How to Have Peace and Rock Solid Faith in the Storm
We have an Early Alert System in our community. An automated system that calls to let us know when a potentially dangerous storm is coming.
I wonder if you and I would like an Early Alert System for our lives?
Something that would let us know when we are about to be hit by a big ol’ storm?
I don’t know about you but…I don’t think I’d want to know. Sure maybe I could make some plans and prepare but most likely . . . I’d just worry.
No one really likes storms. Health problems. Relationship problems. Career problems. Parenting problems. Financial problems. And the list goes on and on and on.
The truth is whether we get a warning or not, storms will happen and you and I need to know how to withstand them.
For followers of Jesus, faith does not mean we have a home built in the land of no storms. We have something better, a home no storm can destroy.
“Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.” Matthew 7:24–27
When I started writing this, I thought I’d focus on the Scripture account where Jesus calmed the storm. But I just couldn’t think of anything to say that you haven’t heard a thousand or more times before.
And truthfully, although it’s nice to think about God simply speaking a word and stopping the storm, all you have to do is look around to realize even when you and I cry out . . . sometimes the storm will still rage around us.
What I need, and I imagine it’s what you need to know too…
How to Have Peace and Rock Solid Faith in the Storm
With or without an early warning system, there are some things you and I can do to prepare in advance for the next storm.
And there will be a next storm.
Wow! That thought used to terrify me.
What will it be? How will I get through it? When will it happen? What if?
That is NOT the right thoughts for foundational preparedness.
Looking back, I’m thankful God allowed me to weather some extremely powerful storms. It’s through those storms He calmed my fears and taught me the following lessons…
5 Ways to Prepare in Advance for the Next Storm
Know and Trust God’s Promises.
I have to spend time with God every day. I need to know His promises and repeat them often. Promises like:
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
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:11
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1–3
Lean into God’s Almighty Power.
This encourages me to stay connected and pay attention to what God is doing.
Have you ever watched someone get through a difficult time with amazing strength and courage? You wondered how they could show such bravery and hope through a horrible loss or crisis. And if you ask them the answer is, “God did it!”
Whatever your situation! He is almighty!
“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 Purpose and Plan.
Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s. Good or bad!
God created you exactly the way He wanted you. He has a plan for you. Trust Him.
He is able to equip you for anything He allows. (Wow, I wish I had believed that years ago.) It’s true! God has proven His ability to meet my needs. Rarely early but never late. Right on time equipping to be used for His glory.
Now may the God of peace—
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.
Hebrews 13:21
Praise Him for All He’s Done.
Remember and celebrate the times God gave you strength and met your needs in the past.
When I look at a storm through the lens of past experiences, I know God has gotten me through worse trials than the one I’m currently facing. Remembering gives courage and hope.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Psalm 77:11–12
Pray. Pray. Pray.
Ask God to calm the storm. Sure. Ask Him to make it a thunderstorm, not a hurricane. Absolutely.
Ask Him to make it a thunderstorm, not a hurricane. Absolutely.
Then…
Ask Him to help you know and feel His presence. Ask Him to give you strength and courage. Ask Him to give you everything you need to weather the storm.
Pray – something like this…
Father, I’m afraid. This storm You’ve asked me to live through is hard. And if it is Your will, I ask you to remove it. But if not, please give me everything I need to weather it safely. Please give me courage and strength. Allow me to feel Your presence and peace. Please help me. I need You.
You promised to never leave me or forsake me. You promised to be my refuge and strength. You promised I could trust in You to meet my needs.
I need You, my Rock and my Foundation.
Thank you for the many times you have helped me through past storms. I believe You will meet every need I have today. Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.
Storms are frightening. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, you and I can have a home built on rock solid faith in Jesus Christ. And that it a foundation that will never fail.
“All self-effort is but sinking sand. Christ alone is the Rock of our salvation.” ~Dr. H. A. Ironside
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Deb, your words here remind me that every day is preparation. The way I live my life in the “calm” will determine my readiness for the days when the sirens wail!
Such a great reminder for all of us, dear Deb! Thanks for the encouragement!
This post reminded me of what our former pastor used to say about going through storms – “Sometimes, God will calm our storms, but other times, Jesus will say, ‘This is a good storm. Let’s ride it out together!'”
As long as we never forget the Lord is with us, we can weather all the storms of life.
Blessings, Deb!
What a wonderful word, Deb!
Love the verses and the steps to have rock solid faith.
Aren’t you glad we have a Refuge and a Strength for the storms of life!
Deb- lots of great wisdom here! Troubles won’t ever stop, but so glad we have a Savior who guides and protects us even when we can’t see past the storm.
Julie
I cannot think of a better thing to do than to stay bathed in prayer during the storms in our lives Deb. Such a great list of comforting verses you share here. I am thankful for our Savior as our refuge. We must always trust God’s plan and purpose for our lives and praise Him continually even when the storms rage upon us. Thank you for sharing these wonderful words of wisdom and truths from God’s word. May we stay prepared for the storms that will come our way at some point in our lives. Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to you and yours!
Hmm…that’s an interesting question. Would I want an Early Alert System for my life? Maybe if I could adjust the setting for HOW early. ha. A week’s notice might be nice. 🙂 But you’re right that trusting Jesus with it all is a much better plan. Great post, Deb.
Pray. Pray. Pray. That is my go-to move. Everything else is secondary. Beautiful piece.
I am so grateful for our God, my Refuge and Stronghold. He is so much more and His promises are steadfast. I live on the Gulf Coast so know storms as we watch during this hurricane season. I needed this reminder, Deb. Thank you for when I am weak, He is Strong. Amen.
Deb, I love how you placed Know and Trust God’s Promises first. I think it is easier for us to follow through with the other four when we remember the promises we’ve been given.
No, I don’t think I would want an early alert system. I would be to worried about what I can’t control.
Thank you for sharing these wise words with Thankful Thursdays.
Hello Ms. Deb this are so encouraging words and I really love it especially the verses. Thank you for reminding us praise the lord Amen!