WALKING WITH GOD IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TRIALS

"However, as much I long for seasons where the waters of life are calm, I have also realized that growth happens in you and me when we cling to Jesus, in the midst of the storm. There is an intimacy and a forging of our faith to a greater depth as we pray and worship THROUGH every storm."

Over the years, I have come to really cherish the seasons in life where everything is “good”.

Where there are no trials, no relational issues, no health problems, no financial worries, no persecution from others, no conflict in any way. Where I am good, my family and friends are good—Maybe you can relate to what I’m saying?

I’m the one as a little boy, whenever I was in trouble or I knew someone was upset, that would walk over with my hands up saying “I want a hug.” You see, I just want to be “OK” and for the people I love to be “OK” and to enjoy life.

However, as much I long for seasons where the waters of life are calm, I have also realized that growth happens in you and me when we cling to Jesus, in the midst of the storm. There is an intimacy and a forging of our faith to a greater depth as we pray and worship THROUGH every storm.

As much as I am not a fan of experiencing storms in this life, If I am honest, I have learned to be thankful for what they produce within me as I have walked through the storm with the right heart posture. I have learned that the key to walking with God in the midst of the storm and allowing him to be your source of peace, provision and your wisdom is not only prayer, but prayer combined with worship. Your worship in the face of any storm, can change the atmosphere! There is even biblical examples that prayer combined with worship literally breaks chains!

Acts: 16:25-26

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

If you have ever been on the coast with heavy winds or watched in the midst of a storm when boats are anchored near the shoreline—You know then that the boat is still rocking and bouncing around and it definitely looks uncertain for the boat. There may be times where it appears like that boat may not make it through the storm without being destroyed, but as long as it is anchored properly it will never sink or end up swept away and being destroyed.

Think of it this way—You and I are the boats in the sea that get tossed around with the waves that storms of life create. Our consistent fervor in prayer and worship is the rope that tethers us to the anchor in the storm—which Jesus! The anchor will always hold in spite of the storm!

You see it's not a matter of “if” but “when” the storms will hit.

John 16:33 tells us this much:

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

What have you anchored your life to when the storms of life hit? Where do you run to when the unthinkable has happened to you or your family? Where do you go when the pressure is too much to handle, and you feel like there is no way out?

Choose today, to anchor yourself to Jesus, the one who has overcome all powers of darkness! Choose today to pray and worship through your storm!

Your worship may not change the situation immediately, but it will change you! It will encourage your spirit; it's a posture that allows the Lord to come right beside you as you take your eyes off of the storm and turn your eyes to Jesus.

Allow yourself the ability to worship through the tears and watch as he lifts your spirit supernaturally. Allow yourself the ability to sit and pray in the midst of the storms, even if all you can utter is “Jesus, help me”.

Choosing to worship over worry, in the midst of the storm is a spiritual discipline you can learn.

When you face the next storm in your life, allow your prayer and worship to tether you to Jesus and trust Him as he turns for your good, what the enemy has meant for evil! Let your praise arise and let the enemy flee, in Jesus’ name!