In Florida we have a phrase we use every hurricane season whenever the weather man warns us a storm is a coming.

As soon as the wind starts to blow hard, we know exactly what to do.

Hunker down, girl.

You need a hideout when a hellish whirlwind is on its way. I personally like to hunker down in my bathroom with a battery operated radio and a package of double stuffed Oreos. Usually, I have a mattress near by in case I need to cover my head from getting crushed. (The roof has never actually blown off my house, thankfully. But I still find comfort in knowing the mattress is near.)

What is your first response when you are facing a terrible storm? I’ve never experienced a full-force weather event in my neighborhood, but I have walked through more than a few personal catastrophes. And, I am guessing the wind has swept though your life and caused some havoc as well.

The good thing  about storms is that they are just passing through. So, if you are in the middle of a storm right now, remember to hold on to Jesus and remind yourself He will get you through this.

Last weekend, the winds of a oppressive spirit tried to knock me off my feet. As soon as I sensed the change in the atmosphere, I hunkered down by taking 3 helpful precautions:

Prayer Power

I sent a text message to my “prayer posse.” I am blessed to have a group of sisters in my life who know how to fight on their knees, so I reached out and asked for prayer cover. (This is much more effective than hiding under my mattress.).

“Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (II Chronicles, 7:14, NLT

Rest Restoration

I cancelled all my crazy plans for the weekend and spent time refueling my empty reservoir. I filled up with the fuel of God’s Word, and I stopped trying to face the storm with depleted resources.

“God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: ‘Your salvation requires you to turn back to Me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on Me—The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.’ ” (Isaiah 30:15, MSG)

Worship Zone

I closed my ears to the raging winds, and I raised my heart to the One who is still Lord of the wind and the waves. I purposefully chose to turn my face in a different direction and let the wind of the Spirit wash over me with peace and joy.

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:5-6, NIV)

Friend, even if you are not currently in a storm, you need to prepare for turbulence — because a disturbance will certainly be on its way when you least expect it. To help you get started with  this project, I want to encourage you to read II Chronicles 20. And then, listen to these 3 songs to help settle your soul: “Beautiful Lord,” “Defender,” and “Praise Before My Breakthrough.”

Bonus: I’m also counting my blessings from A to Z on my Instagram and Facebook for the first 26 days in November, and I’d love for you and your friend to join me there and share yours.  

When we make God our hiding place, the winds of adversity will never hammer us and leave us totally helpless. God will cover us and keeps us safe. Right now, God is singing a song of deliverance over your life. (Psalm 32:7) Stop listening to the enemy howl and tune in to God’s victory cry. Your God will speak “peace be still” over every storm in your life.

No matter how loudly the enemy howls, he cannot harm you if you hunker down in the shelter of your beautiful Lord.  

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 If you are visiting from First 5 today,

welcome to my little space on the web!

Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you

• • LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
  • PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
  • HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
  • STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.

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and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.

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I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.  

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your commitments and constantly running on empty? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care.