Learn Humbly: Withstanding the Winds of Change March 9, 2010

Learn Humbly:

Withstanding the Winds of Change

March 9, 2010

One Month to Live

30 days to a no-regrets Life

by Kerry and Chris Shook.

Principle 1: Live Passionately, Living each day as if it were your last.

Principle 2: Love Completely, showing others love that transcends and transforms.

Principle 3: Learn Humbly, growing through your problems and pain

Principle 4: Leave Boldly, Creating a legacy that will impact generations

Day 18, March 9, 2010—Withstanding the Winds of Change

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.’” –Maya Angelou

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Eccles. 3:1 NRSV

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV

In life, difficult change is inevitable; half of our battle is learning to accept that reality. The other half is seeking God’s wisdom for dealing with each storm.

When the storms of life hit, we must choose how to respond. Too often we are caught unprepared for the storms and stresses that come into our lives and our relationships suffer. We can’t prevent the storms of change blowing into our lives, our marriages, our families, our relationships and our careers. But we can prepare for them and learn from prior storms.

The winds of change will either make you stronger or knock you down. It all depends upon your response.

Winds of Change

In Acts, Paul is a prisoner on a ship headed for Rome. A storm arrives and blows the ship off course.  But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm. Acts 27:14-15

Change happens, it is inevitable. You can waste a lot of time and energy fighting it. But if you don’t adapt to life’s unexpected situations, your ship will be destroyed. Stubbornness is not a friend when the storms blow, because the wind can shred you as you attempt to be unmovable.

Yes, change is frightening, uncertain, and threatening. But life can be found in the midst of change.

“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to still be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” Alfred Souza.

What do you consider the happiest season of your life? How often do you think about it or find yourself wishing you were back in it? How does your present season of life compare to it? Is nostalgia causing you to miss out on present opportunities?

Crash Course

Navigating through Life’s storms require two tools.

Steer with the storm, not against it. In Paul’s encounter with the storm, they were ready to give up hope. It had been many days since we had seen either sun or stars. Wind and waves were battering us unmercifully, and we lost all hope of rescue. Acts 27:20

Do know that feeling of hopelessness? Maybe a storm has been raging in your life, and the dark clouds have been swirling for days, weeks, or years. You just can’t see through the storm, and hope is or has faded. Don’t give up! Paul saw beyond the raging storm and remained confident. Allow God to open your vision beyond the present moment and see the future. God will use the painful changes in our lives as a means for good.

Cargo Hold

Perspective and how we view the world are invaluable in the storms of life. Change can clarify our priorities and illuminate what’s really important.

Next day, out on the high seas again and badly damaged now by the storm, we dumped the cargo overboard. Acts 27:18.  The precious cargo that was deemed valuable just a few days before suddenly seemed worthless and they began to throw it away. Storms will force you to reevaluate your priorities.

What tangible cargo have you lost in one of life’s hurricanes? What cargo have you had to intentionally release in order to survive a storm? How did your priorities change as a result of losing material items?

The Unmovable Anchor

When the storms blow, we learn how to change course and ride out the storms, but we also know that there will be a time to drop anchor to stay in place.  Afraid that we were about to run aground, they threw out four anchors and prayed for daylight. Acts 27:29

You need an anchor in your life that will hold you through the storms of life.  For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself. Hebrews 13:8  While everything else is changing around you, God never changes.

When the storms of life blow, remember that God knows right where you are. You might feel all alone, but God is still with you. God is behind the storm, in the midst of the storm and beyond the storm, always there waiting for you, ever present. God will see you through with the unmovable anchor of His presence.

The winds may be picking up and the rain is beginning to sting you face. You may be afraid, anxious or depressed. The storm may claim you cargo. You may be sea sick, soul weary, and weak. But you’re going to make it. God will be in the storm with you.  For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV.

Prayer:  God where are you? Sometimes I can’t hear or see or feel you. Please show me a glimpse of your presence. Come and surround me with your love, hold me in the midst of the storms. In your strength, I can handle this storm, as long as I know you are with me and will give me abundant life. Amen.