Recalibrate: Part 7- Weather the Storm
Discover more from Bible, Books, and Busyness
Recalibrate: Part 7- Weather the Storm
A devotional series about reviving your heart, renewing your mind, and restoring your soul
Currently, residents of Florida and the Carolinas are facing the strongest hurricane strike in 125 years, Hurricane Idalia. The winds are reported to be as strong as 125 miles per hour ruining everything in her wake. All of this has taken a toll on people who have made their homes in Big Bend and its outer regions. Idalia has crushed their livelihood, homes, and hearts, and she’s still on the move.
What do you do when everything you have crumbles to ruin? When the storms of life try to take you out, will you trust God? Will you hear the still, small voice as the winds and waves threaten to swallow you whole? Will you keep your eyes on Jesus and grab His hand as the water seems to overtake you? Will you wholeheartedly proclaim Jesus is Lord even with a heavy heart? The truth is you don’t really know how you will react to a storm until you are in it.
I remember my grandmother saying, “If you haven’t had pain in your life, just live a little longer. Watch what I tell ya.” No matter how much money you have, how many scripture verses you memorize, or which neighborhood you live in, everyone faces difficulty and hardship in their own way to some degree. Jesus never said that this Christian life would be full of sunshine and rainbows. In fact, Jesus Himself said that we, as His disciples, would have trouble in this world. But as people who put their trust in God, Jesus promises us that no matter the storm, we can find peace in Him because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The Word of God provides examples of how we can prepare for the storm, weather the storm, and come out of it with a testimony of His goodness.
Prepare for the storm.
In my last blog post, I discussed standing on God’s promises. I don’t mean for you to wait until the winds and waves are threatening to take you out. I mean, recall His promises daily. Remember His goodness every day, all day. Recall, with a heart of gratitude, how He’s come through for you and kept His Word. In Psalms 136, the psalmist remembers all that the Lord has done for His people. Follow this example because He’s worthy.
Reading and meditating on God’s Word will equip you with words when you have no words. Additionally, Hebrews 10:25 reminds us to get up and go to church as the song goes! You’ll need the support and love of brothers and sisters when you go through the storm. Why wait until you are crushed by the storm? Take time to encourage others who might be enduring difficult challenges.
Weather the storm.
When that gust of wind lifts you out of the boat and drops you into the crashing waves, pray. Pray with everything you have in you. Pray for Him to send resources. Pray for God to rescue you. Pray for Him to take control of the waves. Because you know what, God can do it. In my book, Kill the Busy, Save the Bee, my key verse is Psalm 46:10, which states, “Be still and know that I am God.” What does it mean to be still? It means you must surrender to God. It has been my experience that as soon as I surrender through prayer, God will use that prayer! He may not immediately change my situation, but He changes my perspective and empowers me with the wisdom I need to weather the storm.
Come out with a testimony.
James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” While it’s hard to imagine being joyful in a storm, James explains that the trial is good because you come out of the storm with wisdom and perseverance. This wisdom and maturity is needed within the body of Christ, and it’s time to share it. Share your experience and give hope to those who find it hard to be joyful in their trial.
Storms will come, but “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf (Hebrews 6:19-20a).
Please remember to pray for those who have been affected by Hurricane Idalia.
You can find me in the following places:
Amazon: Yvonne Marie
Audible: Yvonne Marie
Goodreads: Yvonne Marie