Facing the Storm

Storms in life are inevitable. Not all storms are destructive; some are heaven-sent.

While we want to avoid trials or storms, they are a part of life. However, God uses every circumstance in your life to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. In fact, storms can move you toward your destiny—if you learn how to trust God during them!

During intense weather, bison turn and face the storm. It is said they are the only animals known to do so because heading into the storm shortens the length of the storm out in those vast open spaces. Michael Hodges, author and photographer, took this photo demonstrating this.

We all have storms in our lives, some more than others. We all have things we must overcome. In this scene, out there with this magnificent, legendary animal in Yellowstone Park, my lens froze over with ice and my fingers stung from the cold. The winds almost knocked my tripod over and I knew I only had so much time to get this right.

Michael Hodges

Follow the bison’s lead, turn and face the storm. Take what life gives you head on. Because the bison knows how to shorten the storm. And then it heads for the light.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17-18 ESV

How to you head for the light? Instead of fixating on the storm, we can focus on God and know that He will see us through whatever comes our way. My mom always said input garbage, output garbage. What you read, watch and listen to will impact your attitude toward yourself, others, and the world. Make sure you are feeding your soul a nutrient dense diet of good ‘ole biblical truth.

Listen to Christian music, and watch Christian movies and TV shows. These things can help to remind you of who Jesus is and what He stands for. It also can be a good distraction from the storms of life. Go on a retreat or a mission trip or volunteer in your community. This can help you to get away from the storm in your life and help you focus on helping someone else who is struggling.

Here are 6 more action steps you can take to help get through the storm.

1. PRAYER – Pray and read your Bible consistently. When you do this, you are reminded of who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Plus the Bible says that we renew our minds by reading the word of God.
2. FELLOWSHIP – Spend time with other believers. They can encourage you and help you to keep your focus on Jesus. Your sisters in Christ can help pray you through!
3. STUDY – Attend a Bible study or a small group. This is a great way to learn more about Jesus and to be encouraged by other believers. Remember, we renew ourselves by being in the word of God.
4. SERVE – When you serve others, you are reminded of the fact that we need each other and God will use us too bless and help each other.
5. GIVE – This is a way to show your love for Jesus by loving others. This doesn’t have to be money. Make a meal for someone who doesn’t have much. Offer to babysit for a single mom. Know of an elderly neighbor that needs help with lawn care? You can donate clothes or even your time.
6. SHARE – Witness to others about Jesus. This is a great way to keep your focus on Jesus and share His love with those around us. We all need someone to come along side us and encourage us along the way.

Focus on the positive. When you focus on the positive, you are reminded of all that Jesus has done for you and all that He will do for you in life. The classic song “Put On A Happy Face” from the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” always helps pull me out of a funk. If you haven’t heard it, I encourage you to take a listen, just click here. As the song says “Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy, it’s not your style”. I love that because it’s true! Turn your head toward the sun, my Friend, and let the shadows fall behind you. And don’t forget to smile. Life is too short not to.