"Storm Advisory - Be Alert!"by Dan and Linda Wilson, Fort Worth, TX
Unexpected Storms
We carefully checked the weather before departing...there was a forecast of a 10% chance of rain. Then, off we went on our four-hour trip to lead a marriage conference in the hill country of Texas. After being on the road about an hour the clouds started getting darker and darker. Suddenly we were in a storm. A big storm! A big, unexpected storm. Heavy rain. Strong winds.
Immediately, we disengaged the cruise control, lowered our speed, and made certain our lights were on. Our hearts were pounding. A powerful 18-wheeler was overturned, covering most of the highway. Sheriff cars, an ambulance, and a couple of fire trucks were there admirably taking care of the dangerous situation.
Soon afterwards there was more—not one, but two cars were being towed out of ditches. We were amazed at how many vehicles had wrecked while trying to navigate through the storm.
Then, to top it all off, a large pick-up truck that had been pulling a very nice camper was off the road. The camper had flipped over a wooden fence many feet from the highway. The camper lay twisted, now a massive heap of rubble.
The Lord spoke to us that, seemingly out of nowhere, many unsuspecting people find themselves in the midst of a terrifying storm. The drivers of these wrecked vehicles did not expect a storm nor did they deserve it. But, BOOM, it hit. With hearts pounding, they just wanted to escape the storm—anything to get out of the storm.
What are we to do when a life-storm hits? Let us give you some suggestions: Turn off the cruise control. Turn the lights on. Lower the speed.
Turn Off the Cruise Control
We learned about the importance of paying full attention the hard way a decade ago when driving during a winter storm in Wyoming. The SUV had mistakenly been left on cruise control. We were not fully alert when we suddenly hit black ice. We slid off the highway at high speed and rolled five times before coming to a halt upside down in the snow. We found ourselves hanging from our seat-belts with broken glass everywhere. Clearly, satan was hoping to snuff out our lives. Jesus had other, higher plans.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert..." Ephesians 6:18
Are your close relationships set on cruise control? Are you alert in your marriage? Are you on auto-pilot in your walk with the Lord? Turn off the cruise control. It can lead to disaster in relating to those you hold most dear. The enemy is serious about stealing, killing, and destroying everything of value. Say NO to complacency! Ask Holy Spirit to stir your hunger for MORE: more of Him, more love, more unity, and more joy.
You CAN have successful, deeply satisfying relationships that will weather any storm.
Turn the Lights On
Have your lights turned on bright! You need to be able to see the obstacles, heed the safety markers, knowing also that others need to see you. Let your light shine even—no especially—while in the storm. People are watching how you navigate the challenges of life. Others will be encouraged as they observe your successful, victorious passage.
"Let your light shine before others…and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16
Lower the Speed
When passing through a storm it is time to lower the speed. Slow down. Eliminate the extraneous busyness that crowds your schedule and zaps your energy. Re-establish boundaries. Concentrate on the important. Devote your time, emotions, and yes, even your finances, to the essentials.
By all means, keep driving. You might need to find a safe place to pull over briefly, but then get back on the road. The storm WILL pass. The clouds will roll away. The rain will cease. And, when you look up after the storm, you just might see a rainbow.
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:28-30
Soon afterwards there was more—not one, but two cars were being towed out of ditches. We were amazed at how many vehicles had wrecked while trying to navigate through the storm.
Then, to top it all off, a large pick-up truck that had been pulling a very nice camper was off the road. The camper had flipped over a wooden fence many feet from the highway. The camper lay twisted, now a massive heap of rubble.
The Lord spoke to us that, seemingly out of nowhere, many unsuspecting people find themselves in the midst of a terrifying storm. The drivers of these wrecked vehicles did not expect a storm nor did they deserve it. But, BOOM, it hit. With hearts pounding, they just wanted to escape the storm—anything to get out of the storm.
What are we to do when a life-storm hits? Let us give you some suggestions: Turn off the cruise control. Turn the lights on. Lower the speed.
Turn Off the Cruise Control
We learned about the importance of paying full attention the hard way a decade ago when driving during a winter storm in Wyoming. The SUV had mistakenly been left on cruise control. We were not fully alert when we suddenly hit black ice. We slid off the highway at high speed and rolled five times before coming to a halt upside down in the snow. We found ourselves hanging from our seat-belts with broken glass everywhere. Clearly, satan was hoping to snuff out our lives. Jesus had other, higher plans.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert..." Ephesians 6:18
Are your close relationships set on cruise control? Are you alert in your marriage? Are you on auto-pilot in your walk with the Lord? Turn off the cruise control. It can lead to disaster in relating to those you hold most dear. The enemy is serious about stealing, killing, and destroying everything of value. Say NO to complacency! Ask Holy Spirit to stir your hunger for MORE: more of Him, more love, more unity, and more joy.
You CAN have successful, deeply satisfying relationships that will weather any storm.
Turn the Lights On
Have your lights turned on bright! You need to be able to see the obstacles, heed the safety markers, knowing also that others need to see you. Let your light shine even—no especially—while in the storm. People are watching how you navigate the challenges of life. Others will be encouraged as they observe your successful, victorious passage.
"Let your light shine before others…and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16
Lower the Speed
When passing through a storm it is time to lower the speed. Slow down. Eliminate the extraneous busyness that crowds your schedule and zaps your energy. Re-establish boundaries. Concentrate on the important. Devote your time, emotions, and yes, even your finances, to the essentials.
By all means, keep driving. You might need to find a safe place to pull over briefly, but then get back on the road. The storm WILL pass. The clouds will roll away. The rain will cease. And, when you look up after the storm, you just might see a rainbow.
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:28-30
Dan and Linda Wilson
Supernatural Marriage & Missions
Email: info@supernatural-marriage.com
Website: www.SupernaturalMarriage.org
Supernatural Marriage & Missions
Email: info@supernatural-marriage.com
Website: www.SupernaturalMarriage.org
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