In life’s journey, we often find ourselves amid storms—trials that test our faith, shake our confidence, and challenge our resolve. The critical question is, whose voice are you hearing in the storm? Is it the voice of fear, doubt, and discouragement, or God’s Word, promising peace, strength, and victory?
Zig Ziglar once said, “The major difference between the big shot and the little shot is the big shot is just a little shot who kept on shooting.” This quote serves as a potent reminder: Don’t give up! Keep shooting! The storms of life are not meant to defeat you but to propel you to greater heights.
Don’t Grow Weary
The Apostle Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9 (NKJV), “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The word “weary” comes from the Greek Word ekkakeō, which means to be weak, to fail in heart, or to faint. Paul’s message is clear—don’t grow weary in:
- Believing God for a breakthrough
- Praying for a loved one
- Working on your marriage
- Tithing and sowing seeds
- Building your business or ministry
- Feeding the hungry and clothing the poor
- Restoring relationships
- God has a predestined timetable for your harvest, and His timing is perfect.
Remember these three guarantees:
1. Harvest is guaranteed from our seeds—whether they be prayers, words, thoughts, or actions.
2. God is always on time.
3. The nature of the harvest is like the seed.
“If you can survive temporary pain, there is an eternal gain on the other side.” – Shaun Smit.
The Word, The Boat, The Storm
Mark 4:35-41 tells the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing to the other side of the sea. When a great windstorm arose, the disciples panicked as the waves beat into the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep on a pillow in the stern. The disciples woke Him, crying, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” The storm ceased, and there was a great calm. Then, Jesus asked them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Jesus had already spoken the Word: “Let us cross over to the other side.” Despite the storm, His Word was sure. What is the Word or vision that God has given you? The natural evidence—turbulence and waves—may conflict with what God has spoken, but His Word remains true. Just as Jesus was right in the boat with the disciples, He is with you in your storm. Will you listen to the voice of the storm, or will you trust in His Word?
Lessons from the Eagle
Consider the eagle, a creature that uses turbulence to soar. Unlike other birds that seek shelter during a storm, eagles fly directly into it. They use the strong winds to lift themselves higher, turning what could be a hindrance into a powerful ally. By positioning their wings correctly, they conserve energy and rise effortlessly, surveying their surroundings from great heights.
Like the eagle, we can learn to embrace challenges rather than avoid them. Turbulent times are opportunities for growth and reaching new heights. You can transform adversity into a force that propels us forward if we adjust our mindset and approach. Instead of expending unnecessary energy fighting the storm, we can use it strategically to achieve our goals more effectively.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) reminds us, “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean passivity; it means actively trusting, believing, and doing what God has called you to do while expecting Him to fulfil His promises.
Three Keys in the Waiting
1. Refuse Discouragement, Doubt, and Delusion: The enemy will try to sow these into your heart, but you must stand firm in faith.
2. Let Faith Arise: Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. Keep the Word before you, and let it strengthen your heart.
3. Keep Doing Good: Continue believing, working, sowing, and praying. Your harvest is on its way.
Conclusion
When the storms of life arise, remember that you have a choice—to listen to the storm’s roar or the still, small voice of the Word. The storm may be loud, but the Word is sure. Whose voice will you follow? Keep shooting, keep believing, and keep pressing forward. Your harvest is coming, and it will be right on time. Like the eagle, rise above the storm and soar to new heights in the strength of the Lord.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 11th of August, 2024. You can watch the full message below.
A seasoned word, I was googling what does God require of us to share some scriptures with my 14 year old daughter who relocated to SoCal two months ago tomorrow to live with me. She’s facing some challenges and I knew she would need a solid foundation to stand on since her mom and I divorced 2 years ago. I read the outline and agreed with everything that I read. I shared the link with two of my daughters,and I also shared the link with a former class mate/beliver that’s experiencing great resistance. I ministed to her regarding laughing at the enemy as a weapon. I shared with her that I became aware of the Word of Faith through Kenneth Hagan and got filled while stationed in Germany in the mid to late 80’s. She thanked me and left me know that she’d watched the video and read the outline. I just finished watching the video and now I know why the Spirit of God led me to this ministry to share. I’m partnered with Kenneth Copeland ministry and have been fed by great men and women of God who has great fruit produced in their life . Keep up the excellent work and I pray I can visit with you all provided I experience the land down under…..Blessings……!