“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season,
if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith,
being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honour and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
1 Peter 1:6-7
I don’t have to tell you that seasonal storms and trials are a regular part of life. Most of us have either weathered one, are in the middle of one or are cleaning up the debris from the one we’ve just experienced. God said we’ll have trials and temptations in our lives, but He doesn’t want us to live in debilitating fear and dread every day waiting for trouble to come. We can’t stop storms but we can’t let them stop us either. Whether we are facing struggles in our spiritual or physical lives, God gives us ways to overcome them, and assists us when they come our way. We don’t have to let trials stress the life out of us.
Hurricane season seems like the longest season of the year, and I’m relieved when it’s over. I’m grateful when we miss a direct hit or damage. Dreading storms seems reasonable when you’ve been there, done that, and have seen and suffered the destruction. We fear what we’ve experienced. We can also fear the unknown or what we think might happen.
God tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think on what is true, not what we think is true or fear will be true. When we build our faith, it helps us face things clearly and courageously.
Be Aware
Fearing the unknown is worse than facing the known. Trials are easier when we’re aware of our surroundings, coming struggles, and potential storms. We don’t get caught off guard when we’re watching for coming trouble.
Be Alert
It’s best to stay alert when a storm is coming. Whether it’s a challenge to our faith, a literal storm, or a personal struggle, we have to be ready to handle what comes. Being alert helps us prevent trials or protect ourselves from the dangers they pose.
Be Prepared
We can’t run from most storms. Usually, we have to face them head on. The best thing we can do is to be prepared and as ready as possible. Preparation helps us stand up to storms and trials that threaten us.
When storms threaten the doorsteps of our hearts and homes, we don’t have to tremble in fear or be overtaken with anxiety or dread. We can rest confidently, knowing we’re ready and God will bring us through whatever waits ahead. We are not alone.
Should we receive damage or suffer devastation, God will be there to pick us up and carry us through the trial. When we follow His instructions and trust in Him, He doesn’t leave us in despair. With the help of others, and our own efforts, He meets our needs, heals our wounds, repairs the damage and restores our faith. Storms may come but we can survive them.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
1 Peter 4:12-13
Bring It Home
How are you weathering your storms today? Are you living in fear or by faith?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Leave a Reply