You Need Authentic Faith To Have Peace Through The Storm
We’ve had lots of storms in our area this year. My phone seems to buzz at least once a week to alert me of a potentially dangerous storm approaching our community.
As I thought about this post, I wondered how it would feel to have a warning system that alerted us to incoming life storms. Something that would let us know when we are about to be hit by a big ol’ life-changing whirlwind.
I don’t know about you, but… I don’t think I’d want to know.
Sure, maybe I could make some advance plans, but more likely… I would just worry.
None of us like riding out a life storm. Health problems. Relationship problems. Career struggles. Parenting challenges. Financial setbacks. The list goes on and on and on.
The thing is, whether we’re warned or not, storms happen, so we need to know how to endure them. Having faith in Jesus does not mean we live in a storm-free land. It means we have the authentic faith and peace that no storm can destroy.
Isaiah wrote…
You will keep in perfect peace
Isaiah 26:3
all who trust in You,
all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
And Jesus said…
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
John 16:33 (AMP)
Authentic faith in Jesus is the assurance that we can trust His promise to give us the peace we need in any storm.
So, with or without an early warning system, there are things you and I can do to grow in faith and have that peace we need.
Because there will be a next storm.
Honestly, that thought used to terrify me.
What will it be? How will I get through it? When will it happen? What if?
But those are NOT the thoughts God wants. They never prepared me for the storms God allowed, and looking back, I know that God was with me. He calmed my fears and taught me some very important lessons.
5 Helpful Ways to Prepare for the Next Storm
♥ Know and Trust God’s Promises.
Hold God’s promises close. Repeat them often. Trust that God is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do.
Here are several that help me…
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
♥ Lean into God’s Almighty Power.
Clinging to God’s promises makes us more aware of what God is doing in and around us.
Have you ever watched someone get through a difficult time with amazing strength and courage? Have you wondered how they could show such bravery and hope through a horrible loss or crisis?
Have you ever asked them how, only to hear, “God did it!”?
Whatever your situation or mine! God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. God is almighty!
He said…
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Revelation 1:8
♥ Live God’s Personal Plan and Purpose.
It’s important that we refuse to compare our lives to anyone else’s. Good or bad!
God created you and me exactly the way He wanted. He has plans for each of us. We can trust Him.
He promised to equip us for anything He allows. (Oh, how I wish I had believed that years ago.) Because it’s true!
God has proven His ability to meet my needs, whatever my circumstances. Rarely early, but never late. He is always right on time, equipping you and me to be used for His glory.
Now may the God of peace—
Hebrews 13:21
may He equip you with all you need
for doing His will.
May He produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to Him.
All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.
♥ Praise Him for All He’s Done.
Remember and celebrate the times God has given you strength and met your needs in the past.
When I look at my present storm through the lens of my past experiences, I know God has gotten me through trials every bit as bad as the one I’m currently facing. Remembering that gives courage and hope.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
Psalm 77:11–12
yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all Your works
and meditate on all Your mighty deeds.”
♥ Pray. Pray. Pray.
Take every need to God. Ask Him to calm the storm. Ask Him to turn your hurricane into a thunderstorm or a gentle shower.
Then… Ask Him to make you aware of His presence. Ask Him to give you strength and courage. Ask Him to give you everything you need to have the authentic faith and peace you need to endure.
Possibly a prayer like this…
A Prayer to Have Authentic Faith
and Peace Through the Storm
Father God, there are storms in this life that can leave us anxious and afraid. It doesn’t take many years for us to realize that everyone deals with problems and pain occasionally.
I pray that, if it is Your will, severe storms might pass quickly or not at all. Please spare me. Protect me.
If this is necessary, please give me everything I need to weather it safely. Please give me courage and strength. Surround me with Your presence and peace. Help me, please.
You promised that You will never leave or forsake me. You promised to be my refuge and strength. You promised I could trust You to meet my needs.
I need You, my Lord and Savior.
And I thank and praise You for the countless times You have helped me through past storms. I believe You will meet every need I have today. You are my strength and my shield. I place my faith and my hope in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s true. Storms can frighten us. But with the Spirit’s help, we can weather the turbulence with peace and hope.
My prayer for each of us is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans…
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Amen!
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Deb, Thank you for these five suggestions. I will hold fast to them and to the verses. I was reading the other day about Paul and his “storms,” and the answer God gave to him; “My grace is sufficient for you”! It was all about strength in grace. I hold on to that promise every day!! Relying on the strength of God!!! I read what you said today in your prayer about “severe storms passing quickly or not at all”. These that linger are tough, but they have strengthened my faith in God. I am grateful for your suggestions and for that beautiful prayer. These things help to get me through some very hard situations. Some that are daily and some that linger!!
God bless you with a very safe and happy week. You are very appreciated!!
Blessings, Sue. It’s one of my favorite verses, giving me strength and hope whenever the storm rises. Those lingering storms are especially challenging. I’m so thankful that God’s grace is sufficient for a day, week, month, and many years. Blessings and hugs, dear friend.
Going through a storm right now, Deb, and I found such comfort and strength in your reflection today. Yes, we can trust in God to see us through every single storm because He given us hope and comfort in the past. Blessings, my friend!
I’m sorry, Martha! Lifting you up in prayer and asking the Lord to hold you close and meet every need as you go through this challenge. Blessings to you, dear friend!
Thank you, Deb. I’m not in a storm right now but there are times I feel fear coming on, wondering when the next storm will hit. This is such a good reminder to lean into God and rest in Him. I know He will be there with me, giving me what I need so I don’t need to fall into worry. I’m going to save this and read it often.
Blessings,
Cecilia
I understand the struggle with fear. Praying that the Lord faithfully fills you with His strength and peace. Thanks for your faithful visits and kind words. Many blessings!
Amen Deb. I pray for all those in my family, who are in storms right now. Jesus Christ…may they see, hear, feel and taste Your presence.
Joining you in lifting up your family, JoAnne. God be with you all!!
Thank you so much for this devotion. God really speaks to my heart through your sharing. Scriptures I write down and learn!
Thanks so much for visiting and for your kind word of encouragement. God be with you and bless you!