How to survive the storms of life

Of course I knew the storm was coming, goodness, my phone alerted me five times with emails from the Weather Channel. Yes, I knew the forecast, but those few scanty clouds and plenty of sunshine lulled me into denial.

Friday was my 33rd wedding anniversary and my friends took me to the lake, so there’s that. The whine of an air pump inflating our mattresses created the only pause in conversation, otherwise non-stop chatter echoed through the cove where we rocked on gentle waves and soaked in warm summer rays. I looped a ski rope around my foot which tethered me to the dock and kept the current from carrying me away.

Hoping the storms passed a bit north, I smiled and thought how very grateful I am for the friends who walk this road float this lake with me. Suddenly, their hands shot out like water-Ninjas and dipped into the lake, furiously paddling toward the dock and scrambling up the ladder. I thought it tad bit of over-reacting and wasn’t ready to abandon the comfort of the moment. Problem is I missed the black clouds marching across the sky behind me. Looking the other direction I only saw blue skies and golden rays and I wanted to soak a little longer.

Two minutes later we safely rocked back and forth under the shelter of the porch while buckets of rain pummeled the earth. Without listening to my friends I’d be drenched. They didn’t need a degree in meteorology to know we needed to get out in a hurry; all they did was look up. And all I did was listen. Good thing I wasn’t alone.

That my dear brothers and sisters is how to survive the storms of life.

1. Tether yourself firmly to the Rock. Storms will come, even ones that aren’t on your radar. Eventually violent winds rock the boat. The only way to avoid being swept away by the storms of life is a secure anchor.

Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” NIV

2. Prepare in advance and always wear your life-preserver – God’s Word and eternal truths. Don’t fool yourself, life changes in an instant – ask me how I know. But God never changes and He will keep you from drowning in the storms of life.

Acts 27:14, “But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a ‘northeaster’) burst across the island and blew us out to sea.” NLT

3. Do life with meteorologists friends who recognize warnings and lead you out of the storms of life. Never, ever, ever ignore wise, godly counsel from people who love you.

Proverbs 13:20, “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” MSG

4. Evacuate. Run for shelter. For goodness sake, have sense enough to get out of the rain, preferably before the first drop hits you between the eyes and capsizes your raft. Don’t look the other direction or the complacency of sunshine may trick you into staying too long and you will get wet.

1 Corinthians 10:12, “So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” HCSB

Currently, my life is under a tornado warning, but my soul is strongly anchored to the One who never changes. Tethered to God’s truths and surrounded by friends, I am surviving the storms of life.

Are you?

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