When Storms Of Life Hit—8 Promises Of God.

When Storms of Life Hit—8 Promises of God.

Revelation 1:9-11NIV

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

“John landed on the Island of Patmos, not because of tribulation, or hardship, but He was strategically placed on this Island for the word of God’s sake and the testimony of Jesus.” P.H

As I begin to ponder those words, Why John was on the Island of Patmos? The thought came to me. Do I know why I’m here?

Is life just a series of events? 70, if really fortunate, maybe 80 years.

This thought came to me—If God’s word is completely relevant, then I like John have a purpose that’s larger than me.

It happened August 29, 2005. Over 15 years ago. Disaster struck. Hurricane Katrina made landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana, as a Category 4 hurricane.

It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. In addition to bringing great devastation to the New Orleans area, this hurricane caused much damage along the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama, as well as other parts of Louisiana.

We will never forget, and many of us remember the bleak images, the lives lost, the aftermath of the storm that our nation faced. Droves of people sought refuge in nearby cities. Thousands filled the city’s convention center and Houston Astrodome, seeking relief, looking for help. Row upon row of cots lined the buildings, the now temporary home of those who had lost literally everything.

Remember this, Big storms can roll in fast, suddenly turning blue sky days dark with worry. It can happen with one brief conversation, a diagnosis, an accident, or life-altering occurrence. And we're left, thoughts swirling, wondering how we didn't even see it coming.

Storms—Hit us hard. Leave us flat—We can't stop the storms from happening. But we can know where to run...for cover.

7 things to remember about storms:

1. Storms will come.

Isaiah 43:2NKJV When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Notice verse 2, Doesn't say "if," but "when."  

Again, Storms happen. It’s inevitable and unavoidable. 

But God still reminds us in His Word that He will be with us in the midst of it all. 

Daniel still faced the lions. Joseph was still thrown in prison. Job still lost all he held dear. The disciples still faced persecution.  

Being a believer doesn’t mean we will be kept from every hard circumstance, but that He will be with us in it all.

Hebrews 13:8AMP Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down ( relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Remember, From today’s text—Revelation 1:9, John was on the island of Patmos for the Word of God’s sake and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Storms come…However, as you serve Jesus storms go too.

2. Heed the warnings.  

Matthew 24:42NET “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

God reminds us in His Word to stay aware, (heed the warning) to wake up to what surrounds us.

It’s all too easy at times to ignore the warning, and continue on our own way. Thinking somehow we know better, or that we’ll be spared. 

1 Corinthians 10:13NET No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.

We need His wisdom to know when to stay, or when to go.

Again, heed the warning!

3. Be prepared.

Life is often predictable. Often storms come on without much warning. 

Ephesians 5:15-17NET Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.