Facing ‘Life Storms’ Head-On

By: Nancy Abiera

 

It is our natural reaction to avoid conflict, and run away from discomfort. However, the Bible calls us to be courageous in facing that which we are afraid of similar to the storms and conflicts in life. These storms may be financial; relational; health, etc. God knows exactly what you are going through and He wants to walk with you through it.

Have you heard of the interesting life lesson we can learn from the cow and the buffalo in times of storm? As dark clouds form like for example coming from the east, the cows instinctively gather together. They choose to run away together from the coming clouds. Now the problem is. . . they have decided to try and avoid the storm but they end up running with it, exhausting themselves. Some even die if they get trapped in a valley, but most notably, they prolong the pain that comes with a storm while their initial intent is to actually avoid it. This is what the cow does.

On the other side, this is what the buffalo does: When it comes to storms, it could be the same clouds coming from the east. However, the buffalo instinctively gather together, and as they gather together they do not run away from the coming storm like the cow. Instead, in unity and one spirit, they run head-on towards the storm. Now in doing so they still get wet, some still get hurt, but what ends up being the final result is less time in the storm and they breakthrough to the other side where there is no storm and oftentimes a shining sun waiting to dry them off.

If you think about it, both the cow and the buffalo face the exact same storms, but there are different reactions. Note that with different reactions results in different outcomes. My encouragement to you is to be like the Buffalo when it comes to your storms.

When relational storms come, face it head on with compassion, forgiveness, and grace. When storms of financial, health, etc. come, face them head on with God. And in prayer knowing that He is ultimate problem solver for all troubles. Do not avoid the storms but face them with courage, knowing that God is for you and not against you. These storms may even lead us into a greater place of intimacy with God you do not want to miss.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to you now for our future storms. Being in your presence keep us in the eye of the storm where there is perfect peace. God, forgive us for the times we have avoided and procrastinated rather than trusting you by taking action and walking in faith. We pray for boldness and not avoid conflicts, facing them head on. We pray for the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control would bear in our lives especially during these challenging times. With you is the best place we can be. Thank you for your presence in the midst of storms as you are always with us. Remind us of your goodness helping us always especially in times of trouble. We declare that you are the stronghold of our lives. Open up the eyes of our heart to see that you have taken us through so much in the past and you can do it again with whatever we face. We pray that we would have an eternal perspective giving you the glory and praise even when it hurts and is difficult. Lord, thank you that you always invite us into your peace. We love you. We praise you. . . in Jesus’ mighty name.

Always choose “On A Bright Side” moving further and farther “On A Brightest Side”. I love you readers with the love of the Lord yet the Lord loves you the most. You are blessed, anointed and highly favored by God. Smile and be a blessing!