Brace for impact, a common phrase you may hear when you’re facing a storm. Brace yourself, a statement made to prepare for the onslaught of the emotion when receiving bad news. We have two ways of looking at bracing; one way is that we are held hostage and simply victims of what we are about to face, or we have everything we need to face the storm and become victorious. Today let’s choose the latter.
One thing is for certain as Les Brown shared, in life we are about to go through a storm, we are going through a storm, or we are coming out of a storm. Life isn’t about avoiding the pounding waves. The storm is the way, obstacle and difficulties we face are the way. Storms we confront are set up to make us more resilient.
Imagine the storms a butterfly undergoes through its life cycle to survive: the elements of nature such as wind and rain. They must also protect themselves from predators trying to consume them. Perhaps the greatest storm they must brace for is breaking through their cocoon (silky protective layer the encases an insect). Resilience and strength is reached to fly as they struggle to break through the chrysalis or pupa stage. If any assistance is given to a butterfly to break or separate the cocoon before they are ready, flight will never happen. When you are shielded from your trials you never experience what it means to brace for impact. If waves of life never occur, then you will never fly to your full potential like a butterfly. Storm is a process that we all must face, yet it’s the struggle that makes us who we are.
No longer fear what is around the corner because whatever awaits you, God will be waiting ahead with the tools that you need. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Paul and Silas experienced many storms. One particular storm occurred as they both prayed for a spirit to come out of a woman who would predict the future. For days she followed them sharing with the people to believe all that Paul had to gain her own favor. Once the spirit came out, she no longer had any power. Now her followers were gone and so went the fortune of her owners who made money from her predictions. Out of anger the owners fabricated a story that Paul and Silas were stirring up the people of the city against the Roman rule. What follows was a flogging or in our time a beat down and a prison sentence. Talk about embracing a storm? Can you relate?
Paul has a lesson for us. In prison he chose to praise God and worship instead of fearing the position he was in. The worship that flowed from Paul and Silas became the lantern of light in the prison house. We have the same resolve that during the storms we face, our lives become the light house to lead the way of hope through Jesus. Conversely in the middle of Paul’s own storm he became the light house to the prison guard. Even enemies who choose to try to in prison you will face the light of the truth. As they become spectators to observe what should break you; in turn they become witnesses to how great God is. It’s the toughness that is displayed in us that reveals the weakness them.
The book of Acts sets the stage. “About midnight(N) Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-30 NIV). Our storm becomes the salvation for those around us. Whatever you are facing today just know the outcome will be used to allow you to climb higher and swim further.
Let’s unpack today’s tool using an acronym with B.R.AC.E, and incorporate the model from Paul and Silas story.
B– Bible- When you encounter a storm bring the word of God. Meditate on scripture and memorize specific Bible verses that line up with the challenges you face.
R– Resist-the enemy and his tactics that attempt to in prison you. Even though Paul was physically in prisoned Satan could not in prison his spirit. The enemy was so frustrated that even as the gates flung open Paul exemplified freedom beyond the four walls by remaining put. There was no need to run because he was already free.
A– Affirm your commitment; Paul remained in prison even though the doors flung open and honored the prison guard. It’s in the storm that determines how faithful we will be to God and trust him.
C-Center your life in Christ; when the center is Christ during a storm, a helpless situation becomes a hopeful one. Paul’s turmoil became an inspiration to the entire cell block and the prison guard.
E– Exalt the Lord: During the storms of life praising and worshiping God becomes a sweet balm of oil that soothes the soul.
(Psalms 34: 1-4) I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me. let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Dive Deep:
- What storms are you currently going through that you are finding it difficult for you to embrace for impact?
- Explain the importance of storms in our lives and what are the benefits?
- Provide an example of a storm you experienced that had positive results on the other side
I love the gentle spirit, the calming reassuring voice and heart, and the message. Thank you for sharing.