The Storms of Life
6 Steps to Help You Through the Storm
My husband is a fisherman. He will fish anywhere, anytime — lakes, creeks, streams, rivers, oceans — wherever there are fish. We used to live in South Florida where he would fish off-shore on a weekly basis. He would tell tall tales (because that’s what fishermen do) of being off-shore in perfectly lovely weather only for a squall (storm) to appear out of nowhere. On the ocean, you can go from calm seas to a life-threatening storm with little to no warning. The same is also true in life. A storm or crisis can seem to come out of nowhere and land you in panic mode.
Perhaps that is where you find yourself today or you are standing with someone who is living that reality. In all honesty, this is my reality as I write to you.
Since it is really fresh for me, here are 6 steps to take when the unexpected storm or crisis hits:
Pray. Before you react or respond, pour out your heart to God. Pray for strength, protection, and wisdom, and process how you feel with Him first! Also, enlist prayer support. Text, email or call your most trusted friends and ask them for prayer support.
Gather information. Whatever the circumstances of your storm may be, you need to get the facts. You cannot make wise decisions when you are uninformed.
Seek counsel from several sources. Proverbs 11:14b says, “ . . . victory is won through many advisers.” (NIV) Talk to professionals in the field of your concern, talk to others who have walked through a similar storm. Make calls, look at websites, ask questions. Consider reaching out to Julia or myself at www.yourbluestone.com.
Don’t let fear dictate your decisions. Multiple times in scripture we are admonished to “fear not”. Fear is a liar. Fear has been trying to hijack our story from the Storyteller from the beginning.
Write out your plan or best next steps and work the plan. Once you settle on a plan of action, write it down, pray over it, and work the steps in order. This will keep your mind from distraction and will give you a sense of order, control, and accomplishment — which is helpful in a storm.
Take care of yourself! Even as I write this I know I need to make a call to my counselor so I can process my own feelings and emotions. I know I need to eat well, rest well, and exercise daily.
If you are experiencing a crisis today, I am so sorry. Please know that you are not alone. Your current situation may feel extremely isolating and I’m certain the enemy is inviting you to react with fear and panic. Remember, he is a liar. The One who speaks to storms can speak to yours.
The wind and waves still obey Him.
Written by Kaye Hurta