Overcoming the Storms of Life # 1: Have you ever experienced a "storm?"

How many of us have ever experienced a “storm” in our lives?  It is fairly safe to say that we are all in one of three positions today. We just came through and overcame a storm. We are in a storm right now. Or, we will be headed into a storm sooner or later. Storms are part of our journey in life. 

What is the definition of a “storm?”  The dictionary says that a storm is a disturbance of the normal condition of the atmosphere, often accompanied with one or more of these conditions:  strong winds, rain, thunder, hail, lightening or snow.  A second definition is this:  a tumultuous reaction, an uproar, a controversy, trouble, or a violent disturbance of affairs in life.

The ”storms” we are going to look at in the next several blog entries are of the second definition’s description.  Some of our “atmosphere disturbances” in our lives aren’t that surprising and are more like inconvenient interruptions.  We recognize warning signs.  For example, other people are getting laid off as your company downsizes and eventually, you get laid off as well.  You could see the signs of that possibility and thus you weren’t blindsided. 

Another life example might be this one. We all realize that our possessions wear out with use and wear.  So when your car finally dies after 225,000 miles of use and thirteen years of ownership, this situation you now face is not all that surprising.

But other times we are completely blindsided by huge storms or situations that arrive with no warning at all. For example, you might experience:

• The tragic, unexpected death of a loved one.
• A phone call that sends panic into your heart.
• A doctor’s diagnosis that comes completely out of left field.
• The discovery of an affair in your marriage.

When storms like these come, it is not unusual that your spirit becomes wounded to the point of feeling nonexistent and the ache of your heart won’t stop.  Your body can literally experience physical pain, physical trauma, or shock, and you cannot believe this situation is happening to you.

The truth is that as we pursue our God-given dreams in life, we WILL encounter storms. However, as believers in Christ the Word says that we are overcomers.  What is the definition of “overcome?”  It means to succeed in dealing with, to prevail over, to conquer, to get over, to defeat, or to surmount an obstacle.

The definition of “overcome” is different than the meaning of “survive.”  Survive means to continue to live, get through, live in spite of, or manage to keep going.  When we “overcome” hard situations there is a sense of victory, freedom, accomplishment, and growth that is part of that overcoming.

Overcoming is more than just making it through alive. Overcoming means that somehow, in some way, our God can (and will) help us go through, grow through, and come through as a victorious overcomer every time we face a storm as we stay close to Him.

Next week we will look at God’s Word and some examples to refresh ourselves with our “overcomer” privilege and promise in Christ.

Rev. Nola Beintema