How Do You Handle Life’s storms?
Surrender: n. the action of yielding one’s person or giving up the possession of something esp. into the power of another.
— Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dict. (11th Ed.)
People often ask me “How is your ministry doing, from a financial perspective?” During almost four decades of serving Jesus we have been through three economic downturns and a host of liberal political attacks. We’ve seen many men and women who normally view themselves as pretty bulletproof (self-sufficient, good managers and providers, and real problem-solvers) shaken and forced to “take a knee” to the One who is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and the Great I AM.
During these uncertain times, many are realizing that the truth is they have little control over their own destinies. They see the need to surrender their circumstances to God Almighty and let Him direct their paths, their decisions, and their attitudes.
If you’re shaken and find yourself racing around trying to fight off the storms of life, maybe the following story will help you see the importance of preparing yourself… and then letting go:
Can You Sleep While the Wind Blows?
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work.
Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.
Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep… while the wind blew.
— Author Unknown
Grounding ourselves in the Word of God prepares us for the storms of life. Surrendering to God’s control brings us peace. We don’t need to understand all the circumstances, and we don’t need to make it all better. We just need to hold His hand, accept His peace, and let Him guide us through. I don’t know about you, but I want to be able to “sleep when the wind blows.”
Personal Application
How could you apply these Bible verses to your present situation?
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Suggestion for Prayer
Give God your worries. Give Him control over your circumstances. Allow His peace to settle your heart and bring you rest.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.