Aug 30-31, 2014
Transformational Thought
We all experience storms in our lives. Maybe you are currently in the midst of one—or even multiple storms. Unfortunately, storms are a certainty in life. We often have little control over them. We do, however, have total power over how we react to these storms: with peace or with panic. Storms are tremendous opportunities to learn about ourselves, even though they are uncomfortable, scary and potentially dangerous.
One key lesson we learn from the storms of life is knowing the source of our confidence, guidance and hope. Put another way, “When I am in a storm at sea, do I want a small flashlight or the brightest lighthouse?” When we become upset in a difficult situation, it is usually because we get our confidence from ourselves or sometimes from others. A constant battle rages inside our hearts. We strive to be independent and a master of our destiny, taking care of our own needs and not relying on others. This seems to protect us from being hurt or let down. And it seems more efficient to cut others out of the loop when we need something. But this strategy breeds a false sense of confidence, as we rely on our abilities and assets or on what we can gain from others.
The reality is that my skills are like a flashlight at sea. God, however, is a Lighthouse. Instead of relying on myself, God desires that I turn to Him, accept His protection and provision and allow Him to grow me. He will grow us more quickly, more efficiently and less painfully than we can ever dream of growing ourselves. We need to get our confidence to handle everyday situations from knowing who God is, what His promises are and what His word teaches. When our response to a situation is based on our confidence in God, life—and especially its storms—is so much easier to handle. Storms actually become tremendous growth experiences.
Looking back, I see that the major storms of my life changed my direction, pushing me onto the path of becoming Christ-like and developing the Mind of Christ. More importantly, those storms, including going to jail, provided the opportunity to look for and find God as my Lighthouse. He alone provides real safety and the best guidance for me, and for all of us.
Today, as a believer, you will find that your ultimate Lighthouse, God, will not only reveal your path forward step by step, but also, like a real lighthouse, He will lead you to a place of refuge, a place of shelter to endure your storm. Meet today’s storm—or your next storm (it will surely come) with peace, not panic. Take this opportunity to look for your personal Lighthouse. Find guidance and sanctuary in His perfect, infinite promises and character, not in your own finite, imperfect resources. If someone you know has an acute addiction or mental health storm and needs to find professional treatment options, call the Lighthouse Network Helpline at (844) 543-3242. We would love to be your lighthouse—pointing and guiding you and others on the path to the ultimate Lighthouse, God. Whether you use a Lighthouse to guide you through each storm or you grab a puny flashlight, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Father God, when I meet the storms of life, help me to go through them with peace, not panic. I know that to get where You want to take me, I must go through certain storms. In Your wisdom, You designed the storms to push me to You, to know You and Your loving provision, shelter and calm. It is not in the calms of life that I realize I will not go under, but during the storms. Allow me to get my confidence, hope and assurance from You—not myself. I know I am limited, weak and not capable of controlling everything as only You can. Thank You for being my Lighthouse during the storms. Thank You that during all of life’s storms there is a perfect place of refuge—a fortress of divine grace to see me through. I pray in the name of the one who endured the greatest storm so I could have eternal safety, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver me. Psalm 91:1-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20