The Perfect Storm pt. 1
In Church the other day I wrote down a few high points from the word:
Jesus has the authority over circumstances beyond your control
Jesus has authority over things that possess and consume you
Jesus has the authority of situations that separate you from Him
My message is in no way the same as my pastor’s on that day, but what caught my attention today while referring back to my notes was, “Jesus has the authority”. I like to be honest about where I am and where I’ve been, so let me be real. It feels like all hell is breaking loose in my life right now. And to be frank I can be a bit dramatic at times, so as a disclosure let me just say that much has recently changed in my life, and I am not a big fan of change, so the anxieties that come with it may very well be amplifying every other concern lingering in my mind. Much has been weighing on me these days, and the Jesus in me keeps on repeating, “Come to me and I will give you rest, come to me and I will give you rest…”, but the human in me, wants to run and scream because I recognize a storm when I see one, and as a Floridian, I’ve learned to cover up and hide from all possible destruction at the first sign of a storm. God’s been warning me about the times I’m in now, for months He has been telling me, “A storm is coming”. Most times it’s in a calm as a matter of fact kind of tone, as if there’s nothing to be worried about. What I know is that this storm I’m currently journeying through is necessary, it’s meant to test my faith. If I run, I’ll miss what the storm brings, but if I stay, I will experience God’s refining power, as well as the miracle of His deliverance and restoration. This my friends is the perfect storm.
One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”. God’s been bringing this verse to my attention lately because whilst in the midst of the storm we’re tempted to believe that God is far from us, when the truth is, we’re right where He wants us, and where He wants us, is wherever He is. You may be filled with concern and confusion, God’s voice may seem faint, but He is right by your side. Here’s how I know, in the midst of it all, there are random moments where I’m filled with a sense of peace and or hope that even a time such as this is for my ultimate good (If you are or have been where I am now, can you relate?). Also, let’s not forget, that the word of God attests to this simple fact (God is with us) in Hebrew 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”. We know that God is not a man that He would lie, so He MUST be with us even as we journey through storms.
Do you truly love God? Do you truly trust God? Is your love for and trust in Him conditional or unconditional?
Storms (seasons of tests) are meant to test the answers you’ve provided to those three questions above. They possess a supernatural ability to expose the heart in ways ordinary seasons cannot. That’s the point! That’s the point of it all. Maybe the storm is an indication that you’re closer than you’ve ever been to that promise or those promises manifesting.
I feel SO good writing this right now, better than I have in a while, like I’ve broken an internal barrier or something, but the challenge doesn’t stop here. My reality is still my reality and so will be yours. What will you do to keep your faith alive in the midst of constant turmoil? Because if you're like me, it may feel a bit constant, as if it will never end. You may not feel like doing anything at all because you’re tired, but force it! It’s so much easier said than done, but you’ve come too far to give up now. Force yourself to pray, read your bible, and or fellowship with like minded individuals. Don’t allow yourself to sink or drift away from God now, you’re almost there.
Here are a few tips:
Fast (I like to do partial fasts like 8pm to 8am for ex.)
Set aside time to spend with God
Create alarms to pray or read your bible
Join a church group (Also, go to church lol)
Listen to praise and worship
Music that encourages your faith
Journal
Serve others
There’s no guideline, but personally, when I have no desire to do anything at all, I apply at least one of these tips to my life, and slowly but surely begin to feel the fire within reignite.
In conclusion,
You and I both are right where God wants us, so although a storm is brewing in our lives, we can rest assured knowing that Jesus has full authority over it, and when He sees fit, He will calm it at just the right time. We’re in His hands, always.
