Faith in the Storm: Hope Through Life's Trials

It's what decides if we come out stronger or end up feeling completely lost . Let's talk about that . Let's go , boys . Hey , welcome to Renewed Mindsets , bringing you God's truth from a Gen X perspective , with a mix of humor and a dash of nostalgia . Remember when life was simpler and all we needed was a good mixtape .

Well , we're here to make your spiritual playlist even better . Join us as we explore scripture , laugh a little and rediscover the power of a renewed mindset . Don't conform transform . Welcome back to Renewed Mindsets , where we explore how God's Word transforms our lives and equips us to handle life's storms . I'm Rick and I'm so glad you're here .

Today we're going to be tackling a topic we all face unexpected events and trials . Now , right here in the South , as I speak , we're preparing for a severe winter storm . I'm not even sure if this podcast episode is going to get uploaded or not . That storm , to me , is a reminder of how life can be so unpredictable . You might be dealing with your own storm .

It might be a financial crisis or some health issue or a family struggle . Whatever form it takes , these challenges test our resilience but , more importantly , they reveal our foundation . Today we're going to talk about how to prepare for life's storms and how to stand firm during them , right and trust that God's purpose is in the midst of all of it .

Section 1 , the Nature of Life's Storms . So life's storms come in many forms . Life's storms , so life's storms come in many forms Losing a job , sudden illness , a broken relationship , even a global crisis . Storms can be unexplained . They disrupt our routines , they mess up our plans .

But Jesus warned us in John 16 , 33 , in this world you're going to have trouble , but take heart , I've overcome the world . Trouble isn't an option , it's a guarantee . But let's look at Matthew , chapter 7 , specifically 24 through 27 , where Jesus tells the story of the two builders , one built on the rock , the other built on sand .

Both experienced the same storm , but the outcome was vastly different . The house on the rock stood firm , while the house on the sand fell with a great crash on the sand fell with a great crash . Now what's that rock ? What's the rock ? It's God's Word , people , it's His truth , it's His promises .

Building our lives on the rock means living according to God's teachings and trusting Him as our foundation . When these storms come , they expose the foundation of our lives . Are we relying on Christ , or are we placing our trust in things that can be easily shaken , like our finances or our achievements , or in a relationship ? Let's bring this closer to home .

Let's talk about this winter storm Now . We've known that it's been coming for days and there's people rushing to prepare . I say that because I spent the last two hours driving around the state looking for propane , or else I'd have no heat .

Now imagine if we treated our spiritual lives like these people that are rushing to prepare that didn't plan for a storm in January , so they didn't have enough propane Big dummy . Are we spiritually prepared for those storms that we know we're going to face ? Yes Right , storms are equalizers . It doesn't matter who you are Rich or poor , young or old .

They're going to affect everybody . But our response rooted in faith makes all the difference . When we trust God , we don't just survive storms , we grow through them . Section 2 , preparing for Life's Storms Row through them . Section 2 . Preparing for life's storms . Now , preparation is the key .

But now , ladies and gentlemen , we finally have a working tractor beam , which we shall call Preparation H , forgive me . Preparation is the key , both physically and spiritually . Just like you'd stock up on food and water and batteries for the winter storm , you need to equip yourself spiritually for life's challenges . But how do we do that ?

Well , first , let's talk about prayer . Prayer is our lifeline to God . Philippians , chapter 4 , and 7 tells us Do not be anxious about anything , but in every situation , by prayer and petition with thanksgiving , present your request to God , and the peace of God , which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds . In Christ Jesus .

It's that simple . When we face these potential storms , prayer prepares our hearts to trust in God's sovereignty . It shifts our focus from fear to faith . Second , we need to be grounded in Scripture . Psalm 119.105 says your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path . God's word guides us when we can't see the way forward .

It equips us with promises that we can hold on to in tough times . Another essential is community . Ecclesiastes 4.9 10 reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor If either one of them falls , one can help the other one up . So surround yourself with believers who can encourage you and pray with you .

And finally , preparation means trusting God to be our refuge , psalm 46.1, . God is our refuge and strength , an ever-present help in trouble . Before that storm hits , decide to run to God , not away from him Now . Practical steps also matter Now for this storm that's coming up .

