Regardless what many nonbelievers think, the Christian life is full of storms. Yes, to describe the Christian life in simple terms, one could say it is a journey where the traveler is either going through a storm, heading into a storm, or has just come through a storm. The truth is that storms will come. There's no doubt about it. The question is whether or not we're ready for them.
When I saw the weather forecast was predicting rain for the middle of this week, I made a decision. On Monday and Tuesday, I brought firewood in from outside and stacked it in the box we have inside. Load after load, I brought the wood in, even though the weather outside was most pleasant. Why? Because I wanted to be prepared for the storm. With the wood stove being our only source of heat, I knew we would need dry wood.
On a larger scale, when a hurricane is predicted to hit certain areas, those areas usually take precautions. They board up windows and secure doors. They supply their emergency shelters with food, water and other necessary supplies. Many times, people flee to safer areas until the storm has passed. Whatever the case, they prepare themselves for the storms.
I think we, as Christians, often fail to prepare for the storms. When life is good, we're busy living it up. We forget to read our Bibles. We don't feel the need to pray. We forsake our daily review of God's promises. Then, when the storms hit, we're completely unprepared. We run to our Bibles for answers, but are too unfamiliar with its passages to find the help we need. We turn to God in prayer but feel as if we're talking to a stranger because it's been so long since we last spoke to Him. We reach in vain for God's promises, only to realize we don't remember what they are. And so, we face the storm unprepared and quickly lose hope of making it through.
Consider this your warning--the storms are coming! If you want to make it through, here are the steps you need to take:
1.) Be sure you're on a solid foundation. If you have not yet put your trust in Christ, now is the time. Today is the day! You're going to face the storms either way. Wouldn't you rather face them with the One who can calm them?
2.) Be prepared. As my pastor likes to say, "Make sure you're prayed up." Keep fellowship with God at all times, not just during the tough times. Keep in the Word, allowing God to fill you with daily strength. And finally, rehearse God's promises. Make sure you know exactly what God has said so that you can later find comfort in His truth.
The storm's a'comin. Are you ready?
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! - Psalm 107:29-31
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