Valerie and I were watching the news the other night when the newsman began to talk about PDS storms that everyone needed to prepare for in the area! We both had this blank look on our face because we’d never heard the term PDS storm before, (The term means Particularly Dangerous Situation). Being only a short while removed from the destructive tornadoes that came through our area, I think we all take note and prepare more seriously for these PDS storms!
You know, it got me thinking about the fact that we also need to prepare for the spiritual storms that come in life! I’m sure that many of you are well acquainted with the pain that life's storms can bring. Some of you may be in the middle of a spiritual storm right now or perhaps you’re picking up the pieces of what a storm has destroyed. I want to encourage you to remember that the same storm that brings destruction can also be God's instrument to bring out strength you never knew you had deep inside of you! Christians must see the potential even in the storm.
The apostle Paul reminds us, "We also rejoice in our suffering because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit." (Rms. 5:3-5)
Listen, the natural response is always to focus on what the storm has taken. But the healing response comes when we focus on what the storm can produce! In God’s hands the storms of life can help to transform our areas of weakness into areas of strength; to build in us the character that helps us to en- dure! The storm produces hope - the kind that comes from your deepest hurts and makes you a more caring, compassionate person who can then give other broken people the same hope and comfort you've received from Jesus Christ.
Let me encourage you to allow God to use the storms you face in life to produce strength that you've never had before. Just like the mighty eagle, I hope that you will spread your wings in faith and let God carry you over the storms until you’re able to see His heavenly sunlight begin to shine in your life once again!
Kommentare