After the storm was over, divers were sent down to investigate and research the aftermath of this powerful storm on the ocean floor. As the divers descended they were surprised to see the outline of a sunken ship sitting on the bottom of the ocean. As they swam closer, they noticed a brightness emanating from the ship. The closer they got to the wrecked vessel the more radiant the light became. When they closed in on the ship, the divers saw that the powerful storm had swept away tons of sand and debris covering the ship, exposing a treasure trove of gold coins and treasure that glistened in their lights.

The weather man describing that amazing find, said something that caught my attention – the treasure had been hidden in the sunken ship for centuries. It took the perfect storm to uncover the treasure!

We all encounter storms in our lives that seem to wreak havoc in our lives. Sometimes we may feel that we are buried under tons of sand and debris. Perhaps our dreams, hopes, and aspirations seem wrecked and sunk to the bottom of the ocean. It may take the Perfect Storm to uncover the treasure within.

The Apostle Paul experienced many powerful storms in his life. He concluded, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels” (II Corinthians 4:6). Believers have a great treasure dwelling in them. It is more costly and valuable than gold. What is it? It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). But many times it takes the perfect storm to sweep away the sand and debris in our lives to reveal that treasure. Paul reveled in hardships and suffering for Christ. He was no masochist, but knew the secret of Christ’s powerful indwelling. (Colossians 1:27-29; 2:2) Do you love mysteries? The greatest mystery of all is uncovered by faith in Christ. (Colossians 4:2, 3)

Paul taught about the benefits of the perfect storm in II Corinthians 4:5-17. “But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shines within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own” (II Corinthians 4:7 NLT). Paul then adds, “That is why we never give up . . . For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” (II Corinthians 4:16-18)

I was recently sharing with my wife about life’s troubles. I commented that I wish I had a job where there wasn’t any stress. She replied that she didn’t think that there was such a job or place. I suppose she is right. The only place free from stress and the storm of life is for those who have died in Christ and are in heaven.

I’ve read that an oyster does not form a pearl unless there is a grain of sand that causes an irritant. The more stress, the more layers the oyster secretes, covering over the irritant and forming an exquisite pearl. God’s Work tells us that we are to rejoice during testing and trials. Why? There is wonderful joy ahead. Trials test and purify our faith and our faith is more precious to God than mere gold. (I Peter 1:1-7)

Jesus taught us how to respond to the perfect storm. On one occasion Jesus sent His disciples across the lake while he went up into the hills to pray. Jesus lived a life of prayer. He was in constant communion with his heavenly Father. He gave us an example of abiding in peace. Storms come to all of us. The disciples encountered the perfect storm. They were fighting for their lives. Jesus came to them in the darkest time of the night. Jesus saw them. He will come to you if you reach out to him. He came walking on the water. The Son of God is Master of the winds and the waves. The Perfect Storm will test your faith. The disciples cried out in fear. Jesus said, “I’m here! Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:22-32). When you know and believe that Jesus is with you in the storm that swirls and swamps you, peace will flood your soul. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water – but when he took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank. Jesus pulled him up out of the water and walked with him to the boat. In the Perfect Storm keep your eyes on Jesus and walk with Him.

The weatherman tracking that powerful underwater storm had it right when he said that it took the Perfect Storm to uncover the treasure. Do you have the treasure that is more precious than gold? Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Open your heart’s door to the One who will be with you in the Perfect Storm.