We have lived in Texas since the Fall of 2017. We were drawn here by the Spirit of God just as we were drawn or led to Mississippi and Haiti. The Lord has moved us around, call us gypsies for Jesus, but now I think we will be staying put. We don’t have to move – now the disasters come to us. The prediction is that in 2021 there will be 13-20 named storms, 6-10 Hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) Some of those storms will be in the Gulf of Mexico. It is that time of year. A hurricane starts as an Invest, then a Tropical disturbance, then a Tropical Storm, then a Hurricane with an intensity of 1 to 5. They typically start on the west coast of Africa or in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. It starts small and then strengthens into a hurricane and heads for land and the people living in the communities on the Gulf or East coast. It is an all too familiar story. The people living in those places can’t change the storms intensity or direction, all they can do is get ready to deal with the effects and aftermath of the storm. Here in Houston and in Southwest Louisiana, many people are “storm-shocked” from the string of hurricanes they have endured over the past few years. Even the threat of a potential storm all brings on fear, anxiety, and panic buying. Driving around Houston I see signs alerting everyone to the fact that Hurricane season is upon us and we need to be prepared.
That is the way it is with the storms of life
that all of us must endure. Storms are
sure to come - inevitable. They will
often have destructive power affecting – relationships – health – wealth. We need to be prepared for them. We can certainly pray that the storm will be
averted, that the problem will go away, but it doesn’t always happen. So what
to do. Well, you need a plan. Jesus said
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good
cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Did you catch that? Our disaster plan is faith in
Jesus and peace through Jesus. So long
as you are walking on this planet and have breath, you will be faced with
storms, with tribulation. Remember the
story about Jesus and the disciples in a boat.....
(Matthew 8:23-27) “Then he got into the boat and
his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so
that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went
and woke him, saying, "LORD, save us! We're going to drown!" He
replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up
and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
Did you catch that? The storm was raging and
Jesus was sleeping. He was at
peace. How is it that the disciples
didn’t pick up on that? Because they
were focused on the storm and their fear.
Acutely aware of their lack of ability to do anything about it. They wanted Jesus to fix it. Had they truly understood His sovereignty,
perhaps they would have taken a nap as well.
Your ability to face the storms that will come
your way is a function of the strength of you faith. Jesus said they lacked faith and asked them
why they were so afraid. That was a
rhetorical question because He knew their hearts and their faith. And He knows our hearts and faith as well and
asks us the same question. My old friend
Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind. Trust God
and not yourself. In the Army we said
“You fight the way you train.” In other
words, you need to be prepared for the battle.
Many of us put that off – that is until the storm comes. Then we want to know where God is – Oh, he is
sleeping. It’s not a matter of God not
caring, it is the point that He is sovereign – the master of the seas. This is what King David wrote.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why
should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why
should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes
attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my
heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident” – Psalm 27:1-3
Will there be consequences from the storm you
must endure? Most likely. Can you survive it? Most certainly! That is
if the Lord is your light and salvation you will. You may be in one right now. Look
to Jesus.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall
into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But
let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to
all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him
ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea
driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will
receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his
ways.” – James 1:2-8
Think about it – Pray about it - Believe it –
Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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