All of us face storms at times in our lives. These may be nothing more than mounting bills we are unable to pay to health issues which comes with news we are unable to bear. It is something akin to a rollercoaster life; there are ups and downs, good times and bad times, troubles and triumph in our life.
This is why we find David writing:
“The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live.” (Psalm 23:1-6 HCSB)
I recently heard a brief segment of a sermon by Jeff R. Steele, pastor of Redeeming Grace Church in Cullman. He spoke about how Lazarus died even though he believed in God. Then he added the three Hebrew Children who stood before the King for their lives, were sent to the fiery furnace believing in God to rescue them. His point was that even though we go through the problems of life, it is better to go through those things with Christ than without Christ.
How anyone can face the storms of life without God is beyond me.
There are four things I wish for you to consider today. Someone is going through the storms of life, the wind is blowing, the foundation is shaking, the tears are flowing, it is more than you can bear; yet, I tell you these things will help you endure the trials of this life!
Prepare. In Boy Scouts I learned, “Be Prepared.” It applies to life, as much as anything else. We are prepared for the troubles and trials by knowing we belong to Christ, have made Him Lord and Savior of our life. Our trust is in Him to carry us through whatever may come and to give us a home in heaven at the end of the journey. With this preparation, we are able to meet the challenges of life, knowing God is there walking with us up each incline. He is whispering in our ears; “Peace, be still.”
Rely. Being prepared for the journey which takes us in various directions, to places unknown, we rely on Him for provision, protection, and His personal touch upon each of our lives.
Answers. Wait for the answers to come in due time; we may not know why we endured the experience until much later, but at the appointed time God will reveal His purposes and plans for the pain and sorrow.
Yield. When we are like the old man Saul, “[kicking] against the pricks,” (Acts 9:5) we are trusting in ourselves, our ways, and our outcome to whatever may take place in our lives. Though when we are yielded to Him-God-in all things we are like Paul who said, “He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
It comes back to PRAYER! That is our source for making it through the storms of life. When you know Christ as Savior and Lord, you have placed your faith in Him for this life and the life to come, you are able to talk to Him. As you communicate with Him He is able to speak to you and share with you, and aid you through the storms of life.
“We pray today for hope as our strength in the storms of life! We may endure for a time, but joy comes in the morning. This joy comes because from You, Father. Prepare us, draw us to rely on You, seeking Your answers, and yielding to Your leadership and not our own In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”