Introduction:
Life is full of ups and downs. Good times & bad times. If there ever was a person who experienced storms of life – it was Job. In Job 1, Job is riding high – things going were well. (Job 1:1-5) But he lost his possessions, family, and health. Through the centuries – men have asked…how did Job do it? Think of others who experienced storms of life – Elijah; Peter; Paul. How did they survive? Mt. 7:24-27 – life’s storms are not optional. Since they’re coming – what can we do now to prepare?
I. Seek good advice on how to weatherproof: Look at the plan: God’s plan.
It is not wise to develop a relationship with God DURING a storm – that relationship with God should be established long before the storm is on the horizon!
We shouldn’t have to look up the promises of God – we should know them!
We shouldn’t to be taught how to pray during the bad times – it should have long been the practice of our life!
2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet 3:18;
Work to become well rooted spiritually – Col. 2:6-8
II. Solidify your existing spiritual foundation and spiritual structure.
Use the good times to prepare for the bad.
1. It’s a principle seen in scripture. Genesis 41:47-49 – Joseph in Egypt.
Good times are not just for relaxation & rest. See Lk. 12:16-21.
It is during the good times – when some bring on life’s storms as a consequence of sinful behavior.
III. Cover Your Life in Prayer.
Those who weathered the storms of life in scripture had intense prayer lives
David – Psalm 3, 5; Paul – Phil. 4:6-8
B. The Scriptures exhort us be prayerful.
1. James 1:5-7 – must pray for wisdom.
2. 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Thess 5:17
Would you describe your family as a praying family?
IV. Get some help – develop healthy relationships now.
It’s when life is at its worst that the cracks in relationships really stand out.
Work now while times are good to repair the damage to relationships done in days past.
Develop relationships with brethren of like precious faith.
Acts 2:42; 46-47; 4:3234-37 – look at the togetherness of the FC Christians BEFORE the tough times came.
Acts 8:1-4 – TOUGH times came.
What about Today?
V. Secure all of this by building love for each other.
Work everyday to develop & strengthen the relationships in your family!
Conclusion:
1 Cor. 3:11-13 - The fire (storm) will test the quality of each man’s work.
How solid is your weatherproofing? Are you busy now working for God?
Eph. 5:15-16