WISDOM TO GO THROUGH STORMS OF LIFE

                       

WISDOM TO GO THROUGH STORMS OF LIFE

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ...Mk 4:35-41, Mt 8:26- He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” 

In life you can never be excused from storms of life. Storms of life sometimes come without us being prepared for the storm. No one is exempt from storms of life. Dry moments in life will come. If you are not yet in a storm you can think:

·         That those in a storm are not prayerful enough

·         That those in a storm have created their own storms

·         That those in the storm are too weak

Wait brother until the storm visit your place (Job 4:3-5, Job 3:25). Being a great man or having a great vision doesn’t make one immune to the storms of life. Being in God’s will doesn’t promise an exemption from storms (pg15, Maturity) Storms come especially when we are in the will of God (pg16)

·         Ask father Abraham (a famine comes on a man chosen by God) or father Job (the holy man of Uz.)

·         The greater the vision or destiny the greater the storm.

·         The storm when Jesus was in the boat. Sometimes God arranges storms for us (pg15), to test our faith. Jesus is calm in the storm and this should be our attitude.  It is natural to panic but be calm and relax.

Challenges of people in a storm

·         Thinking that you are the only one going through a storm

·         Trying to show everyone that you are in the moment of the storm~ A sad face and walking which shows things are not okay~ (Jam 1:2 count it all joy)

·         Expecting everyone to understand and assist you your season of the storm. Walking with an attitude of begging. There are actually some celebrating.

·         Thinking that the storm is for ever~ This too shall end, the storm will be over. Storms are not permanent (Ps 30:5). The night shall be over. (Ps 66:12) God’s plan and purposes are going to be fulfilled in spite of a great storm (pg 17). The disciples eventually reached the other side. Nothing can stand the plans of God.

·         Comparing your storm with other people’s storms: some people may seem as if they are not in a storm because storms differ in size (tornado, hurricane, whirlwind) and duration. Some are prolonged than the other. Have patience.

The biggest temptation when in a storm is the WHY factor (Why me, why now, why why?). The best way to deal with your challenge is to challenge your challenge. The best way to defeat Goliath is to Goliath. Face the storm head-on yourself. In a storm you can choose to see:

·         God: God never promised about an easier life, but he promised that He is bigger than the storms of life.

·         Satan: Many times we magnify the devil and diminish the power of God.

·         Man: In a storm you can actually think that many have plotted your downfall.

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold - Job 23:10

In a storm you can chose

• To think that God has forsaken you or that He knows your case: Going through a storm doesn’t mean God is against you (pg14, Maturity)
• Faith over fear: the disciples where afraid because of the storm: Can’t you see we are perishing. When you are in a storm mind your language? Mt 8:26- He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” We walk not by sight but by faith. (2 Cor 5:7)
• To die or to live: You can die before time because of a storm. Heaviness in the heart. Don’t allow the storm to kill you. Do you not care that we are perishing.
• To grow or backslide. The Israelites in the wilderness wanted to go back because of the storm of the wilderness. Let the storm develop your spiritual life esp prayer and the word.
• To see the power of God or power of the devil: You need to understand that greater is he who is in me than the one in the world (1 John 4:4). God has power all storms of life. God is always in control.
• Curse God like the advice of Job’s wife.

The secret is in how you take the storm. It is on your attitude when you are in the storm which matters. Don’t bow to the storm.

The God/Jesus factor in the storm

ü  The disciple knew where to go. They had Jesus with them. In any predicament know where to look. What you look at is, has power over you. (Heb 12:2, Lot’s wife)

ü  Peter was above the situation until he chose to look at the storm (Mt

ü  Ps 23: The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall not fear

ü  Daniel trusted God in the den of lions (Lion of the tribe of Judah, Ps 20:7)

ü  Shadreck and team: the fourth man in the fire (the consuming fire)

ü  Cast your burdens unto Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Do not quit. Continue to move despite the storm.  Have resilience (Mt 11:12- since the days of John the Baptist). We shall get there.

Be calm

ü  The storm listened to the voice of authority. Speak a word to your situation. Be still now. This nonsense must stop. Situation can hear the word. One word from God can transform your marriage, your family. Read and internalise the Word (many people are no longer reading the word.)

ü  Prophesy to the situation: Ez 37 ~ to the dry bones

ü  But remember some storms do not calm immediately. Do not be discouraged.

o   Dynamic/dramatic

o   Passive~ you may not notice it.

o   Progressive~ the lepers