When Calamity Strikes

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” — Proverbs 24:16 NIV

When asked about their fondest memories, many people speak of their childhood, but my favorite memories are of motherhood and survival. The tender moments of love between parent and child remain vivid, producing pride and joy. One of the earliest childhood milestones is my child’s first step, and the recollection of each of my children learning to walk is etched in my mind. The story of my husband and me surviving a deadly fire is another recollection I treasure.

Years ago, when my daughter was a baby, she crawled to the table, clutched it, and rose to stand on unsteady legs before she fell on her rump. I lifted her onto my lap and cuddled her tiny body in my arms until the sobs ceased. She wiggled loose and slid on the floor before she scooted toward a nearby chair. I stood several feet away with my arms stretched out, and I said, “Come to Mama.” She smiled, stood, and stumbled several times before she reached my outstretched arms. Soon she was toddling across the room without stumbling. Regardless of how many times she fell, she remained hopeful and rose to the challenge again. My outstretched hand and words of encouragement prompted both my daughters to keep going.

There’s a great example in the Bible of Jesus inspiring Peter to walk on water to Him. He extended a helping hand when Peter wavered as he walked on the water. This story shows us how faithful and great God’s love is for His children, even when they stumble and their faith falters. In Matthew, chapter 14, Peter was impulsive, self-confident, and strong, but didn’t recognize his weakness. Despite his flaws, his faith in Jesus Christ was clear. While the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, they shook as fierce winds howled and waves crashed upon the small, wooden vessel. The men trembled when a light figure approaching the boat appeared, walking toward them on the water. They thought Jesus was a ghost coming toward them. But then, Jesus invited Peter into the water. Encouraged, Peter stepped into the water. As he walked toward Jesus, his gaze shifted from Jesus to the fierce waves; he grew fearful and sank. But God heard his cry for help, and Jesus extended His hand to Peter, rescuing him.

While we learn to walk through stressful seasons, we sometimes stumble for various reasons: perhaps weakness, selfishness, or a lack of faith in God. We lean on our own understanding rather than depending on God’s goodness and wisdom. But God knows our every need.

In 1979, our girls were young when we purchased an old Victorian-frame home with thirteen acres in Manns Harbor, North Carolina, near the Alligator River. The highway joins the mainland and the Outer Banks. It’s a deserted drive alongside a wildlife refuge with few homes in the area.

Late one night, while our daughters were at a sleepover, a loud booming noise woke us. Thick smoke stung our eyes, and when we got out of bed, we stumbled and fell to our knees, fumbling about to feel our way from the bedroom. Grabbing the hand-carved wooden baluster, we inched our way down the stairs. Once we reached the bottom floor, the kitchen wall and enclosed back porch were ablaze. With just minutes to spare before the exit was set ablaze, we ran from the house.

My husband drove to a neighbor’s home and banged on the door. The neighbors called the volunteer fire department while my spouse returned with a borrowed hose and sump pump. He threw it into our pond and aimed the water hose at the back of our home until the volunteer firefighters arrived.

Later, the fire marshal’s investigation determined that an electrical short in the dryer caused the fire. The intense heat from the fire triggered an aerosol container to explode. The blast woke us from slumber and saved our lives, demonstrating that God’s capacity to alter the trajectory of life and accomplish great things is real. You see, the fire caused us to stumble and fall — but it never harmed us. 

When God allows me to stumble, just like my children stumbled before learning to walk—those moments become teachable moments. Through hardship, we became more confident that God is protecting us, and He will lift our spirits and encourage us to keep going.

Often when we discover weaknesses, we become more assured of His faithfulness to strengthen and guide us through the fires of life. When we stumble, we can lean on the following that I’ve found to be true.

·      When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become members of the family of God. We experience the deep love our Father God has for His children. He cares about us.

·      Sometimes God doesn’t warn us in advance about future struggles we will face; instead, He encourages us to walk by His side. He helps us navigate and overcome obstacles, and we trust that He is guiding us to victory. His presence sustains and comforts us.

·      When we acknowledge our sins and accept Jesus’s sacrifice, we become righteous in God’s eyes. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten, and the Holy Spirit lives within us. Although we experience regret and heartache, we turn to God, and He rescues us.

·      We continue to rise. Nothing keeps the righteous down, not even physical death. They will rise to be with God. That is a reason to rejoice.

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Prayer: God, sometimes I stumble because of my sinful nature and moments of weak faith. Yet You have never abandoned me. Instead, You protect me, guide me, and gently lead me away from harm. When I fall, You lift me back up with Your mercy and love. Thank You for forgiving me and carrying me through difficult times. I humbly ask that You continue to guide my steps and keep me on the path You’ve prepared for me. I love You and will always depend on You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Your Turn: Think about a time in your life when you stumbled through a difficult season or challenge. How did God help you rise again and carry you through? Take a moment today to thank Him for His protection, guidance, and unfailing love.