step 4: storm growth I trust God’s plan
You already know life is not without trials…challenges…obstacles…hard days – and you may encounter more than a few as you set out to use your gifts, talents, ideas, thoughts, tasks and dreams God has inspired in you. Here’s what you need to know to navigate through rough waters:
1. Retreat and seek God
If you’re an impulsive or problem-solving person, your first instinct might be to lay out a plan and immediately begin acting on it. Don’t act out of emotion – take time to strategically retreat and seek God’s answers for your situation. If you are a cautious or uncertain person, you may be afraid to act at all – take time to pray and seek God not only for answers, but also for the strength to act according to His will.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
2. Rely on God’s Strength
When you’re faced with a crisis, and you’ve plummeted into the vortex of the hurricane, you might think, “What am I going to do now?” This is where the rubber (your faith) meets the road…that point when you might want to give up altogether. This the time to refuse to let the spiritual warfare take you down and rip your faith to shreds. “How?” you might ask: by relying on the strength and perseverance God gives in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. It may be difficult to understand, but even though you might feel completely powerless and lost, God can work through you, hold you up, and help you navigate whatever you’re facing, no matter how awful it might seem.
“…but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
3. Trust God
It sounds simple, but when a storm hits, the most important thing you can do is trust God for the outcome. He is always by your side, through every circumstance. The situation you’re facing might seem all-consuming, never-ending, and even puzzling. Our view of our lives and the world around us is very limited, but God, the Creator of the Universe, is not surprised by anything.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30
4. Be open to God’s new plan
Each storm in life changes us, shapes us, molds us, and refines us. How will this crisis change you? What is God trying to say to you?
“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
† what next?
You might ask yourself, “What happens when God lays out a new plan?” The most simple answer is: you grab a hold of the new boat He’s steered you to, paddle around while you wrap your mind around your new calling, and then get ready to put your toe into the water and walk…and step forward will be here to encourage you along your journey.
Practical Tools
The most important thing you can do when faced with a storm is to retreat and seek God. Take time to breathe, rest, and let God help you sort out what’s happening.
- Seek wise counsel from your Pastor, Spiritual Director, or accountability partner.
- Consider the help of a Therapist.
- Pray, and pray again.
These are just a few ideas!