Safe in the Storm

"And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:37-40

Precipitation is a fact of life, regardless of the season. In the winter, you get snow, sometimes in the form of blizzards. In the spring, summer and fall you get rain, sometimes torrential downpours. Whatever its form you must always be ready to ride the storm without giving up the hope that storms don't last always, they shall cease and there will be a season of calm.

Life storms can occur at anytime no matter who you are. Storms are typically accomapnied sometimes with dangerous conditions and at times propose a multitude of risks for inury to people and damage to property. One of the problems with storms is that they do not conform to any rules of behavior. Though they may appear to be moving in a certain direction, that is only from your perspective and from a larger perspective they can be moving in more than one direction at once. Because we know that there may be storms it is sometimes hard to know how long they will last and from what direction they will come. So when the storms of life come we need to know how to survive when we are faced with the threat of a life storm.

Before a storm starts.....
1. Storms typically signal their arrival, make sure you pray immediately when you see signs of a storm coming.
2. Seek Shelter, "As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the sovereign One, and resides in the protective shadow of the mighty king I say this about the LORD, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust. He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings." Psalms 91:1,2,4
3. Secure your thoughts from anyone or objection that can cause you damage. "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God." 2 Corinthians 10:5

During a storm......
1. Remain inside, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31
2. Listen: "So faith comes from what is heard," Romans 10:17
3. Stay off electrical equipment, such as cell phones, TV's, and computers. “Lord, teach us to pray," Luke 11:1 We watch television, talk on the phone and to people on facebook more than we ever take time to talk with the Lord. Remember in the old days Grandma made you cut off the lights and all electrical appliances during every storm and in the dark this was the time to pray.

If You are caught outside......
If at anytime you are caught out of the will of God during a storm, do not lay flat to the ground and give up, but instead drop to your knees, bend forward, put your hands together and begin to repent, ask the Lord to restore your faith in Him and trust He will forgive you regardless of your past mistakes. "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again." Proverbs 27:16

Do not be afraid of the forecast because God will send His angels to protect and watch over you, be confident of this, the Lord is with you to keep you Safe in the Storm!