WHAT TO DO IN A STORM
21st Jun 2017
We’ve all experienced that life is not storm-free. We enjoy plain sailing, living within our comfort zones - but storms hit and we can flounder or battle through. The first thing to acknowledge is that we are not on our own, and nothing that happens to us is God’s fault.
Proverbs 19:3 says, “People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?” and verse 27 says, “If you quit listening, dear child, and strike out on your own, you’ll soon be out of your depth.”
Whether the storm is of your own making or an attack from the enemy, acknowledge your “anchor” is Jesus, and go straight to Him.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock that cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.”
Re-establish close connection, put down the anchor, banish all self-condemnation, receive forgiveness for any foolishness, and know for certain that God loves you, He longs to be gracious to you, He is with you wanting to give you help and support. When the storm is over and you come through, you will be even more aware of His amazing love and help, more experienced, and stronger in the knowledge that He is in the “boat” with you.
Once you experience His arms around you and are assured of His love, you need strategy. Every situation is different and each needs divine instructions. In order to be able to hear clearly in a crisis, I suggest you practice listening in everyday ordinary circumstances of life, being in touch with the voice of the Spirit, who warns, corrects, affirms as well as directs.
There are also times when you need outside help. My husband and a friend were sailing in the English Channel, they capsized and were in difficulty, every attempt at re-righting the boat failed and the point came when they knew they needed rescue. They cried to God for help and out of the mist came a fishing boat that rescued them. The weather was awful, the fishing boat was returning to port at the right time and on course to be the means of salvation. Lessons were learned, experience evaluated, and two rather battered men mercifully lived to tell the tale.
Remember, whatever foolishness gets you into a situation, regrets do nothing to help. Our God is the answer and He will be there. He is a present help in trouble and a redeemer and rescuer in every situation. He loves you and intends to bring you through stronger and wiser.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
