Stormy weather ahead - How’s your emergency preparedness? Do you have your extra batteries, water and food? These are good things to have during the winter or in some regions even summer storm season. But just as there are natural seasons of physical storms there are other storms on the horizon. How prepared are you spiritually and emotionally for the current uncertainty in our world’s economy? Are you in a spiritual storm or relationship storm? We must prepare our minds for action and be able to rightly discern the times and seasons of our lives.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 instructs us: When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: Consider: to think of especially with regard to taking some action; to gaze on steadily or reflectively; to think about carefully. Each of these aspects of the word “consider” implies the taking of time to think things through, not responding rashly or carelessly. Storms reveal many things. They reveal how much faith we really have. They reveal if we have been wise or foolish, building our life on the Rock or on the sands of the world. These are not “fun” tests! Neither does
the Lord send them as punishment or torments. They are part of life and He uses them not only for our good but also for the good of those around us.

Life is always challenging. It consists of so many different aspects: marriage, family, co-worker and friend relationships; health issues, job related decisions, church concerns, and financial challenges. Each one of these separate topics can be broken down into a myriad of other problems or blessings. They each can have good times and bad—sometimes happening simultaneously. Listening to the news we are bombarded with powerful words like “soaring gas prices”, “slumping sales”, “U.S. at the Guillotine”. How do we combat the facts with the truth? These words can open the flood gates of fear, which can paralyze us for Godly action. However, we must operate in faith, not fear. God’s Word is stable, strong and powerful. It is there to help us understand how to access His supply during these difficult days.

Now is the time to dig deep into His Word, His Wisdom and His Will. Times of testing reveal exactly where our roots have been resting. The word “consider” means to think about carefully. It is definitely a word that should accompany preparing your mind for action. Complaining, criticizing or even cursing our government or leaders will never bring about the positive change we actually need. Right now our world is facing economic and weather related issues. Godly wisdom is needed. Perhaps your personal world is so pressed in that you cannot even see past your own situation; much less have a global viewpoint. But dear ones, God views our lives and this world from the view of eternity. He gives us clarity and understanding in scripture that these things will be happening. I must confess that I would rather live in days of prosperity and blessing. Who wouldn’t? However, each one of us must remember that we are born for such a time as this. He has a plan for us individually. He knows your mortgage situation, He is aware of how much your food budget and gas budget has been stressed, and He is still a way-maker.

Matthew 5:16 instructs us to “Let our light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Good works are not simply expected during times of prosperity, but also during times of difficulty. It is during the darker times that our light makes even more of an impact for His Kingdom. Matthew 8:23-27 tells the story of Jesus, His disciples and the sudden appearance of a great “tempest” or storm that arose so intensely that the boat was covered with waves: Jesus responded to their cries of “Lord, save us! We are perishing” with “Why are you fearful? O, you of little faith?” In Mark 4:40, He asks” How is it you have no faith?’ The faith Jesus is referring to is the faith that is able to allow us to trust God’s helping power during crisis times. Have you been building your house upon the Rock or the sand? (see Matthew 7:24-27)

Suppose these past few months have revealed that part of your spiritual “house” has not been built on the Rock. Instead you find yourself with sand. It is not too late to retrofit those shaky areas of your life.

* First acknowledge the sand. Do not continue building on a faulty foundation.

*Go back to the Lord in prayer. Confess that you are fearful and nervous about your present or future. Talk to Him about it. Ask Him to show you where you need to make changes.

*Limit your intake of “bad news”. It can dilute our faith. Pray for our leaders to make wise decisions. Get back to the Word of God. In every building project a plumb line is needed. Scripture must be our plumb line.

*Read the gospels paying attention to Jesus’ words of life, hope and instruction. Follow those instructions.

*Read the book of Acts. Watch how the early church applied those instructions and see when they Holy Spirit functioned as guide, power, teacher and comforter.

*Read the Psalms. These are full of comfort, instruction and encouragement to trust in our God.

*Read Hebrews 11 and 12. Discover once again the faithful heroes of our faith. Go back and re-read and study of their lives in their own context. Remember they were flesh and blood as we are. They had to cope with famines, disease, and even disappointing leaders. They suffered persecution unto death, and yet they still stood because the Holy Spirit was able to sustain them, as He is with us.

*Remember our God is a present help in the time of trouble and difficulty and He desires to use us to encourage those who do not know Him.

Get your own spiritual, emotional and physical house in order, and you will be able to help others. If you need help in learning how to budget differently, shop or cook differently, drive differently then seek or ask for that help. If you have skills that can help others, make it known.

Storms are inevitable. But with a mind prepared for action you can live in victory and strength. You may even become a safe “house of refuge” for others in the times of storm.”

Fears happen, but when it occurs, allow it to turn your heart to Him who is in control of all things. Make Him bigger. He is able to handle our concerns and meet our needs; for that be thankful and grateful. Choose to see this time as an adventure, watching to see how God will be God for you, your family and those around you. He is trustworthy!

Written by: Martha Rodman