How To Rise Above The Storms

As humans we are all subjected to failures, bad choices, regrets and mistakes. But thanks be to God who taught about all of our failures way back then and went ahead before we were even conceived and created a secret recovery plan. 

The recovery plan is easily available to anyone:

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  “And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, 

  in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that 

  we should no longer be the slaves of sin.”  Romans 6:6 GNT

  
  

  We all struggle with temptations, pride, rebelliousness, arrogance, guilt and defeat to name a few – our sober reminder is …we can find grace to walk into the newness of life.

There are also times when we see signs of things falling apart in the lives of our family, children, friends, close associates, and neighbors – what we choose to do next is critical to the survival and wellness of those in our inner circle.

The Rescuer: We must carefully and strategically go forward with a ray of hope that maybe we can awaken our loved ones consciences veering them away from the pitfalls that lies beneath them. With great sadness sometimes our words are rejected and we are left with only one choice – ‘keep on praying and trusting God.’

The Defiant Personality: ‭‭The most agonizing thing for any God-fearing parent/concerned friend is knowing that God can make the most daring person a dreadful pain to themselves. And those who do not like to hear about their faults will have to live with their own consciences which cannot be silenced nor ignored. Now that’s a scary, very scary thought when those who you love or care for sincerely believe that they still have it all together.

The Spirit of Gossip: I’m a firm believer that gossip adds fuels to other people’s mess. Fuel adds more flames to a already unquenchable fire. If you can’t help, pray! If you can’t pray, refuse to gossip! We ALL pass through our Red Sea from time to time just like our ancestors did. But in the cloud, in the fire and in the sea God proved Himself faithful. 

The Toxic Person: Some people are blissfully unaware of the negative impact they have on others when they create chaos and pushes other people’s buttons. Make no mistake about it, their behaviour goes against any form of reasoning. In life, there are way too many battles to fight, so you’ve got to choose your battles wisely – sometimes peace is better than being right. Walk away with your peace intact.

 

The Deceiver: The driver has fallen asleep on the wheel while driving – the price is DEADLY. We’ve got to quit trying to beat someone at their own game. When you can predict someone’s behaviour, it easier to understand what you are up against, and then you can rise above the individual. 

Here are a few practical steps I have personally taken to rise above the storms in my own life: 

1. Write your prayers. I’ve got diaries upon diaries of prayers. Each member of my family including myself is written within those pages. I’ve got Praise reports and anxiety requests. I write letters to God also. It goes like this – Dear God, I’m hurt, I’m anxious and I’m scared …..Please intercept the plans of the enemy. Amen
2. Take a shower. Shower prayers are the best prayers. You get creative wiping your tears and giving yourself a facial. Hands up PRAISING God while taking care of your personal routine. You will step out of the shower refreshed and reenergized. Shower Prayers are the best.  Take them in the mornings and nights to stabilize your mind. The next time someone asks you why you shower so many times and why you take so long – share your routine practice with them. 
3. Take a prayer walk. Put your earplugs on and no one knows if you are on the phone or talking to God. Pray about anything you hear, see or know about. You get double results: fresh air and time alone with God. O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
4. Keep your prayers going in your sleep, awake at nights,  and all day long. Nothing to worry about but everything to pray about. It drives doubts and fears away. Satan will be totally confused that you have chosen NOT to discuss your fears but to keep the prayer closets open. It’s really okay to cry but it’s never okay to remain crying.
5. Get a scripture to stand on: 

• “I know the plans I have for you, plans to do you good and no harm.”  
• “God’s mercy endures forever.”  
• “All my children will be taught of God and great will be their peace.” 
• “The righteous cried and the Lord heard him and delivered him from ALL his fears.”
• “A thousand shall fall at my side and ten thousands at my right hand and nothing shall come nigh me.”

Personalize your prayers – turn those verses into prayers. Apply the scriptures directly to your lives. 

Don’t let fears or doubts overwrite your prayers. 

God’s got you and I in the palms of His hands and no one can pluck us out of His hands.