The Calm and the Storm / Time to Rebuild and Time To Withstand

I've been thinking about life a lot lately, how there is an ebb and flow to it; and how there are challenges and rewards.  I have often heard it said that a “…Christian is either going into a storm or heading out of a storm.”  It made me think about how we behave when we are told that a storm is approaching. 

I remember years ago, when I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina and Hurricane Hugo was approaching.  Many people, including me, thought that Charlotte was too far inland to feel any of the effects of the hurricane.  My Dad; however, decided to “button down the hatches.”  He removed all the items that could have been swept away, and made other preparations.  To my surprise, and the surprise of many others, Hurricane Hugo had an overwhelming effect on Charlotte.  When the storm hit, we had no idea how long it would last, and it was simply not wise or possible to try to make secure items in the midst of the storm.  The only thing to do was to hold on, and withstand the storm.  Those that prepared were less impacted and had less damage than those that did not.

Knowing that Christians will be facing storms in their lives, we should take the time of calm to make preparation for the storm.  How should Christians prepare?  How can they best withstand the storm?  The best preparation is the word of God, which is a Christian’s sword.  Ephesians 6:17 tells us to “…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  We should take the time of calm to rebuild and reinforce our foundation.  We should study and mediate on the word of God, pray for others and ourselves, perform good works, and stay in fellowship with other Christians. 

If Christians take the time of calm to prepare, when the storm hits, they will be able to withstand its assaults, to grow, and to have a deeper relationship with God as a result of the storm.  James 1:2-4 says “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

If you are in a time of calm, use the time to rebuild and reinforce, in preparation for the upcoming storm.  If you are in the storm, hold on and withstand it, and use the storm as an opportunity to grow your faith and trust in God.

Glory To God For All That He Has Done

Blessings To You - Janice

All Scriptures in King James Version

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