This write up was inspired as a result of the challenges encountered by the residents of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria few days back.
Some people were displaced from their homes, lives lost, loved ones lost and properties lost.
People also lost their peace for fear of being attacked.
In less than two weeks, the city experienced 24 hour curfew twice bringing businesses to a halt. offices and companies were shut down.
Those who deal with perishable goods with no means of preservation can't even tell of their losses not to talk about those who feed daily from sales made.
Storms come to us all. We all experience different kinds of challenge (storms) in our lives.
It is either you are out of one, about to experience one or currently experiencing one.
These storms come in diverse forms and when they do, it would seem like the flood or the wind will swallow you up.
But we have been created like the eagle who rises above the storm into greater heights. Like the eagle we are meant to soar higher in life and rise above every tempest.
Eagles are known to be ageless and and are seen as a symbol of strength, beauty courage, authority, sovereignty and freedom.
Little wonder the eagle is seen in most national flags including Nigeria as a symbol of strength.
We have an inbuilt strength, courage, confidence and beauty like that of the eagle.
Whenever a storm arises, the eagle perches on a rocky mountain and then uses the storm to rise higher unlike other birds that quickly take shelter to hide from the storm.
Just as the lion is seen as the king of the jungle so is the eagle the king of birds.
The eagle uses what is meant to destroy it to rise above it and get into greater heights.
Storms are not pleasant to experience. They put us in uncomfortable situations but much more than the negative experience is the positive outcome.
The storm in making us rise above very challenge gives us a better perspective in life.
It gives us a clearer picture on how to solve problems and opens us up to opportunities that lifts us higher than the perceived problems experienced.
It is in the midst of the storm that patience is developed, faith increased, hope restored, character developed and character strength built.
Its in the storms we learn to trust God more and our faith increased in Him alone as our eyes remain focused on Him as the only solution to the problem faced.
When life deals you heavy blows, when the storm rages, we can only rely on Jesus to keep us through the storm, make us rise above the storm and come out as better persons.
Just as the eagle in seeing the storm perches on a rocky mountain to ascend the storms, Jesus is your rock that is higher than you and every raging storm - Psalm 61:2.
When the storms rage, don't go falling into depression, discouraged or feel dejected but rather spread your wings like the eagle, lift your spirit and with your head held high rise above the storm into greater heights.
You can always use what is meant to destroy you for your advancement in life.
WAYS TO RISE ABOVE THE STORMS
1. DO NOT FEAR : The first thing to do when the storm rages is not to fear or panic to the point of being crippled. Fear can cripple you into defeat.
Fear can make you not to think straight and can becloud your sense of judgement/reasoning preventing you from seeing a way out of the storm.
The goal of every attack is to instill fear in you and cripple you to the point of defeat.
Behind every attack is the desire to challenge your confidence in God. Every storm faced has the capacity of overwhelming us as well as imprison us with fears
Instead of fear that cripples you, be courageous. It is said that "Courage is not the absence of fear but knowing that there is something greater than the fear."
Don't be afraid in the midst of the storm and don't be scared of the storm. Though it rages but will not consume you.
Instead of fear, choose to have Faith in God trusting Him to guide you through the storm and give you wisdom on what steps to take that can bring you out of the storm.
In times like this, our best bet is trusting God and ask for His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) than to live in fear.
And the best way to trust in God is looking into His word and hear what he says. For instance;
Isaiah 41:10 says "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand."
Psalm 23:4 says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff. they comfort me."
Psalm 27:1 says "The Lord is my light and salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?"
Deuteronomy 31:8 says "He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be."
These and many more are the verses to look out for in times of distress. They will help build your faith and trust in God.
All the devil knows how to do is to bring fear to minds of many by unleashing terror but more than the fear is the word of God as our assurance for safety.
2. PRAY : Nothing can ever take the place of prayers. See, God never promised us a smooth sailing or flight in life but promises to be with us through the storm.
He sees the pain, the hurt, the disappointment, betrayals and very other negative experienced. He hasn't forgotten you.
When you pray to God, it shows you depend and trust Him enough to bring you out of the storm. It shows even in your fears, you still have faith in Him.
He says "And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." (Psalm 50:15).
Psalm 91:15 also says "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him."
God never fails when we call on Him. Even when it seems like He isn't there or our prayers are unanswered, He is still there with us keeping us safe from the storm.
To be continued next week.
Quote for the day - "Once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through."
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