STORM WARNING
"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."
Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
A diamond is one of the most precious jewels in the world. For a diamond to become a diamond, it must go through extreme heat and pressure. A jeweler knows a diamond is completed not only by the 4C's (cut, clarity, carat and color) but when he can see his reflection in the diamond. That's what God wants to see in you. His reflection. It's uncomfortable in the storm, but you'll look back and see what God was doing. Your character will be more developed. When the storm comes, put on all of God's armor. No matter how bad the storm is, we can look to Jesus to help us rebuild whatever the storm destroys.
A few years ago, I went through the worst time of my life. I was battling anxiety, depression, financial struggles, two family deaths back-to-back, and life felt like it was more than I could handle. I kept praying even when I felt like my prayers were hitting the ceiling. Eventually, the storm passed, and I realized that I saw God's faithfulness, and I came out of that storm better than before. God knew I needed more strength, deeper faith and more dependence on Him. In that storm, I felt that my plans for my life were being destroyed, only for God to build something new and something better.
One of the most important things I learned in that storm and other storms I've faced is to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Remember when Peter was walking on water and took his eyes off Jesus, and then he began to sink? Jesus reached His hand out and grabbed him, and they climbed back into the boat. Focusing on the waves around us will lead us to sink and fall into a more difficult state. Focus on Jesus and His power. Sunshine eventually comes after the storm.
Storms help to make the sailors sturdy, and trials help to make Christians strong in faith. - Charles Spurgeon
APPLICATION: Take a moment to write down 3-5 things you're grateful for. Gratitude shifts our minds from our current circumstances to God's goodness and faithfulness.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as we go through the storms of life, give us all the hope, strength and faith needed. I pray that as we go through storms, You'll continue to shape our character and help us grow in ways that show Your glory. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?