A Storm Survivor Handbook (Part 2)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
What do you do when you get in a severe storm of life? The first thing you do is brace yourself up with the truth of God’s Word. The second thing that Paul did when he was in a storm was to tell the men (paraphrased), “Cheer up. Be encouraged. I’m sure God will do exactly what He promised.” You may not feel like having a positive attitude when you are in the middle of a hardship, but circumstances should not control your attitude. You are the only one who can control your attitude, and nothing can make you sad if you want to be happy. The message of Christianity is victory. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “Thanks be unto God, that always causes us to triumph in every place.” That means that you are either coming out of a victory or going into a victory! Often, we want to focus on what we have lost, but Revelation 3:2 tells us to “Strengthen what remains.” God wants you to focus on what you have.
The third thing you should do when you get in a storm is found in Acts 27:18, which says, “They began to throw the cargo overboard.” When they got in the storm, they began to understand that some things were not as important as they had thought. They had picked up various nonessential things at different ports to their journey. Many times, we store baggage in our lives. Baggage such as complaining, bitterness, fear, and past hurts can wreck your purpose and sink your ship. You have to learn to throw off the stuff “that so easily besets you” and takes up space in your life. Storms have a way of getting you back to the main thing. When you have a sick child, suddenly, that new car you wanted doesn’t seem so important. When you lose a loved one, and your world is turned upside down, suddenly, nothing else matters, and you have to turn to God to keep from falling apart. When you are in times of trouble, keep your eyes on the main thing.
The last thing the story of Paul’s shipwreck teaches us is to take care of ourselves while in a storm. The sailors were all panicking and were so worried that they hadn’t eaten in days. Paul pleaded with them to eat some bread. That doesn’t sound super spiritual, but when you are in difficult times, take care of yourself. Eat right and exercise. Resist the urge to isolate yourself. Get around encouraging people who can speak life into your situation. Do the natural and then wait on God to do the supernatural. Paul and the crew came out unharmed because God had a great purpose for their lives. Despite the chaos that may be in your life, God is not done with you either, so be encouraged!
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