"OUR RESPONSE TO THE STORMS OF LIFE"

September 3    OUR RESPONSE TO THE STORMS OF LIFE   Luke 6:47-48

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”  (Luke 6:47-48)

I have been told by well-meaning people, “God’s people never have a bad day!" Is that right?  Ever hear of a guy name Elijah? The Bible says that Elijah plopped down under a Juniper tree, and asked God to kill him. This is the same man who, only hours earlier was calling down fire from heaven. What was the reason for his despair? A couple of things probably; fear, and just sheer weariness. We are told he had just run all the way from the summit of Mount Carmel to the Valley of Jezreel. When your body is tired, you are sometimes subject to depression and a loss of vision. So, are there ups and downs even in the Christian life? Absolutely!  Will friends sometimes drop you, or shoot arrows through your heart? Yes, they will. Will there be tests of your faith when feelings have to be shunned and only your foundational faith will sustain you? You got it! How to be prepared for it? Well, I can tell you that the same God whom you worship in the light is the same God you reach for in the night. God is there with you at this moment--even though you are not aware of His presence. Keep reaching and believing. We have learned some things that help us through the peaks and valleys of life.  We must remain faithful to God’s calling and continue to produce “Fruit!” We must face the challenges and storms of life head-on!  Regardless of the trials, regardless of the circumstances, we are NOT TO BE SHAKEN, only ENCOURAGED!  We cannot stop the “Storms,” however, through the Holy Spirit, we are OVERCOMERS!  Every one of us, get into situations where we get discouraged (Even Pastors).  Keep looking up! He has promised VICTORY! Your trials are opportunities to prove what you believe, and your life will not be shaken, when you base your life on THE WORD.  Focus on what is REAL, HONEST, JUST and EDIFYING TO God!  Simply, LET THE REST GO……Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!