Overcoming the Storms of Life God’s Way
Overcoming the storms of life as a Christian is doing so your faith doesn’t take a hit. To be honest, you want to do more than survive. Jesus died to bring life to your body, spirit, and mind.
What may not have clicked in your head is that Jesus said a life of abundance is possible. Huh?
John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
He also said you’d have trouble. The tribulation that Jesus promised in John 16:33 is real.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.
Jesus, we hear you, but we didn’t think it would be as bad as it is.
You long for the days when tears stop running down your face and pain doesn’t exist described in Revelation 21:4.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Even so,
I’m ready for Jesus to rub frankincense on me He got from the Magi to remove deep spiritual wounds. I’d even agree for someone to pour myrtle oil over my head that symbolizes provision in Isaiah 55:13 and protection in Zechariah 1:8-11. In the meantime, my feet are still on earth, and pain and sorrow is everywhere. Facing the storms of life is not something I want to do.
Overcoming the Storms of Life: When It Isn’t Fair
A loved one drops dead or worse yet lingers for years in a nursing home. The company you work for goes belly up or transfers out of the country. Your “best” friend sleeps with your husband or wife and the IRS is after your finances due to identity theft.
Heartaches keep coming as a child struggles with peer pressure or a learning disability. You face condemnation because you take a stand on a controversial issue such as sexual orientation. People perceive you as a senseless twit because you actually believe the contents of the Bible.
Overcoming the storms of life is hard.
Then, your church installs a popcorn machine in the lobby and doesn’t seem to care worshippers take coffee and drinks into the sanctuary. You feel as though you’re on a roundabout with nowhere to turn. These real-life events are problematic and occur in a Christian’s life. So, how do we deal with hardships and avoid meltdowns?
Getting Through the Storms of Life
Instead of throwing up your hands and saying “meh”, you dig in and find the way to the abundance that Jesus promises. Christians learn to turn from natural urges that everyone else gives in to. That’s the first mindset to survive the storms of life from a different perspective. You learn to look at life through God’s eyes.
That means you identify with spiritual truth more than what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Even so, living in your earth suit is difficult when the body and spirit are in a constant state of war. Remember, Jesus said you can have peace. If He said it, then believe it, and pursue it!
Overcoming the Storms of Life Sermon: 6 Biblical Truths
- Your Royal lineage. You didn’t fall off an apple tree. You’re from Jesus’ family because the blood covenant was ratified through His death and resurrection. Galatians 3:29 – “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
- Your suffering. Even though you suffer mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally—you’re a victor. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
- Your help. The Holy Spirit is your advocate and friend. He’s the one who helps you when life becomes unbearable. When you pray, listen for His wisdom. It will come, wait. Also, a community of believers is available through the body of Christ to shore you up. Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
- Your ministry. Everyone has a testimony that can turn into a ministry to others. The triune God teaches you how to be prepared for the next tribulation (it’s coming). Go through a fiery trial with God and see what’s inside, that you can give to others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
- Your battle and armor. Are you still standing? Then your armor worked and God fought the battle. Ephesians 6:13 – “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”
- Your eternal glory. In the scheme of eternal life, affliction on earth is a mere blip for those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Lessons From the Storms of Life
Do you sense how much lighter you feel armed with the knowledge to change your perspective? I know, on paper this seems simple. Once you BELIEVE these core, spiritual survival skills it’s simple. Live and breathe spiritual principles and you’ll see mindsets disappear about how to survive the storms of life rather than thrive.
Ultimately, you must give those surviving life mindsets to God before you live a life of abundance. That can certainly mean “things” but the most glorious prosperity is living life close to God. Let Him chart your next steps.
Selah (pause, and think on that).