God has reminded me recently about the storms in our lives. I’ve heard it said that we are always coming out of a trial, in a trial or going into one. It’s a part of life. Some are mild and others are torrential! I think God is reminding me, and us, that our storms have something to do with our mission in life. To use an educational view, if we’re satisfied with staying in kindergarten, the storms will be fairly easy. But if we’ve decided to follow Jesus and God’s plan for us, it’s gonna be hard sometimes. That’s the only way we can progress, “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I remember a time when I was going through some storms and, on the way to work one morning, I asked God, “Lord, what’s going on here, this is hard?” His reply, “Oh, do you want out of the advanced class?” I had told God previously that I desired to be all He wanted me to be and to advance in the Kingdom. So I quickly replied, “No! I’m not satisfied with kindergarten or the 8th grade team.” Is anyone wit me?
Also, I prayed recently, “God, I need You, there’s a lot of stuff going on here. I’ve got so much to do, I’m overwhelmed.” His reply, “Son, you need to focus. Seek My kingdom first and these other things will fall into place.” (Matthew. 6:33). “I’ve got some great plans for you (Jeremiah. 29:11), but I need you to listen to Me and follow My directions and not the world’s.” “And remember, the devil is doing all he can to distract you but don’t listen to him!” (James 4:7). Can I get a witness?
I know some of you are in a storm right now. Talk to God about it. He’s right there, He loves you and He wants to help you. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4). And, even in the midst of your storm, keep praising God! Right after I prayed the prayer above, on my radio came the song, “I Will Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns. Isn’t God cool? It made me laugh and say, “Thank You God, I praise You!” The devil hates that!
God has a plan for you, and He knows what you need to go through to achieve it. Look what Joseph went through from the pit, to Potiphar’s house, to the prison before he got to the palace. God’s plan. And, as a former player and coach, I know you have to go through some hard training to make the first team. Do you want to be on the first team?
Talk to God, listen to Him, admit you can’t handle it, give control to Him and then thank Him for it. You WILL make it through the storm. #Godisincontrol