S.T.A.N.D.

Posted By: Ashley

I know so many folks who are going through trials and tribulations right now, including myself. So today, I want to talk about standing in the midst of a storm. The key word in that last sentence is STANDING because I think that's what is expected of us. God knows the outcome of every situation and the ultimate battle of good and evil is already won. So what then, are we called to do when we’re going through a test? Persevere.

“And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NIV). Not some things or a few things but ALL things. I believe there’s a purpose for everything. So when I’m going through a difficult time, as I am right now – I have to believe and trust that there’s a greater purpose. It’s not my position to question why things are happening to me but to STAND through it in faith and know that it will all work out in the end. Will it work out in the way that I want it to? Maybe; maybe not. But it WILL work out in the way that God wants it to.

I mentioned to my sister yesterday that I wish I had a roadmap for how to navigate some recent challenges that have come my way. But now that I think about it….I do have one and it’s called the Bible. Here are a few things that I’ve learned from the Bible that will help me get through this rough patch of life…maybe they’ll be inspiring for you too:

S.T.A.N.D.

Speak

Speak to God:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” - Matthew 7:7 (NIV).

"Pray without ceasing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV).

Prayer changes things. I talk to God frequently throughout my day but its also important to set aside one-on-one time in the morning or the evening to just talk and listen.

Speak to others:

Ask other believers to cover you in prayer. "For where two or three gather together in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20 (NIV).

Speak to your storm:

Read Mark 4: 35-41.

Listen to Marvin Sapp’s sermon on speaking to your storm: http://youtu.be/W_0ogE7y_zM 

Trust in Him

"O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out you hearts to him, for God is our refuge." - Psalm 62:8 (NLT).

God has said that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6) so have FAITH (Hebrews 11:1) and know that with God on your side, you are equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.

Acclaim

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name." – Hebrews 13:15 (NIV).

Acclaim is another word for praise…celebrate…honor…extol. To “praise” is slightly different than to “thank.” Giving praise is about blessing God just for being God…honoring Him for who he is AND what He does. It can be hard to worship and praise God when going through a difficult time but it keeps me grounded and when praises go up – blessings come down!

Never give up

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights..." - Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)

I can get through this not because I am strong but because my God is more powerful than any of my obstacles and if God can do it for others, He can surely do it for me. 

Depend on His Word

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." - Hebrews 4:12 (NLT).

You can’t depend on it if you don’t know it. Take time to read, study and learn the Word of God. This is something that I need to personally do more…I read the news everyday, I read my favorite blogs, I read my magazines, I read my son’s children’s books. So why can’t I set aside a quiet time each day to read the Bible?

The Bible is a powerful weapon. The more you use it, the sharper it becomes and the more you will understand it.

There are so many more Bible verses that speak to the message of getting through life's challenges. Do you know any others? What methods do you have to get through the storms of your life? Comment below and let's discuss.