You may either be a leader of the people or among those led. You may be leading others or leading yourself. You may be who you want to be or what others and the environment have made you. Whatever the case, one thing knocks on every door: challenges of life. Some may be small irritations, while others may be earth-shuttering experiences. All in all, pressure always mounts up at one stage or the other.
In this article, I choose to call such circumstances storms. But mainly, I’d like to tell you that in any storm in life, you can (yes you can) keep up your stamina. You can maintain poise or poise even under the pressure of storms of life. Below, I share with you the five facts about storms.
Fact # 1: Everyone Experiences The Storms Of Life.
When challenges come, it is common habit to think that you’re the only one encountering moments of storms and pressure. Just because no one else is telling you about the storm they face doesn’t mean that they do not face them! Though that is not certificate for us to meet storms too, it is a comforting realization that “It’s not me only; even other people are going through this and more!” While some people know how to respond, others don’t; and that’s what makes us different! But the point here is that you’re not alone. Everyone experiences the storms of life.
Fact # 2: Storms Of Life Have A Deadline.
John C. Maxwell says, “Though problems are everywhere, they’re solvable – they have an answer.” Nelson Mandela of South Africa spent more than 25 years in prison. Wasn’t that a storm? But it also ended – triumphantly at that! He came out to be 1st black President of South Africa! Also, God told Jeremiah (29:10) to tell the Israelites, “After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, I will come and fulfill my precious promises…” You see? A storm would last for 70 years. Thereafter, it would end because it would be for a season. It would come to an end. So in any storm, you should know that soon, the storm will stop to exist and your joy will be restored!
Fact # 3: Storms Of Life Can Either Be A Disaster Or An Opportunity, Depending On Your Perspective.
Have you heard about John Bunyan? He was thrown into prison several times for preaching without a license. That’s when he wrote the time-tested, multi-century long book, “Pilgrim’s Progress: A Journey to Heaven.” Even in prison, there’s an opportunity. I remember a time when I was off work for some good months. I saw that as an opportunity to think about my life, give my family all the time possible, read many self-help books, and write books. That’s when I wrote my book, “The Wise Campuser”. Why is this so? Because it is not about “God come and see; I have a big problem.” Instead, it is “Problem come and see; I have a very big God!” So, don’t look for the reason, but the lesson – the opportunity – in your storm! It will either be a disaster of an opportunity on account of your own perspective to it.
Fact # 4: Every Storm Will Change You – Positively or Negatively, Depending On Your Reaction.
There’s no storm that can touch your life and leave you neutral. These challenges always have an impact on you. It may either be positive or negative. And this is determined by the way you react to it! When a fire gutted down Chicago town many years ago, one of the people whose property had been burnt came the next morning with a signpost reading: “Everything lost except wife, children, and hope. Business will be resumed as usual tomorrow morning.” Reaction is what makes the difference too! So, you should mind your reaction.
Fact # 5: The Issue is not always About the Storm; it’s about whom you’re with During the Storm.
A kid doesn’t care whether a plane is crushing or not. As long as “Daddy is the pilot; There’s nothing to fear!” it’s about whom he’s with. As long as “daddy is the one holding the rope”, I don’t mind being lowered into the depth of the pit! In the storms of life, your company matters a lot. And I strongly recommend the Greatest Companion that you can be with during the stormy moments of your life. John 14:6 (Bible) will give you a good crew of who this is. With him in your boat, you can smile at the storm! He is the Calmer of Storms (Matthew 4:35-41)!
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we’re perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (Mr. Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:8-9). Whatever your storm is, maintain poise and calmness! Beyond the dark clouds, God has put there a Rainbow. What you need to do is to paint yourself a rainbow – from head to toe, body to soul! Commit yourself to live a colorful life – regardless of whether it is sunny or rainy, stormy or calm.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” So, today, I pray for you. May God give you a Hammer for Every Stony Situation, A Sweet Song for Every Sigh, A Faithful Friend for Every Problem, A Promise For Every Care, A Blessing In Each Trial, An Answer for Each Prayer, A Smile For Every Tear, A Candle For Every Darkness, and A Rainbow For Every Storm.
Even in the storm, gather yourself and maintain self-confidence and composure! Keep singing: It is well with my soul! Shall you?
