Message Action Plan
Talk It Over"Storms can blow away unrighteous people, but the godly have a foundation that keeps them standing firm." Prov. 10:25
WHAT KIND OF WINDS ARE BLOWING IN YOUR LIFE?
Winds of change? Winds of conflict? Winds of opposition? Winds of trouble?
Winds of temptation? Winds of testing?
"Put on the whole armor of God, so you're able to withstand in evil days, and when they're over, you'll still be standing!" Eph. 6:13
HOW TO WITHSTAND THE WINDS OF LIFE
1. STAY CONNECTED TO MY SPIRITUAL FAMILY
"God has given his church gifted apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to equip God's people for their work of service, so that we, in the body of Christ, may be built up together until
we're all unified in our faith . . . and we become fully mature and grown up in thinking like Christ. Then we'll no longer be babies, tossed back and forth, and blown here and there by everyshifting wind of teaching from deceptive people who lead you into error with lies they make sound like the truth." Eph. 4:11-14
Action Plan: Take a walk in a park, on the beach, maybe a favorite hiking trial, or sit in the sun and admire God's creation while you thank God for all his beauty. Take some time to think about each person he has put into your life that supports your love for Jesus. Reach out to each of those people, and thank them for being part of your spiritual family.
2. PUT INTO PRACTICE EVERYTHING I LEARN
Jesus: "Everyone who hears these words of mine AND puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on a solid
rock. The rain came down, and the water rose, and the winds blewhard and beat against that house; yet it did not fall! Why?
Because it had its foundation on the rock." Matt. 7:24-25 (NIV)
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you DOthem!" John 13:17 (NIV)
3. TURN MY FOCUS TO HOW GREAT GOD IS
"Suddenly, without any warning, a violent wind hit the lake, so that giant storm waves swept over the boat and threatened to sink it. But Jesus kept on sleeping. So the frantic disciples woke him up shouting, 'Lord, you must save us! We're going to drown!' Jesus replied, 'Why are you so frightened? Your faith is so small!' Then he simply spoke to the winds and the waves, and everything became completely calm. The men were amazed and asked themselves, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey him!'" Matt. 8:24-27
Action Plan: Don't be shy when thinking of God. Know that God loves you deeply! Sing your favorite hymn or Christian song out load, or loudly say your favorite verse. If you are able, paint or draw a picture of what God means to you.
4. REMIND MYSELF HOW MUCH JESUS CARES
"Another evening, the disciples were out in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. But Jesus saw his disciples were in trouble rowing hard with their oars, because the wind was against them. So Jesus decided to walk out to them on the lake. . . ." Mark 6:47-48
"Peter said, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you on the water!' So Jesus said, 'Come on!' So Peter jumped out of the boat and started walking on the water toward Jesus! But when Peter looked atthe wind,he became afraid and he began to sink. So he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. 'Why did you doubt?' Jesus asked. When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then those in the boat worshiped Jesus saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God!'" Matt. 14:28-33
"After they took Jesus into their boat, they were able to reach the destination they'd been trying to head for on the shore."John 6:21
"You Lord, use the winds as your messengers, . . ." Psalm 104:4
Action Plan: The uncontrollable winds of life will always surround us, yet the winds God creates will always lift us up. During moments of turmoil, reflect back on your personal moments of God's wind lifting you up. Write them on a sticky note or in a note on your phone for a reminder. Review them when the winds of life pick up in your days and weeks.
