The first indication of a storm of life is a disturbance in the positive flow of things. When this warning sign appears stop and pray. Jesus instructed us to watch and pray. Matthew (26:41) reported it as, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark (14:38) reported it as, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Prayer causes us to pause and take a second look at our environment. That second look gives us another chance to not enter into temptation. Temptation, here, is anything tempting us to go against the will and word of God.

Jesus offers us two other pearls of wisdom on this front. In Mark 13:33 he said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” The truth is there is a pre-step, if you will, to persevering through the storms of life. The pre-step is staying in constant prayer because anything can come upon us at any time. What happens if the first warning sign comes five minutes before the disturbance? This barely leaves enough time to pray. So if we pray consistently we will maintain a more staple mindset. And the more staple mindset we have, the more capable we will be to withstand any obstacle.

God bless you,
Your obedient servant