People are preparing their homes , they're checking their heat , they're protecting their pipes , they're stocking up on supplies . Spiritually , we should be doing the same thing . Are we taking time to invest in our relationship with God ? Are we practicing spiritual disciplines that are going to sustain us during these trials ? Section 3 . Finding Hope Amidst Trials .

Now , when these trials hit , our immediate reaction a lot of times is fear and frustration . That's normal . But as believers , we're called to respond differently .

James , chapter 1 , verses 2 through 4 , says Consider it pure joy , my brothers and sisters , whenever you face trials of many kinds , because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance , produces perseverance . Now , pure joy doesn't mean pretending to be happy .

It means recognizing that God is at work in the storm , refining us and building our character . Now let me share a little story . You know I like stories and this is actually a story of mine . A few years ago , during another winter storm , my family and I lost power for about a week Now . At first it was chaos .

We were cold , we were uncomfortable , we were frustrated . We were in each other's way . But something unexpected happened . Without electricity or distractions , we spent time praying together , talking and reflecting on God's provision . Now , what felt like a trial turned into a blessing . Now that reminds me of Joseph in the Bible .

He was sold into slavery and later he was imprisoned . Joseph endured incredible trials , but in Genesis , chapter 50 , verse 20 , he tells his brothers you intended to harm me , but God intended it for good , to accomplish what is now being done the saving of many lives . God uses trials to grow us .

God uses trials to grow us , but he also uses them to impact others . When we respond with faith and hope , we become witnesses to his goodness . People notice when we have a peace in the middle of a whole bunch of chaos . They do Remember the storms don't last forever .

Psalm 30 , verse 5 , reminds us Weeping may stay for the night , but rejoicing comes in the morning . Hold on to hope , knowing that God is working for your good . Section 4 . Trusting God's Sovereignty . Trusting God's sovereignty means believing that he is in control even when life feels out of control . Proverbs 3 , verses 5 and 6 .

It says Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding . Sometimes we try to understand why things happen , but God doesn't always give us answers . Instead , he gives us his presence and his promises . Look at Job . Job faced horrible and unimaginable loss . Yet in Job 19 , verse 25 , he says I know that my Redeemer lives .

Job trusted God's goodness even when he didn't understand his plan . Another example of that is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane . He was facing the cross and he prayed Father , if you are willing , take this cup from me , yet not my will , but yours be done . That's Luke 22 , 42 . Jesus modeled ultimate trust in God's plan .

When we trust in God's sovereignty , we release the need to control everything . We acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways . This doesn't mean that the storms won't hurt Trust me they will but it means that we can have peace , knowing that God is with us and he's working for our good .

Now , as we prepare for this winter storm , let's also prepare our hearts for life's storms . Anchor yourself in Christ , trust his sovereignty and remember that trials are opportunities to grow closer to God and witness to other people . Take some time , do that . Take some time , yeah , take some time to reflect on your past trials .

How has God shown his faithfulness in those moments ? Share those stories . They could be a source of encouragement to somebody else . How has God shown his faithfulness in those moments ? Share those stories . They could be a source of encouragement to somebody else . Thank you , thank you . Thank you for joining me today on Renewed Mindsets .

Stay safe , stay warm and stay grounded in God's Word Until next time . Keep renewing your mind and trusting in God's promises . And now some dad jokes to help you weather that storm . Why did the snowman go to the doctor ? He was getting chills . Why is Frosty always early ? Because time waits for snowman , sorry .

Well , that's all for this week's show . You know the name of this show speaks my hope for you . It's taken from the words of Romans , chapter 12 , verse 2 . Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God , what is good and acceptable and perfect .

If you enjoyed what you heard , do me a favor , please and tell someone you know about it . Send them a link in a text you know you may even need to download it to their phone and show them what a podcast is . If it was valuable to you , it will be to them . If it was valuable to you , it will be to them .

Visit renewedmindsetscom to hear past episodes , read the blog and check out the new merch and , as always while you're there , send me a voicemail by clicking the button at the bottom right corner of the main page . Tell me what you think about this show . I just might play it on a future episode . Until next week , I'm Rick . I love you . See , ya .

The intro and outro music for the Renewed Mindsets podcast is Are you Ready ? By Floodgate From the album Are you Ready ? Copyright 2002 , offbeat Ministries Incorporated . Floodgate can be found on Apple Music and iTunes . Music used with permission . Happy birthday , hey , I said my first words .