Tornadoes

Last night, I watched all the damage that the tornadoes caused in Oklahoma. The news said that there were 12 that touched down. The damage was devastating. As I laid in my bed and watched the sad news, I couldn't help but look around at my house and be so thankful. I CAN'T imagine what it must feel like to lose everything in a tornado. These people had only a pile of trash to go back to. I don't know why it usually takes something so tragic to make us realize how lucky we are and to bring us to a spirit of thanksgiving,but I am so thankful for the roof over my head, I take it for granted SO many times.

After I thanked God for my house and all that I own, I started thinking about what tornadoes will come in my life. Will I be ready for them? Will I be able to stand firm in the faith when trials come. or will I tumble and come to pile a trash? My hope is that I will stand firm, but how can I assure that I will not fall?  

1. I can be prayed up. Constantly talking to God about everything and LISTENING to things he has to say to me. I need to be in one accord with him. Prayer brings you so much closer to him.
Psalm 6:9 " The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer."

2. Study his word....DAILY! I can learn so much from his word everyday. Even if I have read something before, at different times in my life, I can get so much more out of it. If I am constantly in his word, then when trials (tornadoes) come, I am more apt to stand firm and not fall.
Matthew 6:11 "Give us today our daily bread."

3. Have Christian family/friends and talk to them daily. Be around people who want the same thing I want. This way we can build each other up and help each other stand.
Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

4. Praise the Lord and thankful him several times a day. This is VITAL! In every situation we need to not ask why, but ask how can HE be glorified through it. How can God use us to his glory through our circumstance?
Psalm 69:30 "I will praise God's name and glorify him with thanksgiving."

This is just what I got off the top of my head, please feel free to leave a comment of what has worked for you. I know that tornadoes are going to come, so when they do, I pray that I can stand firm and not tumble.