Dr. Mike & Wife Marianne

 

 

 

 

                                           How to Survive the Storms of Life

 

Matthew 14:22-24

 

Storms come in many shapes and sizes.  They come unexpected without much warning.  They come to Christians and non-Christians alike.  It is called life.  We can do exactly what the Lord tells us to do just as the story in Matthew 14:22-24 and still find ourselves in a storm.  We don't always understand or like them.  However, God uses storms.  He has even orchastrated a few.

 

As a pastor for almost 40 years I have seen my share of storms.  I have also experienced a few.  

 

One was the storm of cancer of our 15 month old granddaughter.  That was a long, big storm with chemo, a bone marrow transplant, surgery and a long hospital stay.  Today she is cancer free and doing great.

 

My other major storm was the suicide of our 22 year old son.  He not only killed himself but  almost killed me.  However I survived.

 

Over the years I learned a few things about storm survival.  I would like to help you with yours.  One thing I know is you are either in a storm, coming out of one or one is on the way.  I not only studied myself but others.  I found the same thing could happen to two people with completely different results.  May the following facts be of help to you during the storms of your life.

 

FACTS ON PEOPLE

 

1.  Some people get bitter, some get better.

2.  Some people become hurtful, some become helpful.

3.  Some people quit on life, some go on.

4.  Some people run to God, some run from God.

5.  Hurting people either hurt or help others.

 

THINGS TO REMEMBER

 

1.  Don't focus on what you are going through but what you are going to.

2.  It is not the size of your load.  It is whether you choose to carry it alone or ask the Lord for help.

3.  Storms do not mean that Jesus is absent but active in your life.

4.  Hurt is not an address but a process.

 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR STORMS

 

1.  Storms always leave distruction.  Look for what is left not at what you have lost.

2.  You will have only two choices.  You will either quit or go on.  It may take some time to decide.  Take your time, rest, pray, be still and hold steady.  Maybe you will do better than me.  It took me about 6 months to decide if I wanted to quit or go on with my life.  I looked around and saw a lot of reasons to live.  I decided to go on.  I hope you do too.

3.  Life will be different but it can still be good.

4.  Be a bouncer not just a splatter.

5.  Let your setback become your comeback.

6.  People sometimes panic but God plans.  Your storm did not take Him by surprise.

7.  Life is not lived by outline but outcome.

8.  Expect a turnaround.  Faith is what God blesses.  Expectation is why God blesses.  Look for God in every fiery furnace.

9.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  I do not know.  Here is a better question.  What happens to good people when bad things happen.  They become better people.  We are asked to give God everything.  I ask you to give Him your hurts.  He can and will use them for your good and His glory.

10.  Work while you weep.

 

THE TAKE-AWAY

 

Stress attacks the nerves.  Storms attract your faith.

Have an "I do not understand file".

Don't fail to be faithful.

Don't bow to bitterness.

 

We do not get to choose what we go through.  We do get to choose how we go through it.

Your attitude is more important than your circumstances.

If you want to win always do

W- what's

I- important

N-now

 

Never make a bad day worse by making bad decisions.

 

Do not make any, and I do mean any, major decisions for at least a year after a major storm.  Your thinking will not be clear.

 

LISTEN TO A RECENT SERMON

FOR MORE RESOURCES:

 

Order the workbook"How to Survive the Storms of Life"

send:  $25.00 to:

 

Dr. Mike Stevens

P O Box 298 

Fortson, Ga  31808