Introduction: When the Storms Come

Have you ever been caught outside in a big storm? The sky turns dark gray. The wind picks up. Trees bend and sway. Then the rain comes pouring down, and thunder cracks so loud you can feel it in your chest.

Life has storms too. Not just the weather kind, but the kind that happen on the inside. Maybe you’ve already been through some. Being scared at night. Worrying about a test or a friendship. Feeling sad when someone you love gets sick. Facing a choice where everyone around you is doing the wrong thing. Going through something that just doesn’t seem fair.

Here’s the truth: everyone faces storms. Following Jesus doesn’t mean you’ll never have hard days. Jesus Himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation.” But He didn’t stop there. He also said, “But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).

That’s what this book is about. Not how to avoid every storm, but how to stand strong in them.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas.”

— Psalm 46:1–2 (BSB)

A refuge is a safe place to run to, like a shelter in a storm. God is that place for you.

What’s in this book

This is Book 4 of Rooted. (If you haven’t read the others, that’s okay! You can start right here.)

• Week 1 — When I’m Afraid. What to do with fear, and why God is bigger than your giants.
• Week 2 — Worry and Sadness. Handing God your worries, and finding comfort when you’re sad.
• Week 3 — Temptation. How to say no to wrong things, and how to get back up when you fall.
• Week 4 — Standing Firm. The armor of God, and the courage of Daniel and his friends.
• Week 5 — Hope That Holds. Trusting God when life isn’t fair and when you feel weak.

How each day works

Every day takes about five to ten minutes and has five parts:

1. The verse. A short passage from the Bible. Read it slowly.
2. The teaching. What the verse means, often with a story of someone in the Bible who faced a storm.
3. Think about it. A question to think about on your own or with someone.
4. Try this. One small step of courage for today.
5. The prayer. A prayer to pray. Add your own words too!

Tips for stormy days

• Be honest with God. You don’t have to pretend you’re not scared or sad. The Bible is full of people who told God exactly how they felt.
• Talk to someone. God often sends His help through people. If something is really hard, tell a parent, a pastor, a teacher or another grown-up you trust.
• Hold on to a verse. Pick one verse from this book that helps you most, and memorize it for stormy days.
• Missed a day? Just keep going. God isn’t going anywhere.

Remember the wise builder who built his house on the rock? The storm came, and his house stood. Let’s find out how to build on the Rock.

For parents, grandparents and leaders

Book 4 of Rooted helps readers aged 9 to 12 face fear, worry, sadness, temptation and unfairness with faith. Scripture is quoted from the Berean Standard Bible. Two days deserve special mention. Day 10 is about grief when someone dies, and Day 11 is about when home is hard. Both are written gently, and both encourage readers to talk with a trusted adult. If your child is going through either right now, you may want to read those days together. Several days also remind readers that if anyone is hurting them, they should tell a trusted adult.