Spiritual Turbulence
RISE UP WARRIOR!
It’s a brand new week, which means we have a brand new blog post!
I’m currently writing this post on a plane, headed from the peachy state of Georgia to my home town in the Lone Star State! With a hundred little bumps of turbulence filling the space between my window seat and the sky, there’s one thing on my mind, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.
Do you ever feel like a hundred little physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental “turbulence bumps” are interfering with your spiritual peace, plans, goals, or God-sized dreams? With a hundred little turbulence bumps taking my plane on the ride of a lifetime, I heard a young lady a few rows back whisper, “I cant wait for these turbulence bumps to pass.” In the same moment my heart jumped with the beat of adventure in the sky, God quickened my spirit, whispering something to my soul I will never forget. God whispered, “There are two things you can do when unexpected “turbulence bumps” come your way; you can RISE UP, prepare for them, and face them with me, or you can close your eyes, wait for them to pass, and get lost in them.”
For a moment, I want you to imagine that you’re about to go skiing on a beautiful white, glistening, snowy mountain. What kind of gear are you going to bring with you? What kind of slope are you going to venture down? Are you going to head for a green slope, a blue slope, a black slope, or just maybe, a diamond slope?
Each slope requires a certain amount of gear, practice, endurance, and skill set. Green slopes are geared toward beginners, blue slopes are geared toward intermediate skiers, black slopes are for advanced skiers, and diamond slopes are expert level! Each level is designed to prepare you for the slopes ahead, filled with various terrains and snow bumps! If you prepare for both the expected and unexpected bumps ahead, you will know exactly how to ski down.
As we relate this skiing example to our lives, we’ll see how different “bumps” of hardship, trial, sickness, spiritual warfare, and changed plans makes its way into our lives. There are two things we can do when these bumps come, Warrior. We can either face them with our own strength and understanding, or we can RISE UP prepared, and trust the Lord with all of our heart, living out Proverbs 3:5-6.
If there’s one thing I know well, it’s that the enemy will try and use any form of “turbulence bumps” in our lives to hinder our calling, distract our vision, separate us from the voice of the Lord, or simply keep us in a state of panic, worry, or uncertainty.
Instead of wishing for the various “turbulence bumps” to pass, RISE UP and prepare for them, so you’re able to face them head on with God and His Word! We can prepare for physical “turbulence bumps” by praying the whole armor of God over ourselves the moment we arise from our slumber.
For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:13-18
We can prepare for mental “turbulence bumps” by sharpening our mind with the living, breathing Word of God! Hebrews 4:12 says, “ For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” As we’re faced with “turbulence bumps” of trial, hardship, unexpected change, etc., let’s speak the Name of Jesus over our heart, mind, soul, and situation(s) we’re battling! Warrior, boldly proclaim scripture over the thing(s) you’re enduring and submit your ways to the Lord, rising victorious through each “turbulence bump” you’re faced with!
We can prepare for emotional “turbulence bumps” by hiding the most tender parts of our heart, mind, and soul with our Father in Heaven. When we surrender and allow God to be the ruler over our emotions, we won’t be shaken in the midst of “bumpy turbulence.” Instead, we will use the emotions God has given us to RISE UP with discernment, spiritual armor, clarity, and obedience!
Lastly, we can prepare for spiritual “turbulence bumps” by standing battle ready with our King. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are filled with the presence, protection, provision, and preparation of the Holy Spirit. As we set aside moments of solitude to dwell in the warm, loving presence of God, we will be met with refinement, love, wisdom, peace, joy, clarity, and discernment. Nehemiah 4:16-17 says, “From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” In spite of opposition, these laborers were battle ready both in and out of season! Let’s learn from these laborers and RISE UP, unafraid to face various “turbulence bumps” because of the power, presence, protection, and provision of the Holy Spirit inside of us!
In the midst of a hundred little “turbulence bumps,” let’s stand battle ready, speak the Word of God, lean on God’s understanding, and trust Him. There is purpose in the things that don’t make sense. So, instead of trying to understand why “turbulence bumps” hit, let’s RISE UP WARRIOR, trusting God, dwelling in His presence, inviting Him to refine our hearts, equip us for spiritual battle, and prepare our steps for the unexpected “turbulence bumps” ahead. Once the “turbulence” passes, you will look up and see the most beautiful, radiant sky of blessings, hope, and clarity shining upon you, Warrior.
-Jessica-Andrea Brown