Weathering the Storm’s and Stresses of Life

It seems that the storms and stresses of life throughout the world have increased exponentially sense that dreadful day of 9/11. In fact Jesus said that in the end times, “men’s hearts would fail them for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth” (Luke 21:26). In Matthew 24 Jesus gave some future signs that would point to and precede His return to earth. He referred to this time as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). He described it as being like a woman in labor pains. Could we be in “the beginning of sorrows” that will usher in the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to planet earth?

How can we weather the onslaught of the storms and stresses of life that seems to be increasing in intensity and in number throughout the world?

First – CHERISH FRIENDS. The Psalmist David certainly had a lot of stress in his life. King Saul wanted him dead. But David had many friends who loved God and loved David so much that they gladly risked their life for him. The Bible tells us that men who were discouraged, in debt, and in desperate straits found their way to David! (I Samuel 22) They became David’s mighty men. They later stood with David in tough times.

The Word of God tells us that a brother is “born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). “A three-fold cord will not quickly be broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

Peter tells us, “Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds” (I Peter 3:8 NLT).

It’s interesting that people in western society greet one another with a hand shake – two hands grasping each other in friendship as comrades. God never meant for man to be alone, isolated, or independent of one another. The word for fellowship is “koinonia” in the Greek and means “partnership; a sharing together”. Cherish friends. They need you and you need them. Do you need a friend? Be a friend. True friends will help you through the storms and stresses of life.

Second – CONFRONT YOUR FOES. When the storms and stresses of life come our human tendency is to run and hide. David, of old, is a good example of confronting ones foes. (I Samuel 17) When the giant Goliath terrorized the army of Israel, they all ran away in fear. David the boy shepherd went out to fight the giant. David was young but experienced in fighting wild animals and had proven God’s faithfulness and power to him. Like David we must overcome fear and believe God to deliver us. David refused to use King Saul’s armor but simply used the weapons he was gifted in – a shepherd’s sling.

God has given us spiritual weapons and armor that are powerful “to the pulling down of strongholds” (Ephesians 6:10-18). Confront your foes with courage and faith in the name of the Lord. (I Samuel 17) God will not desert you. I Peter 3:9-15 tells us how to face evil God’s way. If we fight our foes God’s way, we have His promise, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil” (I Peter 3:12 NLT).

Third – COMMUNICATE YOUR FAITH. David boldly communicated his faith in the God of Israel to the giant Goliath who intended to kill him. David declared, “I come against you in the name of the Lord almighty . . . today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head” (I Samuel 17:45, 46 NLT). Be bold to communicate your faith in God. God is faithful. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). (Romans 10:8:13)

God is not as concerned about our comfort as He is about redemption. God doesn’t want “anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance”. Joseph, Peter, John, Paul, Silas, and multitudes of God’s people have spent time in prison and in great peril for the cause of Christ. But they were bold to communicate the gospel. We need to take our eyes off of self and help others by word or by deed to focus on the Savior. Jesus is the lifeline to enable you to weather any storm or stress that may come your way.

God’s Word tells us this concerning suffering, “So don’t be afraid and don’t worry. Instead you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (I Peter 3:14-15 NLT).

Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Commit your life to Him and confess him today. “For if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).