Generation Z: Born for the StormSample

Born to Lead: Zeke

In this devotional, we’ll be talking about Generation Z by focusing on Bible characters whose names start with “Z.”

Rarely has any one generation endured so many tumultuous events so quickly—including terrorism, mass shootings, natural disasters, health and family crises, recessions, and riots.But God has called Gen Z for this day. The storms are shaping them into leaders. Their destiny is to face trials and lead through the storm courageously. Scripture tells of three leaders who responded to storms.

The book of Ezekiel begins with a young priest living in a prison camp, enduring the ravages of war. God appeared to Ezekiel (or “Zeke”) in a thunderstorm. The vision of God’s glory left him stunned; he fell on his face, humbled. God instructed and empowered Ezekiel to stand. He called him to prophesy, both to exiles and to those still in Jerusalem. He used the storms in Ezekiel’s life to raise him as a leader for his generation through the storms to come.

The book of Acts records that Paul was sent to Rome by ship after two years in jail. The voyage began in October, and sailing in winter was dangerous. With spiritual insight beyond natural perception, Paul predicted great losses and even mortal danger (Acts 27:10). Indeed, the journey took over a year and included a storm, a shipwreck, and months stranded on Malta. During the storm, Paul trusted God’s promise that the lives of his companions would be spared (Acts 27:22–24). Afterward, he stood up to sailors who wanted to leave him and other prisoners to die (Acts 27:31). Paul’s courage and confidence brought clarity to a chaotic situation.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ disciples were on a boat in a storm at sea. Jesus walked toward them on the water. They thought He was a ghost and were terrified. Jesus told them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus did, and Peter walked on water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, Peter walked on the waves. The storm became his platform!

Like Ezekiel, we can see God’s glory in a storm. Like Paul, we can emerge as the leaders God has called us to be. Like Peter, we can turn our storm into our platform. Yes, Generation Z has been born into unprecedented turmoil and upheaval. Yet, God is calling them to rise above the chaos and to lead in the storm.