I was listening to a powerful message from Pastor Benny Tate as he shared a point that stuck in my mind, and really in my heart. He said something like this, “choose to start praying before the storm begins.”
That is an amazing and important statement.
As humans we often don’t make a change until it is obvious a change must be made. The pain begins and we need to go to the doctor. We find ourselves broke and say we need to save money. Our marriages are in dire need of fixing and we decide to do something about it.
Yet the best thing to do would be to start praying before the storm begins. Take care of your health before you need to go to the doctor and deal with the pain. Begin saving money before you know that you are broke. Work on your marriage before your marriage is falling apart.
Does that make sense to you? It makes a lot of sense to me. And that is a huge thought as we move through this week, deeper in to the summer and seek God for our futures.
1 Timothy 2:8 NLT
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
Make the adjustments now. Before you need do something about the situation.
I am starting a new message series this Sunday called “Pre-Decide” where we talk about the need to make great decisions.
In Tate’s message he references a powerful passage where the followers of Jesus had little faith and needed to remember Jesus has all the power they need.
Matthew 8:24-26 NLT
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
Why would Jesus ask them why they were afraid and where is their faith? Is that a stupid question? Seems like it might be, but it is not a stupid question. Because we might need to be asked the same.
We are human. Often we decide too late to make a decision about something.
Before the storm decide that you are going to trust God. Before the storm remember that God has all the power you need. Before the storm begin to pray. Before the storm begins do something to strengthen your faith and the faith of the people around you.
The storm is coming. Situations will always arise that are tough. What are you going to do when the storm hits? Decide before it does.
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