Storm Radar

As I peer out the window, I see dark clouds above.  Since the past month brought numerous storms, I now possess a radar for when they are about to hit.  The wind picks up, the thunder roars and darkness hovers.  We protect ourselves by going indoors.  We prepare to go out in it by getting our umbrellas.  We listen to the weather channel to know when the situation is serious and we need to take cover.  We heed the weatherman's instruction.

The same works for the storms of life, trials we face.  Learn the warning signs, know your trigger situations and recognize satan's lies.  Heed the instructions of God.  Protect yourselves by running to God and speaking His Truths.  Prepare for these storms by putting on faith and love as a breastplate, clothing yourselves with Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 5:8).  He protects, comforts, loves and heals. 

"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s

will for you in Christ Jesus." 

(1 Thessalonians 5:12-18)

The key factor in everything - PRAY CONTINUALLY.  Prayer is powerful.  God sits ready and willing to help, we need only ask and invite Him into every circumstance.  Even in struggling times, we should appreciate the strength and discipline God provides.  Thank God always!  Just as we love to hear thank you from our children or peers, God loves to hear thank you.   

Pay attention, focus on others so to see when encouragement is needed.  We must not remain idle, but stretch one another spiritually.  As we stretch, we strengthen our internal storm radar.   

No one is counted lost.  Be patient with those who may frustrate you.  God is working on them at their pace.  Lift them in prayer always.  Give that frustration to God so you may see the other person as God sees them.

God thank you for this day.  Keep my eyes looking to You.  May I love each of Your Children and speak words to uplift, not tear down.  May I encourage, love, comfort and spread Your Truth.  Use me God to work for You.  I am strengthened through You to face any storm in life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig