Speaker: Sis. Techie Rodriguez, Elder, The Lord's Flock Catholic Charismatic Community

" Facing the Storms in Our Life"

“For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son……” (Romans 8:29).

God wants us to be like Jesus Christ! He wants us to have a character like Jesus. This is God's main purpose for us!

A Jesus-like character is formed by God's trials and tests. It is purified by testing by fire. (Growth Digest issue of June 1, 2005),

“Storms” Develop our Character.

Another way our character is developed and molded into the likeness of Jesus is through the “storms” in our life. What are these “storms”? How do we face them? How can they help develop our Christ-like character?

What Are Storms?

Storms are violent atmospheric disturbances usually characterized by strong winds and heavy rains. They are usually unpredictable because they can form and strike suddenly. Men with their modern scientific instruments are able to do some forecasting of weather, including storms; however, they are helpless and unable to control storms. Insurance companies include storms and typhoons among what they aptly term as “acts of God.”

Jesus Calms a Storm at Sea

The evangelist wrote in Mark 4:35-41: “On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, ‘Let us cross to the other side.' Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!' The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?' They were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?'”

In this story, we note the significant events:

·The disciples of Jesus were terrified of the storm;

·Jesus calmed the storm by rebuking the wind and commanding the sea to be still;

· Jesus asked the disciples if they do not yet have faith.

The story clearly demonstrates the awesome power of our Lord in protecting and saving us from “storms”.

What Are “Storms” in our Life?”

“storms” in our life may come in different forms. They may be financial problem, collapse of business, deterioration of health, physical examination showing an illness, family trouble, sudden death in the family, failure in a professional examination, and other serious problems. With such “storms” in our life, are we going to be terrified like the twelve apostles who experienced the sudden storm at the Sea of Galilee ?

How Do We Face “Storms” in Our Life ?

Violent “storms” in our life cannot be avoided. How do we face them?

1) Heed Storm-Warning Signs and

Seek Shelter in Jesus Christ.

Some “ storms" are unpredictable and sudden; some have warning signs. Let us heed the early warning signs. Without delay, let us seek shelter in Jesus Christ even if we do not actually see him. Let us ask for his protection even though He sometimes does not answer us immediately. He will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He will protect and shelter us from “storms” in our life.

All of us shall experience “storms” in our life. Even if we are serving the Lord, we shall face “storms” during our day-to-day struggle. The twelve disciples encountered the squall at sea even though they were with Jesus in their boat. What is important is not to be terrified and to have unwavering faith in Jesus as our constant companion in our journey in the sea of life.

2) L isten to the Words of Jesus and Obey Him.

Even before we notice storm-warning signs, we should prepare for “storms” in our life. The best way to prepare is to always listen to the words of Jesus and to act on them. We should hear his words and obey his commands.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matthew 7:24-27).

Let us listen to and obey the word of God. Let us read and study the Holy Bible. Then we can meet head-on whatever “storms” will come in our midst.

3) Endure the “Storms” in our Life and Develop Maturity of our Character.

“Storms” are trials that strengthen us and develop maturity of our character. Through storms, the genuineness of our faith is also tested. (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Like testing by fire, “storms” strengthen our faith in God and develop our character.

Let us bear the pain of unjust suffering [including trials]. That is grace. (1 Peter 2:19). Let us rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ. (1 Peter 4:13)

Maturity comes when we endure the “storms” in our life. The Holy Spirit strengthens us amidst our trials and persecutions. The Spirit also gives us the grace to love and forgive those who are persecuting us.

When we can already withstand and endure violent “storms” such as severe persecutions, then our character is already beginning to become like Jesus Christ.

Let us be steadfast in facing “storms” in our life. Let us be faithful and true to God's purpose for us to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.