TODAY’S INSPIRATION: LIFE’S STORMS…

Sometimes when life’s storms happen it can throw us off balance. This is for the person who is feeling discouraged today. For the person who is feeling like everything is going wrong and your life is a total mess. It could be an unexpected diagnosis, a family issue, or financial problems. It could be you are just at a crossroads and don’t know which way to go. Whatever it is, I don’t know of a single person that planned for their life to get turned upside down. Unfortunately, it happens and it will continue to happen as long as we are in this world. If you think because you are a Christian that life will show you some mercy, think again! Life will come at you harder because the enemy is mad! However even though we live in this world, scripture tells us that we are not of the world. God wants us to live our life on this earth without being under the control of the world and satan’s system. The Bible tells us that none of us are immune to life’s troubles and sufferings. The good news is Jesus Christ tells us that we can be at peace during these times because He has overcome the world!

“I do not ask that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them out of the hands of the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You have sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17:15-18)

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

I have heard people say the devil is busy. He may be but God is busier and He is constantly working life out for our good. God is always working to make our pain worthwhile, even if we can’t see it.

“Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.” (Isaiah 45:15-25)

“But Jesus replied, ‘My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Our own planning and good intentions can’t deliver us from the storms of life. We need the power of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit who lives within us. We can’t save ourselves. We need to be saved. A drowning man can’t save himself, but he can be saved by simply letting someone save him. If he struggles, still trying to save himself, he will actually hinder the person saving him. We need to realize that if we allow Him, Lord Jesus will save us from the storms of life.

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luke 24:49)

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Roman 8:26).

In times of trouble I remind myself of Apostle Paul who in spite of all his sufferings, declared his confidence that God would allow him to endure anything. Despite all he went through, Paul was still filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52) He said nothing is impossible with God and that if God is for us, who can be against us. Paul shows us that as Christians if we persevere, we have the ability to endure under hardship and persecution. (Acts 14:19, 21-22, 12:25,13:13,13:6, 13:10-11)

“I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?” (Romans 8:31-33)

The more we seek, praise, and keep our focus on God, we can have peace during the storms of life. Not the peace the world gives but the peace that we can only get from Jesus. During our troubles we must seek our Lord Jesus, spend time with Him, praying, and consuming His Word. Because when we are spiritually weak and malnourished, the storms can easily overwhelm us. Even during the storms, God will use that person or situation to continue to transform us into the image of Christ. Sometimes this process is painful. However we can choose to praise and glorify while in the storm.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33)

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18

“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

As Believers we do not react as the enemy expects us too, but as children of the Most High. We react by faith no matter what it looks like. Despite what is going on or how we are feeling, we praise Him anyway. God said He would never leave or forsake us which means He is still with us in the storms of life.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

It really is not what life throws at us but how we handle it. We can either let it knock us down and give up or we can get up and fight the battle that Jesus has already won. Remember during the difficult times that God said ALL things work out for those that love Him, not some things. God is faithful and His mercy endures forever! Be encouraged! Love and Blessings…

“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 8:28-29).