Dear Friend,                          

Stormy weather is a part of all of our lives, whether the storm is raging inside you or leaning furiously against you. Are you contending with such a tempest right now? Do you know someone who is?

The Apostle Paul knew that life can be a storm. He loved to say, “Stand firm.”

“Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.” 1 Corinthians.16:13 *

“For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.” 1Thessalonians 3:8

While standing firm draws on our deepest strength of will, there are storms that require an even greater source of strength.

Martin Luther wonderfully expressed the key to standing firm and the source of our greatest strength:

“…Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right Manon our side, the man of God’s own choosing.

  "Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, And he must win the battle.”

It’s difficult to imagine a greater word of encouragement!

Whatever your storm may be, stand firm, and put your trust in Jesus!

Joy to you – E. Stanley Ott

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© Copyright 2019 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the ESV

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1. Is there a storm in life pressing you today - or stirring within you? If not, think of a time in your life when that was happening?

2. How did you feel? How did you cope? Who stood with you in the storm - and if you stood alone, from where did you find strength?

3. Name someone you know who is facing a storm right now. How will you be a helpful strengthening presence in their life?

4. How does our Lord strengthen you in times of trial?

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