The loudest thunder can become worship when it drives us to the Rock that never moves.
Clenildo’s story starts here. (Names and details have been adjusted, but the story remains true.)
Chapter 3: Storms and Steadfast Faith
When Thunder Becomes Worship
After traveling all day on the river, by sunset, Pastor Clenildo’s team pulled over at a random house. They learned the owner’s name was Isaac. This stranger welcomed them in with open arms. He showed them three houses where they could stay the night—one by the river, one in the fields, one on higher ground.
While Isaac welcomed his visitors to stay the night, he was suspicious, at first, of their message. After a time of conversation, though, he revealed he was already a brother in Christ.
That night, the heavens opened with fury. A fierce storm broke over the region with sheets of rain, howling wind, and lightning that turned night into day. The thin wooden walls shook like leaves. Mosquitoes swarmed in clouds. Three times, Clenildo went out into the driving downpour with only a headlamp to bail water from their boat so it wouldn’t sink.
Thunder crashed overhead. Lightning split the sky. With each trip outside, while instantly drenched to the skin, he kept one eye out for snakes stirred up by the storm. It was a long, miserable night that tested every ounce of faith and resilience. Yet through it all, the Lord sustained them.
In the morning, they reunited with team members who had stayed at the field house. They struggled a long time to light a fire with wet wood. Pastor Wagner finally managed to dry some sticks, get some flames, and prepare pancakes and coffee for breakfast. His simple act of service moved Isaac deeply.
“I’ve never seen pastors serve like this,” Isaac marveled. “Where I come from, pastors don’t come and serve. They expect to be served.” His heart opened completely. Sometimes God uses storms not to stop us, but to reveal His character through us.
(…to be continued).
“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” (Psalm 107:29).
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).
Reflection
Three Responses to Storms
Storms come. How we respond makes all the difference.
Fight the storm → broken. Breaking may humble us into redemption—or harden us into ruin.
Resist until crushed → keep fighting, and the weight will fall. Nothing remains but wreckage.
Stand on the Rock → storms don’t undo you. They prove the strength of your foundation.
And when faith feels fragile— He still holds us fast.
Faith is never safe. Faith is spelled R I S K. The greatest testimony isn’t how far we fell— but how faithfully we followed.
Reflection Questions
In this storm, am I fighting… fleeing… or standing on the Rock?
Do I secretly think my story is “less” because it lacks drama— when faithfulness itself is the greater miracle?
What risk of faith could I take this week, small or great, that would anchor me more deeply in Christ?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Rock that does not move.
When the storm breaks, I confess; I am weak, afraid, unsure. Hold me when my faith feels small. Shelter me when my courage fails.
Teach me not just to survive the storm, but to find You in its roar.
Give me the faith that risks, the love that serves, the hope that endures.
And when the clouds finally part, may my life sing of Your faithfulness.
Amen.
Deanna’s Journey to Healing
We are done with Number Five.
On her next chemo session, scheduled for September 25th, Deanna will be ringing the victory bell.
It’s a huge step that signals the last of the harsh sessions, and the beginning of the next phase, preparing for surgery.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement .
Please. Keep. Praying.
Deanna received a “non-urgent” follow-up pelvic ultrasound, which produced inconclusive results. Now she needs an appointment and more tests with a gynaecologist
Pray for a quick specialist appointment and for complete healing.
Prayer Requests
An eager generation of Jesus-followers who laugh at storms, who embrace storms, because their lives are built on the solid Rock.
For an increased wave of church planting around the world, the kind where disciples gather to honor God and encourage one another.
Complete healing for Deanna.
Portugal: Even in the storm of cancer, we look to the future. This week, we met with Helen Hansen from Ohio. Helen (and her husband Michael) were part of the Portugal survey team in April.
“May the God who paints red flowers and bends rainbows teach you to love storms, and may His peace that passes understanding guard your heart this week.”
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