What to Do Until the Storms of Life Blow Over - LEONARD DAVIDSON CHARISMA MAGAZINE

What to Do Until the Storms of Life Blow Over

3/6/2016 LEONARD DAVIDSON  charisma magazine

Recently I heard a meteorologist on the Weather Channel say something profound—No one knows when, or where the next devastating storm will come. But we do know this; there will be another storm."

Sounds a lot like life, doesn't it?

It has been said that we are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to enter a storm.

Is this just a fatalistic attitude, or is it the reality of living in a fallen world?

Remember what Jesus said? "In the world you will have tribulation." (John 16:33). The Greek word for "tribulation" literally means affliction, trouble, anguish, persecution and burdens.

Paul tells us that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2) and the ruler of "the cosmic powers over this present darkness ...  the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, authority and power were given over to Satan.

No wonder we face so many storms in life!

Some of these are: the loss of a child, depression, anxiety, a doctor's unwanted diagnosis, a loveless, lifeless marriage, prodigal children, and financial difficulties. The list goes on and on—from one storm to another.

We too often desperately struggle to find relief and wonder how to survive—mentally, physically, and especially spiritually.

It is interesting to see the statements Jesus precedes, and then follows his "tribulation" statement with—all in the same verse. He begins with "In me you may have peace" (John 16:33). He finishes with "but take heart; I have overcome the world."

Jesus tells us that life will be full of storms. But the storms are sandwiched between His peace and His overcoming power. These are two powerful truths that give us a new perspective on the daily struggles of life.

Perhaps that is what John meant when he declared " ... for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4).

While we live in a fallen world which is for now under the authority of the evil one, Someone greater—all powerful—almighty—everlasting in love—eternal—allows us to run to Him in the midst of the storm, and experience His peace ... and His overcoming power.

King David understood this all too well.  At one point, trying to avoid death at the hand of Saul, he found himself hiding in a cave. His words ring true even today—" Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me! For my soul seeks refuge in You; in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until the ruinous storm passes by" (Psalm 57:1, MEV)

"Until the hurricane blows over." I don't know about you, but more than once life has felt like a category 5 hurricane—complete with 155 mph winds, rain blowing sideways and an 18 foot ocean surge with lightning and thunder all around.

During these times—and we all have them—remember that the storm is wedged in between the peace of Jesus ... and His overcoming power.

Take heart. Those two divine, eternal truths won't remove you from the storm—but they will change your perspective and you will overcome.

Prayer Power for the Week of March 6, 2016

This week thank God for His overcoming power and that His peace can sustain and carry you through any storm you have to face. Thank Him that He is faithful to His promise to never ever leave or forsake you. Allow His Spirit to produce His fruit of righteousness in you so that you can continually walk in joy, peace and all the other fruit of the Spirit. Continue to pray for our spiritual and government leaders, for worldwide revival, the expansion of God's kingdom, and the persecuted church. Pray that Israel fulfill God's purpose in this hour. Lift up our military and their families. Pray for the upcoming elections (John 16:33; Gal. 5:22-26; Matt. 9:38).

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Do You Ignore or Acknowledge God’s Protection?

 4/26/2015 LEONARD DAVIDSON Charisma Magazine

Do you run to God for shelter, if even you don't agree with His wisdom? (Flickr)

I was going to a birthday party. Like any great Pappy, I stopped on the way to the party to get my grandson, Elijah, a present for his first birthday.

He was at the age where he mimicked sounds. If you asked him, "What does a doggie say?" His reply was "Arf." How did he get to be so cute?

As I walked into the little toy area of a drug store, I spotted the perfect toy. A drug store doesn't have a really big toy section I found out. But here it was: a cute, fuzzy, battery-operated puppy. A long cord was attached to the toy, with a small box on the other end. It had two buttons on it, to make the doggie bark and walk. Now this was a cool toy! It was well worth the $5.99 price tag. 

A little while later, when Elijah opened it, he was so excited. Because he is a little genius, he learned how to push the correct buttons very quickly. He pushed one to make the puppy bark and one to make it walk. It was by far his favorite gift and he dragged it with him everywhere.

However, as I watched him play with the toy, I became concerned about the cord that attached the doggie to the little control box. Several times Elijah got tangled up in the cord. My immediate fear was that he could be harmed if the cord wrapped around his neck. I dug the box out of the trash and read the outside. It said, "Recommended for 3+ years of age." Now I had a dilemma. 

How could I take the toy away from the birthday boy? Simple. I waited until he took a nap, and I confiscated the dangerous toy. Protecting my grandson took precedence over his happiness with the toy. And the amazing thing is, he doesn't even know I protected him. He may never know. He, in fact, never missed the toy. But regardless of how he would react, his protection from harm and trouble was paramount in my mind.

In Psalm 32, David declares to the Lord: "You are my hiding place; You will preserve me from trouble; You will surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah" (v.7). Then in Psalm 61:7 he writes, "May he sit enthroned before God forever; oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him."

Dozens of times in the Psalms alone, David acknowledges God's protection. Make no mistake about it. The Lord God is our protector. He goes before us to make the crooked places straight. He is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. His shield surrounds us. "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." (Ps. 9:9, emphasis added). 

Please do not miss this: It is His love and faithfulness that protect us. Our happiness is not as important as our protection. His hand of protection is over us, even when we don't realize it.

For instance, we may have had a flat tire, and that may have protected us from danger ahead. Or perhaps we missed an appointment, but that protected us from a bad situation. Even a broken relationship that we simply did not understand may have been a means of protecting us from what was to come. If we walk in the Light of His Word, our way is protected. We are covered in perfect love and covenant faithfulness.

This week as you walk the path of your Christ journey, acknowledge His protection. Thank Him for it, even if it is not readily visible. Trust that your times are in His hands. Continue steadfastly, praying and believing. If you sense trouble coming, run into His shadow. Find refuge in Him as your stronghold.

The storms will blow. That is inevitable. Trials and temptations abound. Satan came to kill, steal and destroy. Remember this: Your protection is more important to your Heavenly Father than your happiness. Be strong and of good courage. The Lord your God is with you—everywhere you go. And you are protected; I promise.

Prayer Power for the Week of April 27

This week thank God every day that He is your hiding place and a refuge in times of trouble. Thank Him for His continual protection over you and your loved ones, and that He is with you everywhere you go. Remember the persecuted church around the world, and continue to pray for Israel's protection. Thank Him for His mercy on our nation and cry out for repentance and revival to spread across the land. Pray for unity among believers and for a release of concerted prayer for our national, state and local leaders, for a harvest of souls, and a return to honoring God as a nation and as individuals (Ps. 32:7; Ps. 9:9; 2 Chr. 7:14).

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