Ever feel like you’re facing a storm?
“To Endure or Not To Endure?” That is the question.
“7 Practical Tips for Surviving A Storm”
The following is the practical application and continuation from the 2-part newsletter article titled A Tale of Two Storms by Keith Martens.
1. First, always begin with God’s Word. Find out what He’s said, promised, and willed in regard to your situation. Begin to use that in prayer and to declare it aloud with faith to God, for yourself, and with Christ’s authority to any opposing influences of the evil one. Do so not because you may or may not feel like it’s true, but because He said it, and therefore it is true.
2. Given the many occasions that illustrate how Paul both understood and used the authority Christ had given to him and all believers, and the fact that he knew precisely how Jesus handled an intruding storm, we can be quite confident in suggesting that he at some point or perhaps several times along the way used Jesus’ authority to speak to the storm in an attempt to make it “be still.” Again, as we learned from the first storm in Mark 4, it is important to first “speak to the storm” we are facing in the event it’s the kind that is in some way opposing God’s will and preventing us from getting to where God wants us to go.
3. Next, after speaking to “the storm” it is wise to continue to test, pray, seek the Lord and discern with others the nature and purpose of the storm or circumstances you face before simply accepting them. A good example of doing something like this is illustrated well in Paul’s attitude and approach to his so-called “thorn in the flesh” (see 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
4. If addressing the storm appears to have no effect, then it may be time to look for where God is in the storm and to listen for the message He’s giving. Again, what does He say in His Word, what are you “hearing” through personal and corporate prayer and discernment? What can you stand on as you keep your eyes and focus on the Lord Jesus?
5. Don’t ride it out alone. Who are your 911 and 411 contacts–those you’re reaching out to, sharing your life with and making your need known to? Who is God bringing your way to encourage you and have faith to help share the load when it’s too difficult to sort out amidst all you’re experiencing while you’re riding out your storm? Quite often our feelings and the chaos created by simply being in the experience or storm clouds our objectivity and wears on our faith. So, be alert and open to receive what God shares through others. Nevertheless, be sure to “test” the things they share. Sometimes well-meaning brothers and sisters speak out of their compassion, love, or personal hopes and desires that may not always represent the “voice of God.”
6. Look for opportunities and signs of God’s presence and provision along the way. During Paul’s hell-and-high-water cruise he had a dream from God, gained the favor of his Roman Guard, was encouraged, supplied, and strengthened by friends, saved the lives of the prisoners and the ship’s crew, healed a key official’s father and others on the island, and was honored as well as provided with the supplies they needed to get where God had willed him to go. Like the disciple Peter, the waves may terrifyingly continue as you step into the storm but remember to keep your eyes fixed dependently on Jesus. Because even if you fall and start to drown, He’ll extend His hand to pull you out because by faith you got out of the boat! (see Matt. 14:22-31)
7. Give thanks! Along the way, Paul stops to give thanks as he, the crew, guards, and prisoners shared a meal. Certainly the food increased morale and revitalized their strength. However, I don’t quite know how to explain it, but there’s something about giving thanks that makes things seem like they’ll get better even when it doesn’t look or feel like it. I also know that it helps me stay encouraged and have a better and more positive outlook and attitude. Perhaps that’s why Paul wrote to remind us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). See also Col. 3:16-17 and Acts 16:21-26).
“Equipping” Newsletter – Nov 2015
“Equipping” Newsletter – April 2015
“Equipping” Newsletter (June 2014)
Click to View Now
Click to View Now
Click to View Now
Kimemasu 