AVAAT

 A VERSE AT TIME

TOPIC: THRIVE AFTER LIFE’S STORMS

TEXT: 2 KINGS 8:1-6

KEY VERSE: The king asked the woman to tell her story, and she told him everything that had happened. He then said to one of his officials, “I want you to make sure that this woman gets back everything that belonged to her, including the money her crops have made since the day she left Israel.” 2 Kings 8:6(CEV)

“Life offers us various opportunities to share our story. We can write it ourselves as an autobiography, or others may write it for us. Some of us may even live to share our experiences and lessons learned, testifying to the storms we weathered and the secrets of our survival.” The call of every disciple of Jesus Christ is to bear witness to the power of the Cross, which can save, deliver, and restore abundant life. When you share your story of making a comeback after life’s storms, you give God the glory He deserves as the waymaker!

It’s not uncommon to face challenges in life. However, what truly matters is how you handle those challenges and emerge victorious. Sometimes, people of faith may expect to avoid difficulties in their relationships, health, career, business, or ministry. Jesus taught his disciples that such challenges are natural, and God expects us to be prepared for them, just like the Boy Scouts motto says.

Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock.  Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall. Matthew 7:24-25(CEV)

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. 1 Corinthians 10:13(AMP)

The Prophet Isaiah confirmed in the Old Testament that God’s people go through seasons of testing, but God promised his unwavering presence.

When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames. Isaiah 43:2(CEV)

A close relationship with God can warn you of upcoming difficulties through his Prophets, just like in Noah’s story and the story in our text. Sometimes, we may face storms even with Jesus, like the Disciples in the boat. In any case, being prepared through faith, listening to God’s advice, and having the right attitude can ensure that you will recover from even the toughest storms.

A woman chose to listen to the Prophet’s advice and move, even though it was inconvenient. She lost her house and lands but eventually recovered them. However, some others, like Naomi and her family, moved without seeking God’s guidance, and when they suffered loss, Naomi became bitter. When you become bitter after experiencing loss, whether against God or others, it can prevent you from seeing the possibilities of restoration. Tamar, a King’s daughter, didn’t have a comeback after her brother raped her. But Ruth, a foreigner placed her future in the hands of God, who restored back her losses more than she had imagined

Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has your brother Amnon had his way with you? Now, my dear sister, let’s keep it quiet—a family matter. He is, after all, your brother. Don’t take this so hard.” Tamar lived in her brother Absalom’s home, bitter and desolate. 2 Samuel 13 20(MSG)

Paul maintained a positive attitude and was full of hope in the face of a fierce storm because he stayed in the presence of the Lord. The word of the Lord was his Anchor when the ship’s Anchor failed. Though they lost material valuables, God spared them, and Paul lived to fulfil his destiny.

So keep up your courage, men, for I believe God and have complete confidence in Him that it will turn out exactly as I have been told; Acts 27:25(AMP)

The father, whose younger son left home with all his inheritance, stayed hopeful for his return despite hearing reports of his wildlife style. Peter, though a close disciple of Jesus, had a sick mother-in-law, but God made a way and healed her, and she began serving them. Quit complaining about the time you have spent caring for a loved one; stay hopeful.

I have suffered several losses and setbacks in my business, but the miraculous interventions outweigh every grief. The character, resilience, and grit those tests produced in me account for who I have become in Christ. Afflictions have a great value that nothing else can produce. (2 Peter 1:5-10)

These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! 2 Corinthians 4:17(TLB)

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1Peter 5:10(NIV)

God is faithful and has promised to help his people overcome life’s hurdles and tests. We must have absolute confidence in God and his promises; they will never fail. It’s crucial to keep our eyes fixed on God’s purpose for every life experience, as our stories become a powerful testimony of God’s unwavering faithfulness to the next generation of believers.

Reflection Questions

1. Are you encouraged by God’s promises?

2. Which scripture gives you hope that you will thrive in life?

3. What part of your story prevents you from moving forward?

4. Take some time to express your complaints to God.