The Storms of Life

I was listening to the radio tell of all of the preparations for a historic snow storm to hit a major portion of the Midwest. All of the supplies that were purchased – highway departments preparing the roads with salt. Massive numbers of people in the grocery stores to get milk and bread. Lines of cars at the gas station to make sure they had gas in the tanks. Electric companies bringing in crews from other states to have extra help in case of power outages. What preparations were being made!

When the forecast is for a storm, people get prepared.

How do we prepare for the storms in our life?? Do we get hit with the storm before we prepare? Do we wait until the winds start to blow and we can’t stand on our own before we try to get ready?

Preparation is done before the storm, not during, not after.

Job 21:18 speaks of the chaff that the storm carried away. Many times we aren’t prepared for the storms that come into our life and we are carried away by the storm of our emotions. We let dread and worry interfere. The preparation of a consistent life of prayer and fasting and feasting on the Word, is the only thing that will keep us from being carried away by the storm.

The preparation for life’s storms will keep the peace in the midst of the storm. The trust that we have put in our God will keep us grounded on a firm foundation, not carried about by every wind that hits us. Psalms 55:8 – I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

By living our life prepared for the storm, we have an escape from the windy storm. Jesus is our peace. When the disciples were scared of the storm, Jesus slept through it. The storm doesn’t bother Him. When we have prepared for the storm, and trust Him no matter what winds, snow, rain, or hail hits us, the storm doesn’t seem so bad. We have peace! We know we are in the hands of the one we love, and He can do us no harm.

Let’s not forget our spiritual preparations in the midst of the physical preparations for the storm. Psalms 107:29 – He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. What better way to rest in peace during the storm, but to know He’s in charge, and all he has to say is “Peace – be still!” Don’t wait until the storm hits – be prepared!!

Angie Mitchell serves as the Missouri District Section 3 Ladies Leader.    Angie is the wife of Rev. Craig Mitchell, who is currently serving on the staff of Calvary United Pentecostal Church in Jackson .  Angie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2000 from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau .  She is currently employed by the University as a Senior Buyer in the Purchasing Department.   She and her husband have two children, Megan, age 17 and Blake, age 14.