Signals Before the Storm: When God Speaks Through Trouble
How God Uses Small Problems to Rescue Us From Bigger Disasters
In 1991, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa was scheduled to travel on a missionary trip. As was his custom, he prayed intensely before major moves. But this time, despite every logical reason to go, he had a deep unease in his spirit. He canceled the trip. Not long after, news broke that the very plane he was meant to board crashed with no survivors. What many would have seen as a minor inconvenience, canceling a long-prepared trip was, in fact, a divine signal.
Sometimes, what we call a delay or disruption is actually God’s way of saving us from destruction.
Yesterday, I was meditating on how Bible characters like David, Jephthah, and Abram raised mighty armies from ordinary people. In particular, I reflected on how Abram (later Abraham) rescued his nephew Lot from captivity using a trained homegrown army of just 318 men.
That thought triggered a deeper question in my heart:
Why did God allow Lot to be taken as a prisoner of war before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Could it be that God permitted a smaller crisis to deliver Lot from a bigger one?
From Genesis 13, we know that Lot chose Sodom based on its physical appeal without seeking God's direction. The land looked like the garden of Eden, but the people were wicked. Shortly after he settled in Sodom, war broke out. Four kings defeated five, and Lot became a prisoner. Thankfully, Abram rescued him.
But here’s the tragedy: Lot didn’t take that crisis as a warning. He returned to Sodom and settled down again. God gave him a second chance, but he ignored the signal. When the final judgment came, he lost everything; his wealth, his wife, and even his moral legacy. Through incest with his daughters, he fathered Moab and Ammon, nations that would later war against God’s people.
Sometimes, what looks like captivity is actually divine relocation.
Sadly, Lot’s lust for Sodom’s luxuries blinded him to God's warning. Even when the angels came, they had to drag him out. His wife looked back and paid the price.
Here’s the point:
Not every crisis is a test to endure. Some are signs to flee. Some storms are not “Job trials” meant to strengthen us but “Jonah troubles” meant to redirect us.
Jonah’s rebellion brought a storm that endangered an entire ship. If the sailors had saved him, he wouldn’t have obeyed God. The storm was a signal, not a punishment.
Let me bring it closer:
Is your fiancé already showing violent or dangerous traits? Don’t call that a trial, it’s a sign to flee.
Are you struggling endlessly in a business, career, or relocation venture? You may be swimming against God’s will.
Are things falling apart no matter how hard you try? Stop and ask: “Lord, is this You trying to get my attention?”
Elimelech didn’t ask. He led his family to Moab during a famine. He died there. His sons died there. Naomi came back with nothing but Ruth. Moab was never God’s plan, it was just a shortcut that led to sorrow.
Before bigger loss comes, seek God.
Before trying harder, pray deeper.
Before pushing forward, step back and ask: “Am I where God wants me to be?”
It’s dangerous to be successful on the wrong path. But it’s redeeming to turn back like the prodigal son, admit your error, and start again. God won’t shame you—He’ll embrace you.
Friend, don’t ignore the storm. It might not be the enemy attacking, it might be God redirecting.
Pause. Pray. Pay attention. Your future may depend on it.
If this message blessed you, don’t keep it to yourself. Kindly share it with someone who may be standing at a crossroads or walking blindly into danger. It could save a life.
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