Storms

Have you ever been in the middle of a storm? With it raging all around you? Where there is no clarity or feelings of peace? I have. And guess what? It’s been more than once, even more than twice. Let’s just say, I’ve experienced my share of storms…and so will you.

Sometimes the storms we face come on fast and strong, then seem to quickly pass and fade away. When things clear up, our outlook on life is often brighter and we have learned something from our storm to use in our future. Just be careful not to hang onto that last drop of rain, doubting that the storm has really ended or never learning anything from it.

Then at other times, the storm we are in the midst of, intensifies over a period of time and reaches a climax that seems unbearable to us. As the winds howl and things continue to pour down, we can completely loose our focus and even our footing. We try to make sense of our waves of emotions and we rely too much on ourselves to weather the storm out.

Whether it’s a thunder storm that we’ve anticipated and been able to plan for, or the dreaded torrential down pouring that happens without warning in our life…our God remains the same and He has the power to calm all of them! Our anchor has to be secured through Him alone.

If you happen to be in any kind of storm right now (big or little) Remember, that He is the only anchor that will hold. He is sure, certain and safe. He (our anchor and our hope) is steadfast, firm and reliable.

It is not in our own confidence that anchors our soul, but the sure reality and belief that Gods promises for us are true. This is our anchor. And this is what we are to lay hold of when our feet may begin to stumble or wander within our storm.

When we put our trust in Christ, our eternal hope, we can make it through any storm that may come our way.

How do we lay hold of something, when we are drenched in the middle of uncertainty?

I too am practicing this…but here are 5 things that have helped me in the midst of the many storms I have faced and am still learning from.

1. Read your bible! You have to know without certainty that your hope is in the eternal presence of God.

2. Pray! Ask God to open your mind and heart to hope in Him alone.

3. Remember how much Christ has suffered for you and your hope. (Wow… what an anchor right?)

4. Praise Him throughout the storm no matter what. Give Him praise for His Faithfulness, Strength, Wisdom, Mercy and Grace.

5. Think about other Christians (family & friends) who have weathered their storms holding onto their hope in Jesus. Lift up and encourage others. Share your testimony of faithfulness during and after your own storms.

May I suggest you start here:

Mathew 7:24-27 -Christ our solid rock

Hebrews 6:19 -Hope an anchor for our soul

Colossians 2:5 -He is with you

Psalm 107:28-31 and Matthew 8:26 -He calmed the storm

Nahum 1:7 -The Lord is good

Every one of us will encounter storms on our journey. Let’s face it, not one of us is exempt from them. It’s a part of growing. It’s a part of parenting. It’s a part of building our faith. Storms can mold our character; teach us about love, mercy and His amazing grace….they are a part of life. We can face storms on our path at any time as we move towards our destination. We may walk through some dark and gloomy days, wake to hurts and losses wishing they’d have disappeared over night, and stomp our way through some very difficult times.

But the Lord says this….

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Sometimes we get off the path while we are facing a storm. We lose focus on the sunshine that is promised to come again. We need to remember we are never alone. The Lord is with you and has already gone ahead of you. He already knows the outcome and has a perfect plan. The sun will shine again. Keep your head up. Keep pushing through the rain. Trust His plan even when all you see is dark clouds. Have faith that your destination will soon be glorious.

After the storm…..the outcome may be all that you have hoped for, everything that you have pushed forward towards, and way more than you could have ever imagined. Allow the Lord to work on your behalf as you seek Him…even in the midst of your storm…seek him with all your heart!

The Lord also says this….

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Facing a storm? Or in a storm right now? Or do you have a testimony where the Lord has calmed your storm, brought the sunshine back into your life, and or set your path straight again?

You may be a glimmer of sunshine to someone else. Share your story. It’s been given to you for a reason. Let God use the path you’ve walked to share HOPE with others.