I live in the Northeast, and as I write this, a storm is coming. Since we “know” the storm is coming, certain things begin to happen to keep people safe. Of course, we have the warning from the National Weather Service. However, the trucks are also out pretreating the roads in
preparation for the snow, ice, and rain.
Preparation only happens with planning. At some point, in a season when there is no snow, ice, or rain, the proper chemical mixtures and salt/ash supplies are ordered and stored. The average person doesn’t think much about this, but the road department does. In other words, they understand that winter storms will come and make appropriate preparations during the other seasons.
This same principle applies in the spiritual. Scripture talks to us about winter seasons or seasons of trials:
Trials have the capacity to be counted as joy due to the growth that happens in our lives. (See James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5)
When we stand steadfast in our trials, God takes notice. (See James 1:12)
Trials will not crush us. (2 Corinthians 4:6-10)
We should not be surprised when trials come. (See 1 Peter 4:12-13)
However, to successfully navigate a trial, we need to be prepared. Our storehouse should have the tools and supplies to navigate the challenging season successfully. This is an intentional choice we make, not something that just happens.
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
Luke 1:37 AMPC
Get into the Word daily.
Do not base your devotional time on feelings; sometimes, it can be boring! Base it on the fact that it is the Living Word of God. Whether it feels full of gold and Godly wisdom or feels routine, you can be assured that deposits are being made in that storehouse.
Know and meditate on the Promises of God.
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMPC
Cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness, prayer, and worship.
Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers] as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as
you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 AMPC
Make sure you are in a relationship with other believers who can speak truth into your life.
All the above things build into a critical mass as we intentionally cultivate our relationship with God and fill that warehouse. The fact is that when the storms hit, we know where to go to get the supplies needed to navigate any storm that we find ourselves in safely.
Today, if I were to step into a grocery store or go to put fuel in my car, there would likely be some level of chaos and long lines. Why? Because not everyone prepares for a storm ahead of time. Many people will wait until they get hit by the storm and then panic.
The believer has an opportunity to walk in a place of rest because of who our Savior is. We do this when we build that relationship, hence filling that storehouse.
How is your storehouse?
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