Want to Stand Strong in the Storm? Beware of these 4 Red Flags that Might Pull You Under

We all face storms in life. The loss of a job, loss of a loved one, serious medical issues...no one is exempt. 

If we're not prepared, we can be beaten down and battered around by the force of the problems coming at us, but it doesn't have to be that way. We can stand strong in the face of adversity. In fact, we can more than endure it, we can grow and thrive in times of trouble.

There are things we can do to prepare for hardships and things we can do during the storm if we know the red flags to watch out for.

Pre-storm Preparations

1. Spend time with God daily. Read the Word, pray and trust Him to walk you through each day.
2. Understand that hard times hit us all and be resolved to go through them in a way that honors God.
3. Speak words of life to yourself. Remind yourself about how God has brought you through storms in the past. Reassure yourself every day of God's great love for you and His faithfulness to provide all that you need in every circumstance.
4. Surround yourself with strong Believers who will encourage you and pray for you through the storm.

Red Flags in the Middle of the Storm

1. Lack of desire to read your Bible, pray and seek the Lord. 

• Go back to step 1 in Pre-storm Preparations. Be more determined than ever to stick close to God. Spend extra time in the scriptures and in prayer.

2. Finding yourself having negative thoughts about God's love for you, doubting His goodness and blaming Him for your trouble.

• Go back to step 2 in Pre-storm Preparations. Remember that Jesus said, "In this life you will have trouble, but be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world." (John 16:33) and "Remember that I am always with you until the end of time" (Matthew 28:20)

3. Increased grumbling, complaining and snapping at others.

• Go back to step 3 in Pre-storm Preparations. Recall God's past provisions and blessings. Write them down and give him thanks. Practice Gratitude. Remember Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

4. The desire to isolate yourself. Satan would like nothing better than for you to try to stand alone.

• This is where step 4 comes into play. Isolated, we are vulnerable. Together we are stronger. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10, 12)

Yes, life will throw some pretty hard things at us. But if we know that we can prepare ourselves in advance. If we know the red flags to watch for and the way to counteract those flags, we will walk through the storm with courage and boldness, coming out on the other side with a faith that withstands the storm.

-------------------------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it with your friends using the Facebook, Twitter and other share buttons below. Thanks!