uses them to set us up for what’s next. The key is to trust that He’s got a plan, even if it looks different from what you imagined.

4. Jesus is Still Here, Even When Things Get Quiet

You know how in the middle of the storm, we’re all like, “Jesus, where are You?!” And then we see Him walking on water, showing up in this mind-blowing way? Well, here’s the fun twist—He’s still here, even when the storm is over and things get a little too…quiet. Sometimes, it’s in the calm that we experience His presence the most.

We have to remind ourselves that Jesus doesn’t just show up in the dramatic, stormy moments. He’s with us in the calm, helping us rebuild, regrow, and restore what’s been shaken. And you know what? Sometimes the quiet is where we learn to trust Him the most.

5. Time to Help Others Through Their Storms

Here’s where it gets fun. You didn’t go through that storm just for yourself. What you’ve learned—how Jesus carried you through, how you clung to your faith—is exactly what someone else needs to hear. Your story can literally help someone else navigate their own storm. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the lifeline that keeps them afloat.

Your story of survival isn’t just your testimony—it’s someone else’s roadmap through their storm. Share it. Don’t keep it to yourself. There’s power in telling others how God pulled you through!

Welcome to the other side of the storm. You made it, my friend. While it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it came, and here you are, standing. I know from walking this road in my own life that things may feel different now—and that’s okay. The most important thing to grasp is this: Jesus is still with you, guiding you through this new season.

Keep walking in faith daily, TRUSTING that He’s not just the God of the storm but the God of new beginnings too. You’re stepping into something new, and it’s beautiful. It really is! Keep your eyes on Him, not on your surroundings, and let Him lead the way.

Until next time,

Tracee Padilla

*Check out our Deeply Rooted Bible Study to take your faith walk up another level! Or if you need help in the area of Forgiveness, whether it's yourself or forgiving others - check out our Fall Emag: Set Free - Absolution | The Healing Journey of Forgiveness which includes an amazing mini-study: The Path Less Traveled - When Forgiveness Doesn't Mean Reconciliation