You Can Weather the Storm

Sometimes the storms of this life get overwhelming. It can seem like every time you make a little progress, the wind of the storm pushes you back way further than you moved forward. And when that storm is made up of people or circumstances that are out of your control, it can make you feel helpless. It is in these times that we have to remember the character of the God we serve and the power He promises to those who believe. Remember, we are to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5b). Let's look together at some thoughts that we can bring under Christ's authority.

1. We think, "This storm will never end."  God says to the storm, "Quiet, be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." (Mark 4:39)
2. We think, "I am too beaten down to fight anymore." God says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)
3. We think, "This problem is just too big, I don't see how it can be resolved." God says, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

I'm not blind to the fact that when these storms hit, they seem like impossible situations. Claiming the truth of God's character doesn't always immediately take away the pain and fear that these storms bring. I'm not minimizing the hurt that happens in our souls when situations seem to be against us. But one thing I know is this: when you take those thoughts captive and give them to Christ, He will work.

Get yourself into the Word, and get yourself to the place where you can not just say "I believe that God will work this out," but, "I know God will work this out." And remember that God says in Isaiah 55:8, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." So come to grips with the fact that you probably won't know how or when God is going to work things out, but you can know that He will.

Earlier, I referenced 2 Corinthians 10:5b. Let's not forget part "a" of that same verse, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God." Also, Jesus said in Acts 1:8, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, He has given you His Holy Spirit, and you have the power within you to overcome any storm that life throws your way. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, and that power lives in you!

So know this my friend: you can weather the storm. There is a beautiful blue sky awaiting you on the other side. I know it may be hard to see that right now, but our God is faithful, His promises can be trusted, and we can know that He will work for our good. Cling to His character today, and move forward, even if the winds are beating against you. Nothing is impossible for our God.