Surviving the Storm

Preface

I have already come through many dangers, toils, and snares. Because of God, I have been able to grab hold of a fragment and stay the tides to allow the waves from the storms of life that force me to land safely on shore.

My intent is to be very transparent in this writing by sending help to those who are fortunate enough to read this book and for those who need help in making it through because the seas are angry because of the winds of life.

If God had not allowed my mother to conceive me, I am thoroughly convinced that I would have perished in the storms of life long ago. I cannot see anyone pouring into me the way Mother did. She had a faith in God like no one I have ever known. I watched her withstand some very challenging tests. Even though she experienced abuse and misuse many times, she did not complain. She knew it would all be over soon. Mother had her eyes fixed on the finish line, and she was determined to let nothing disturb her faith. As I grew older, I began to see some of the same patterns taking form in my life. I failed some of them miserably, but with God on my side, it did not take long for me to grab hold of my faith and ride the high tides.

Many victories came as I remembered how my mother shared her life experiences with me. It was through her testimonies that I overcame many storms and passed many tests. I pray you can be an overcomer as well as you continue to thumb through the pages of my testimonies.

She taught me by living the Word of God, and she would often say, “No test, no testimony; no cross, no crown.” I am still deeply touched by the storms I saw Mother go through. She endured and survived. She taught me to pray every day of my life—and even more when things get tough. In addition, she would say, “My child, if you do not get an immediate response, do not to give up. God will deliver on time.”

There are going to be times in life when storms will develop. They will appear from nowhere, but if you take the time to pray and lean on God, He will see you through. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry about tomorrow because God promised us our daily bread. Live for today. In A Faith Worth Passing On, I explained how yesterday is gone, today is here, and tomorrow may never come. If you can hold on and believe, you will find that God is the source of every blessing you need. He is the only one who can distribute grace and bring peace during stormy situations. No matter how far you move away from Him, God never leaves you. He never fails.

Only God can take a brown cow that eats green grass and give us white milk. Only He can take a black soul, dip it in red blood, and make it whiter than snow. There is no failure in God, and with Him, all things are possible.

The pressures of life are real. Life has presented many situations and circumstances for me. At times, I was under so much pressure that I thought I was losing my mind, losing my grip, and going under. I learned some valuable lessons while facing some huge storms that came angrily and speedily into my life. They were all designed to teach me what God can and will do in turbulent times. These pressures are calling on you to seek Him with your whole heart. They are signifying that you are to remain steadfast and unmovable. He will only allow you to follow the path He has set for you—not your own.

It can be dangerous and devastating if you get off course. The moment to follow the path of God at all costs is when you are facing the pressures of a storm. It is not easy, but it sure does pay big dividends if you wait on God and hold onto your faith. His way is always right. It is the only sure way that can lead you away from the eye of the storm or allow you to go on through to the other side.