What would you do if you knew a storm was coming? Would you stick your head in the sand? Would you run? Would you figure out a way to work around it? Be honest with yourself: What is your tendency when trial and tribulation are clear to see on the horizon?
Now, let me ask you: What would you prefer your response to be? Again, be honest with yourself; and write down your answer. Seriously, write it down. If you are a righteous man or woman, it is likely God’s desire for you; and there are things He will empower you to do that will help you prepare.
In this – the third and final part of this series – we will continue to consider the preemptive responses that prepare us for the storm that is coming. As we do, let me remind you that God does not act without first giving His people fair warning. Those willing to respond to God’s warnings are promised eyes to see and ears to hear. Do you see and hear the warnings that are all around us?
For those of you that prefer to think the best about our future, let me suggest that it will not hurt to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. This is, in fact, good and accepted business practice. Billions of dollars are spent annually on contingency planning. So let’s talk about contingency planning God’s way.
As we mentioned in parts one and two, there are a number of preemptive responses we can take, as Christians, to strengthen our relationship with God and make the most of the opportunities that trials and tribulations bring. As Marketplace Leaders, we are looked upon for courage and answers in difficult times. Prepare yourself now, and God will use you to expand His kingdom, for His glory.
Preemptive Response #5: Know and do the sayings of Jesus Christ. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that the man whose home will stand during the storm is the man who “hears these sayings of mine and does them” (Matthew 7:24-25). Therefore, an obvious preemptive response is to understand His sayings and make sure we are doing them.
Preemptive Response #6: Keep your eyes focused on the glory of the Lord – the primary condition for transformation (2Corinthians 3:18). Your focus will cause others to look to Him, as well. Be aware that your enemies will attempt to distract you. Establish safeguards to protect yourself and others. Practice turning to Him in the morning; and regularly, throughout the day.
Preemptive Response #7: Make the most of your chaos moments (don’t waste the pain). When moments and seasons of chaos come, ask God what He is up to and join Him in the work. It will also be important for you to help others through their chaos moments and seasons. This is the mark of a true disciple maker (2Timothy 2:1-5).
Contact us at Rob@inLightConsulting.com if you would like to receive a list of Jesus’ sayings from the Sermon on the Mount. We also have more information regarding the transformation process and how to handle its inherent chaos. It would be a blessing to supply you with the resources God has so graciously provided our ministry.
In closing, we strongly admonish you to stand against the enemy’s discouragement in your adventure. Remember, your journey and your assignment are born out of the very purposes of God; and no purpose will be denied Him.
Humbly yours and His forever,
Rob Streetman; President, inLight Consulting, Inc.