Overcoming the Storms of Life # 8: How should we respond to the storms we face?

Today we will conclude this study of overcoming the storms of life. It has been such a great honor and pleasure to share with you some of my personal experiences and how I have learned about the promises of God and His character.

Mothers of Nations, we all face storms in our lives.  But as Believers, how should we respond to these storms that come our way?  The truth is that our responses determine our outcome.

Were any of you ever a Girl Scout?  Their motto could also be our motto as Believers.  The motto?  BE PREPARED.

One way to prepare ourselves for problems and storms is to live a life always standing on God's Promises.  We need to deeply imbed the Word into our hearts and spirits so that at a moment’s notice we can reach into that treasure trove of truth and pull out encouragement particular to any situation that arises.

Make it a practice to claim those promises aloud by faith daily. Sometimes Scripture is our only ground to stand on that keeps us from sinking in the mudslides and quicksand of circumstances. The Word of God can and will keep us upright -- always.

Another way to prepare ourselves for future calamity is to pray without ceasing. Remember that the Word assures us that God will hear us when we pray to Him.  However “simple” at the times of crisis, we must learn to immediately pray and tell Him our cares and dependence on Him.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 18:6: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, to my God I cried for help.  From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a reminds us, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

Remember when I earlier shared about the stroke I experienced?  My initial  prayer (as an ordained Holy Ghost woman of God) was simply, “Help me Jesus.” And He did.  His help kept me from many severe symptoms and He gave me a steady recovery. The day after the stroke I passed all three tests administered to determine if I needed therapy.  No physical therapy, no occupational therapy and no cognitive/speech therapy was needed – just 24 hours after the incident. Indeed, Jesus helped me!

A third way we can prepare ourselves is to regularly practice affirming our faith with praise. Whether we are safely through a storm or are still in it, God delights in our thanksgiving and praise. 

Mothers of Nations, let’s allow thankfulness and gratitude to engulf our hearts. Psalm 9:1 (NAS) declares this:  “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” Unexpected hardships that are embraced with thanksgiving will bring appreciation for what we already have in life. Thanksgiving refocuses our attitude from the negative to the positive, from the glass half empty to the glass half full.

There’s great power in thanksgiving. It stirs our faith as we recount all the times God has been with us before and reminds us of His goodness. This attitude of gratitude opens us to God’s perspective on our current situation, no matter how bleak. Paul says it this way in Colossians 3:15 (ESV) “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful.”

A final way we can prepare ourselves for storms is to acknowledge that God has worked miracles and wonders in the past and He will do it again. The Psalmist says in Psalm 77:11, 14, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.  You are the God Who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples.”

We must come to realize and settle in our hearts that God has a track record of turning storms and trials into positive and fruitful life and character-building experiences as we trust in Him.

I challenge all of us today to intentionally take all limits off God to allow Him to move on our behalf.

Let’s give back to Him full control of our lives.

Let’s get back in the boat with Jesus.

Let’s open the door fully to His plans and purposes for our life and destiny.

Let’s allow Holy Spirit to revive, refresh, restore, and even resurrect all areas of destruction and devastation from past storms that have lingered and lodged in our hearts.

Today is the day of liberty and freedom. Today is the day of victory through the power and Presence of our Lord Jesus.

Mothers of Nations, we are more that overcomers of all the storms of life!

Rev. Nola Beintema