Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there is many ways that these storms can be manifested, they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
a) Storms of Correction
b) Storms of Perfection
There were a couple of things we learned about these two types of storms in our last devotional, and that was:
1. "Storms" will happen to everyone
2. There will be times when we are in the center of a storm - and God seems to be absent from us
The next thing we need to know about "Storms of Correction," and the "Storms of perfection" is:
3. Being a Child of God assures us that we will face Storms.
There are many who believe that since they are part of the family of God, that they will somehow have an easier life, or have some barrier shield protecting them from having to endure these storms - but this is not the case. In fact, scripture tells us the opposite. We can see this in the book of James, where we are told why we face storms and how we are to handle these trials.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
I will tell you right now that this is not my normal fleshly reaction to "Count it all joy," when I have something crazy or horrible happening in my life. That is why I must continue to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ - when those thoughts of doubt, anxiety, fear or disbelief pop into my head, I need to cast them down (See 2Cor 10:5). I need to remember God's promises within His Word, and that He is in control, and that He has a perfect plan. It is only when I do this that I can truthfully have peace of mind, and a true joy - knowing God's in control.
Q: So what does this mean to us as Christians?
A: It means that we can endure, persevere and overcome any tribulation or test that we will face if we truthfully have a trust in God.
Hey Christian, we need to remember that God is on the throne, and that He is faithful to every promise that He has made to us in His Word. Knowing this should produce the faith to believe that He will accomplish His purpose in our life using these tough times in the Storm.
...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
It is this God-inspired confidence that helps us to face and inevitably pass these tests. We are a work in progress and God is continually shaping us by the things we are challenged with in this world - it is this shaping process that refines us and prepares us for eternity.
In our next part of this devotional series, we will look at the next thing we need to know about "Storms of Correction," and the "Storms of Perfection."
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today in whatever you are facing. God has a perfect plan to take you step by step through this valley, and He will stay by your side and not leave you. Seek Him today for shelter and rest, for wisdom and discernment - don't take another step on your own.
STUDY QUESTION: What confidence should we derive from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you filled with courage and strength or anxiety and fear when you face tough trials and devastation?
APPLICATION: Look to God's Word for His promises contained within. When we properly align our thoughts to reflect God's truth, and trust Him, we will have a perfect peace immediately (Isa 26:3).
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there is many ways that these storms can be manifested, they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
a) Storms of Correction
b) Storms of Perfection
There were a couple of things we learned about these two types of storms in our last devotional, and that was:
1. "Storms" will happen to everyone
2. There will be times when we are in the center of a storm - and God seems to be absent from us
The next thing we need to know about "Storms of Correction," and the "Storms of perfection" is:
3. Being a Child of God assures us that we will face Storms.
There are many who believe that since they are part of the family of God, that they will somehow have an easier life, or have some barrier shield protecting them from having to endure these storms - but this is not the case. In fact, scripture tells us the opposite. We can see this in the book of James, where we are told why we face storms and how we are to handle these trials.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
I will tell you right now that this is not my normal fleshly reaction to "Count it all joy," when I have something crazy or horrible happening in my life. That is why I must continue to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ - when those thoughts of doubt, anxiety, fear or disbelief pop into my head, I need to cast them down (See 2Cor 10:5). I need to remember God's promises within His Word, and that He is in control, and that He has a perfect plan. It is only when I do this that I can truthfully have peace of mind, and a true joy - knowing God's in control.
Q: So what does this mean to us as Christians?
A: It means that we can endure, persevere and overcome any tribulation or test that we will face if we truthfully have a trust in God.
Hey Christian, we need to remember that God is on the throne, and that He is faithful to every promise that He has made to us in His Word. Knowing this should produce the faith to believe that He will accomplish His purpose in our life using these tough times in the Storm.
...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
It is this God-inspired confidence that helps us to face and inevitably pass these tests. We are a work in progress and God is continually shaping us by the things we are challenged with in this world - it is this shaping process that refines us and prepares us for eternity.
In our next part of this devotional series, we will look at the next thing we need to know about "Storms of Correction," and the "Storms of Perfection."
Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today in whatever you are facing. God has a perfect plan to take you step by step through this valley, and He will stay by your side and not leave you. Seek Him today for shelter and rest, for wisdom and discernment - don't take another step on your own.
STUDY QUESTION: What confidence should we derive from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you filled with courage and strength or anxiety and fear when you face tough trials and devastation?
APPLICATION: Look to God's Word for His promises contained within. When we properly align our thoughts to reflect God's truth, and trust Him, we will have a perfect peace immediately (Isa 26:3).
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