The Processናሙና

Day 3: Storms:

Today, we’re discussing how to respond when we are faced with a storm.

The first thing we must understand about storms is that they are necessary! We learn about a host of different biblical faith heroes in Hebrews 11, which also proclaims that it was by faith that these heroes remained standing during their storms. But could it be that these individuals actually needed those storms to reach their destiny?

Some storms are a result of our actions. Some are demonic attacks from the enemy. And some are sent by God Himself. No matter the origin of our storm, God can and will use it to grow, teach, and better us, His children.

We don't know if Peter would have become the rock on which the Church was built if it had not been for the storm that he went through after Jesus had proclaimed: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). We don't know that David would have become king if he had not first defeated the giant Goliath. And just as Hebrews 11 states: “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’ Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death” (Heb. 11:17-19). We don't know that Abraham would have become the father of a nation if he had not first been willing to sacrifice his son.

When we go through a storm or a crisis in our life, it is important to realize that it influences our spirit, soul, and body. How we respond to crises, storms, and difficulties that leave us bruised and beaten, feeling betrayed and rejected, with wounds and aches, can make all the difference in how we come out on the other side.

What storm is standing between you and what God has promised you? What do you feel the Lord is trying to teach you or prepare you for through this storm?

The seeds of doubt from the enemy can fall on the soil of your heart if you allow them to. They, too, can take root. And both of those seeds will lead to words, words of life or words of death. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21). So watch what comes out of your mouth, watch what you say, and examine what seed is the source of your words.

Many fail to realize that just around the corner of the tunnel is a great breakthrough and fulfillment of God’s promise waiting for them, and the only way to get there is to keep walking, not giving up, not walking back, or trying to find an emergency exit. There is simply no other way to see the fulfillment of God’s promise in your life than to keep on walking through the storm. So stand firm. Keep the faith. Don’t give up!