Prepare for the Storm

We’ve been having quite a few thunderstorms, this summer, accompanying the heat in upstate New York. When you live in an RV, and you know a storm is coming, you have to get prepared. This usually entails putting the awning in, bringing in any outside décor that may get blown away or isn’t waterproof, closing windows, sometimes, bringing in laundry from the clothes drying rack, and maybe even pull in the slides. Thankfully, we can be fully contained, so if the power goes out, we have battery power for lights and try to keep a fairly full tank of fresh water.

If we know ahead of time that a storm or high winds are coming, we’ll stay put where we know we will be safer. But if we are traveling and storms come, we might pull over if there is enough room for our rig or find a rest area.

What about those spiritual storms? Are you prepared? Have you “battened down the hatches”? Do you have a safe place to wait out the storm? How can we be prepared for trials in our lives? The best way I know is to be rooted in the Word. The more we read of God’s Word, the more prepared we are for life’s trials. We never know when something will take us by surprise, but with God on our side, we can make it through. It may not be easy, and it may be a long road, but there is always an end to the problem.

God can use storms in our lives to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Through prayer and study of God’s Word, we can be prepared for whatever life throws at us. Sometimes, our trials are brought upon us by ourselves: poor choices always lead to consequences. But God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9), and He can help us through those hard times.

Sometimes, our trials are brought on by others. These times can be difficult, because we not only have to deal with an issue, but we have to deal with other people. Even if folks are not sorry for what they’ve done, we still need to forgive them. Otherwise, on top of the nasty circumstances, you might be dealing with bitterness, as well.

In Mark 4, God used a storm on the Sea of Galilee to show the disciples who Jesus is and that they can trust Him in the storms. God may not bring every trial in your life, but He allows them, and just like Jesus in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, God will calm the storm. He will see us through. He is growing and stretching us to be more like Jesus, every day. That is our goal as believers, after all—to be like Jesus.

Don’t be blown away by the winds or drown in the downpours. Trust God; trust in Jesus. He will see you through.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12