by Tesse Wilson
The storms of life come. Each storm has its own name. The storms of illness, lack, rejection, financial need, family problems, and failure are just a few. Some storms last longer than others. There are powerful storms which can threaten our very lives.
Each year it seems someone we know or we ourselves experience the storms of life. Unlike a natural storm, sometimes a storm of life comes without warning. There could be much damage when a storm finds you unprepared. The damage may be financial, physical and emotional. You may look composed on the outside but ravaged on the inside, depressed and battling feelings of hopelessness. Asking yourself what did I do wrong. There is a deep sense of disappointment in God and others who may not have assisted you. In your heart there is anger and resentment towards those, who you feel may have contributed to the stormy situation by their actions or inaction.
Have you just come out of a situation that felt like a storm? You feel as though you have been battered. The storm may have ended but it has left you torn apart and burdened, devastated, almost ready to give up. You are tired, weary, overly anxious, stretched beyond your capacity. You feel you do not have the strength to bear anything. You think you will either crumble under the pressure or just explode. You want to throw in the towel. You are overwhelmed.
For some, the storm is still raging. You want to be rescued. You are getting impatient waiting for help. It seems to you like no one notices your need. When is someone going to help me, they have forgotten about my plight, no one cares about me. You say to yourself as tears fill your eyes and stream down your cheeks. The storm has overwhelmed you.
You have weathered many storms in the past but this storm which you are presently experiencing is the worst. You feel as though your strength is gone. For most of your life, you have had to endure storms. You are overwhelmed.
You experienced a storm because you ignored the warnings. You blame yourself. It is time to forgive yourself. The storm has beaten you. Don't you dare beat up yourself too.
You have lived by all life's rules and the precepts of God, yet a storm came and devastated you. It is a fact that kind, loving and God-fearing people also experience storms. No one is exempt from the storms of life, so we must do our best to be prepared.
You complain that others have recovered from the same storm that hit you and moved on with their lives, but you are still in ruins. I urge you to avoid the comparisons. No more self-pity. The one who calms the boisterous winds and raging seas also gives strength to withstand a storm and regain what you have lost. He is reaching out to you. Jesus is speaking peace to you.
Severe weather conditions like storms and hurricanes are very scary, even the disciples of Jesus, skilled fisherman panicked during a storm. Jesus was with them in the boat during a storm, but he was sleeping. Peter awoke him frantically saying Lord are you not concern that we would perish. Jesus answered why are you so afraid. Jesus identified the real issue, the main reason they panicked and were terrified even though he (Jesus) was with them. They were so afraid because they had little faith. This was not a condemnation.
Little faith when exercised can help us achieve certain things. But little faith panics during the storms of life. Little faith loses hope quickly. Little faith doubts God's love. Therefore we need to keep increasing and growing our faith. I hasten to add that we cannot manufacture faith as it is a function of our relationship with the Lord. Faith comes from God's word and will increase by God's word. Faith is not a positive feeling or emotion. It is more than being optimistic. Our faith must be anchored to God and his word. Faith is trust and confidence in God's character. Faith is seen by our actions. Faith is not only about hearing the word of God. Jesus said if you hear my words and do them (put them into practice) you will be like a wise person who built their house upon a rock, so when the flood waters rose and the winds beat violently against the house. The house did not fall because its foundation was on a rock.
Beloved, we must not be afraid. For the storms of life will come. Our Lord is our shelter in the times of storm. Jesus gives us peace in the midst of the storm. Our God is a very present help in the time of trouble. Let us place our trust in the Lord. The writer exhorts in Isaiah 26:4, "Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God we have an everlasting rock."
The Palmist in Psalm 61:2 said, "When my heart is overwhelmed (faint) lead me to the rock that is higher than I". He declares to God you have been a shelter for me.
Come to the Yahweh who is the Rock. Come find shelter and safety for your soul. He will give heed to your cry and your prayer.
Don't despair. God is with you.
All good gifts come from the Lord. Tesse is happy to be gifted by the Lord to write. It is her prayer that her writings will bless, encourage and inspire others. Thank God for his Spirit who gives inspiration and his grace which enables her.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
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