In The Midst of The Storm....The Breakthrough Happens
Saturday, September 8, 2018
As the local news begun to broadcast, the National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert. The satellites were tracking winds moving at very high speeds, massive flooding being reported in various localities and it appeared that mandatory evacuations were eminent. The images of the storm's destruction were heart wrenching and it caused my mind to shift into panic mode. Questions and concerns began to consume my thought process and it created a space for "little brother doubt” to have a field day at my expense. Have you ever experienced these feelings? Let’s be honest, when our lives are disrupted we go into panic mode first and react instead of seeking shelter to think and seek wisdom. Storms are inevitable in the weather atmosphere as well as in our personal lives and unfortunately there are times we fail to prepare to survive a storm much less weather it.
Storms are defined as violent disturbances in the atmosphere or a tumultuous reaction. Oftentimes when an atmospheric storm threatens us, we receive alerts and warnings from the local and national meteorologists. They provide minute by minute account of the storm's track and potential risk and devastation. Depending on the severity of a storm, it’s named by the National Weather Service. Just as atmospheric storms happen, we experience them in our personal, spiritual and mental atmosphere. The effects can be devastating, the aftermath may be costly if we have not taken heed to the warnings and prepared. The bible provides us with scriptures (warnings) about the expectation of storms in lives. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9(We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed KJV) and John 16:33 (These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world KJV.) In both of these verses we are not only warned; we are also given the insight that we can weather the storm.
Thinking back to one of my life's storms, when my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was given 6 months to live. While, I wasn't the one experiencing the physicality of the diagnosis the emotional pain of watching my mom go through the surgeries, treatment, excruciating pain, emotional roller coaster and physical change was heartbreaking. I felt hopeless and angry. What was I going to do? How could I go on without my best friend? Why my mom? My mom would lose her battle with cancer 4 years after her diagnosis and I would slip into a depression. I felt like I was caught up in a funnel cloud and destroying everything in my path. Too ashamed to tell anyone, my storm lasted for years and the aftermath was costly but not all bad. Remember, sometimes a breakthrough will happen in the midst of a storm.
Wherever you find yourself at this very moment, REALIZE THAT YOU ARE STILL STANDING! Put the energy and time into your personal relationship with God. Yes, I’m suggesting that you date Him on a regular basis (praying, worshipping and reading the bible. This is your shelter during your storm and your preparation before it makes landfall. God is FAITHFUL. I was on the verge of succumbing to my storm. I lost and had damaged tangible items but I discovered my passion to help others. During this storm, the sun broke through the clouds in the midst of torrential rain and the water was rising; it was at that moment I rededicated my life back to Christ. I survived and now living my best life and so will you. Unfortunately, storms don't have a time limit but they will pass and you can and will survive.
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