How to Keep Your Faith During the Hurricanes of Life

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2

As we watch the devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Harvey in Houston I can’t help but consider the spiritual and emotional state of those dealing with the damage.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.”
* Mark it down trouble is going to come your way.

* You are currently in one of three places.
1. You are just coming out of a storm.
2. You are currently in a storm
3. You are about to enter into a storm.

* Joy is deeper than happiness. Happiness is based on happenings.
* If my kids are going to Disneyland they will be happy, but true joy is rooted in Jesus. The joy of the Lord can be your strength in times of trouble.

* Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings.
* A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out.
* James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test.
* One who brings the right attitude to the trial
* One who understands the advantage of the trial
* One who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.

* When a trial comes your way, Satan will be there the same day to try to get you to do what Mrs. Job suggested her husband do—”to curse God and die (Job 2:9).” But God will be there as well, waiting to show you His strength in seeing you through And strengthen your faith.
* If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us.
* If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to “count it all joy.”
* If we live only for the present and forget the future, then trials will make us bitter, not better.

* Job had the right outlook when he said, “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

* Sometimes we are took quick to ask, “God why are you doing this to me,” the truth is the trouble we are experiencing is because of the choices and decisions that we have made. Don’t confuse testing and the law of sowing and reaping. Our choices lead to consequences. In this circumstance, we must break the pattern of behavior that is causing the trouble.

The hurricanes of life can make us stronger.  They can build our faith.  God is more intersted in our character than our comfort.  Let the hurricanes of life strengthen our resolve to trust God.