"Have you ever found yourself waiting for the storm to hit, knowing it is coming very soon? You can feel the tension in the air and and there is a sense that you know what to expect, but you're still not feeling prepared. This could be a storm in any area of your life, such as your finances, relationships, work, or family." Kathy Spampinato

This morning I am sitting in my home in Florida waiting for the winds to build and the rain to hit, knowing Hurricane Ian is coming in fast. The rain will start in less than an hour, and the winds could reach 100 mph tomorrow. This storm is a reality. It is on its way, yet there is not much evidence when you look outside the window. It is calm right now, and there is not even one drop of rain. I have never been in this situation before. This is the first major threat the weather has brought since we moved in Florida. I cannot help but compare what is going on now, to the threats and storms we face in life.

This is what is happening in my town today. The TV weathermen are:

• Letting us know what we can expect, how intense it could get, and what we can do to prepare.

• Giving advice about what supplies we will need.

• Telling us to put shutters over the windows, and remove anything that could move around in the wind and hit your home or car.

• Advising that we will need 7 days of food and water at hand.

• Preparing us to live without the conveniences of electricity or AC in the short term.

• Sharing which areas will be hard hit, and whether we need to evacuate our homes.

• Evaluating which type of homes will be more vulnerable to the attack of the winds and rain. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable.

• Advising that we prepare well and have an emergency plan.

• Recommending we fill our gas tanks in case we need to drive out of the area.

• Describing the situation clearly so we can make wise decisions to protect our families

Have you ever found yourself waiting for the storm to hit, knowing it is coming very soon? You can feel the tension in the air and and there is a sense that you know what to expect, but you're still not feeling prepared. This could be a storm in any area of your life, such as your finances, relationships, work, or family. You are feeling more than a bit uneasy not knowing the extent of the damage that is just around the corner. How do you prepare to weather the storm? The Bible has many verses that pertain to facing the difficulties we find ourselves in. It advises strategies for weathering the storms just like the TV weathermen are doing with the hurricane. We can prepare for life's challenges by studying God's Word. Let's look at how we can do this with wisdom and strength.

In John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus has prepared the disciples ahead of time by letting them know what they would be facing. He is giving them the time to think about the situation, and the skills to recognize the challenge when it comes. He is allowing them the time needed to mentally prepare for what is ahead. They can determine how they will handle things, before they are in the middle of the winds that distract and destroy. They can learn to trust God and rely on Him when things are calm. Then they will know how to do it in the midst of the tempest..

When looking at the threat in front of you, it is easy to panic. You do not know the extent of the battle- or the strength of the force coming against you. It is easy to get overwhelmed and fearful. You might become glued to the TV waiting for more information and yet dreading what you will hear. Your mind can become focused on the predictions and the worst case scenarios, even while you tell yourself you're OK and the worst will not arrive. You are in a battle against panic in your thoughts and your mind feels like it is spinning out of control.

Deuteronomy 31:6 describes how to face an enemy that is attacking. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you." Your faith and trust in God can be a tool against the fear and anxiety that battle in your mind when facing the unknown. Can you rely on God? He says He will never leave you. He will not abandon you in your hour of need. Can you trust in Him. Do you believe Him when "He says, Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" Psalm 46:10-11

Here are 3 of my favorites verses that admonish us to fear not.

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Psalm 27:3-4 "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing will I ask of the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

God is with us in this life, whether we find ourselves in the calm, or the storm. We need to build trust in His care for us, so that panic does not have the chance to overtake us in our time of need. Philippians 4:6-7 admonishes us. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Today I pray for my friends and neighbors, and all those in Florida, that they would be safe from the storm. I also trust God and have peace in my heart despite the circumstances. God knows where I am and what I am facing. He is with me. I will not fear. How about you?