Hebrews 13:5-9

W hat do you do when the storms of life come? To whom do you turn? Where do you seek comfort and security during tumultuous times?

We all realize that storms will come and go unexpectedly throughout life. Yet even when struggles throw us off balance, the Word of God assures us that we can maintain a steady footing, regardless of the circumstances. How do we do that?

There is an amazing truth in the Bible that, once you take hold of it, will keep you steady during even the most trying of situations. That anchor for the storms of life is simply this: Jesus Christ never changes.

You might wonder, What is meant by “anchor”? Think about it this way: Every single thing in your life—career, relationships, finances—is in a constant state of flux. In fact, you yourself are growing, learning, and developing every day. There is nothing anyone can do to stop this continual change. So, if we try to hold tight to things like resources, friends, abilities, or prestige during times of hardship, we can’t keep from being pulled one way or another. Why? Because we have affixed ourselves to something that is itself moving. We have chosen a foundation that isn’t stable.

However, when we fix our hopes in Christ, we can be sure that the anchor will hold. He isn’t moving, changing, or leaving. Regardless of all the things in life that can morph and shift, He is the same as He always has been. Jesus is the only sure footing in an unstable world. And He can keep you steady, too.

Romans 8:32

In the fourth chapter of Philippians, Paul declares that God will “supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). When we read that passage and apply it to our daily lives, we must be careful to interpret it correctly.

For that to happen, it’s imperative that we understand the difference between needs and desires. A need is something that is essential in order for you and me to each become the person God desires us to be or to accomplish the things He’s called us to do. On the other hand, a desire is something we believe will bring enjoyment to our lives. The key word here is enjoyment, which describes a temporary pleasure; we tend to desire things that will bring us happiness for a season but then fades away.

It’s important to note that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a desire, as long as it’s within God’s will and is an outflow of a Spirit-filled life. God is a wonderful, loving heavenly Father who loves to shower His grace upon us (Matt. 7:11). However—and this is critical—we must remember that God never promises to supply all of our desires. He surely provides many of them, but only at His discretion and for His own glory. Therefore, your inability to acquire a large-screen television, for example, is not indication that God is unfaithful.

What do you need in order to become the person God has called you to be? What do you desire that will help you gain more enjoyment in life? Keep a list of these things, and make both categories a regular part of your prayer life.

Romans 10:1-5

Why are people willing to uproot their lives and learn a new language and culture in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ? For the same reason that those who stay at home should be willing to abandon their comfort zone to tell the gospel story to a neighbor or family member—namely, God’s call. Whether we bear the title of missionary or not, we are unable to live in the Lord’s will unless we’re involved in mission work. This universal call is based upon four truths:

1. Man’s spiritual condition. People are helplessly and hopelessly lost without Christ. Although most try to manufacture righteousness through good works or a false religion, they inevitably fail.
2. God’s provision. Knowing man could not save himself, the Father gave His Son in order to pay sin’s penalty. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. This redemption is available to every man, woman, and child.
3. Jesus’ commission. All who belong to Jesus are charged with the responsibility of going and making disciples of all nations through the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19). The Spirit comes, not to ensure our own happiness, but to make us impactful witnesses.
4. Jesus’ proclamation. The Lord was clear about this: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).

Mission work isn’t optional for believers. In Romans 10:14, Paul asks, “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” They won’t unless you tell them.

Luke 15:11-19

We send a strong, negative message by exhibiting impatience toward God. When we demonstrate an inability to tolerate delay, we are telling the Lord, “I do not trust Your timing; mine is better.”

At times, we all stand at a fork in the road of life and must decide whether we’re willing to wait for God’s prompting. It’s critical that we obey Him and be patient with His schedule and plan. Consider the negative example of the Prodigal Son, who squandered his inheritance and then faced several consequences:

1. He brought sorrow on his family. Oftentimes our impatience hurts those we love.
2. He separated from his family. When we run ahead of God, we also frequently run away from voices of reason and wisdom in our life.
3. He faced poverty. We stand to lose a great deal when we ignore the Lord’s timing because His blessing accompanies our obedience.
4. He felt unworthy. We cannot experience fellowship with God when impatience keeps us outside of His will.

We know that at the end of the story, the Prodigal Son is joyfully welcomed back into his family. His father lavishes love and attention upon this son and assures him of his worth. But although he is forgiven, the results of his impatience are not entirely erased. He will never regain the wealth he wasted. It’s not always possible to take back our mistakes once we have jumped ahead of God. It is always better that we wait for Him to tell us when to move forward.

1 Kings 12:1-19

Sometimes people make decisions they later regret because the counsel they heeded was ungodly. It is critical that we know how to discern what is wise, biblical advice. Here are suggestions to help you detect whether or not guidance is scriptural.

1. Look for counsel that makes frequent reference to God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. If you need guidance but receive advice that neglects or contradicts the principles of Scripture, the best thing to do is seek input elsewhere.
2. Think twice if there is much talk but no prayer. Even with a great exchange of ideas and human wisdom, it’s essential that someone propose, “Let’s ask the Lord to give us direction.” A prudent advisor knows that prayer is a vital element in attaining the whole counsel of God.
3. Avoid any counselor who compromises Scripture by bending the standards God has set for His children. People will sometimes say things like, “Nobody’s perfect, so a tiny bit of gossip [or gambling, or a little ‘fun’] here and there won’t hurt.” Such rationalizing can quickly lead to bondage.
4. Beware of counsel that is quick to criticize the church or its spiritual leaders. An advisor who readily discredits the church because of its visible weaknesses may be someone hiding a hurtful bias. Such people may have an agenda that is quite different from the Lord’s plan and perspective.

Remember that living within each believer is the Counselor Himself (Isa. 9:6; John 14:26), and He wants to help with all our decisions. Trust Him in everything.