Advancing against the wind can be exhausting and torturous, as we learned in Part 1. Since the windstorms of life are a reality, here are four ways to help you advance.
First
Follow the leader. This may sound like a child’s game, but this principle is backed by the science of drafting. Competitive racers do this all the time by letting the lead racer take the brunt of the wind-force, so others may reserve their strength for later.
Jesus offers this buffer to the wind when He commands us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him when we are tired and worn out. He promises to give us rest, not by taking away our work, but by having us work alongside Him. This work will come with a new set of burdens, but they are light, and He helps carry them. Will you follow Him today?
Second
Dump the heavy equipment. You may be carrying extra weight that is holding you back, especially when the gusts hit. Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us we are in a race, and in a race, runners don’t carry anything extra.
The writer wants us to get rid of anything and everything that slows us down, especially sin. Simplifying your life and confessing your sins are two things that will relieve us from burdens we don’t need to carry. Will you dump the junk today?
Third
Move as a unit. A long windstorm can separate groups and get people lost. We remain united when we pray for one another, especially for strength during difficult times.
Paul gave a model prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. He asked God to give the church strength and power that comes from Christ dwelling in their hearts. Then he prayed they would be filled with the fullness of God and know that He is at work in them. He asked them to believe that God can do far more than they could ever ask or think. Will you enlist others to pray for you today?
Fourth
Be willing to wait out a storm. There are times when you need to hunker down and wait (see Psalms 27 and 130). Matthew 8 records another windstorm episode, this time Jesus was in the boat, but fast asleep. The disciples were freaking out (again). They began to doubt that He even cared about their looming destruction. He simply responded by telling them to have faith and not be afraid.
He knew the storm was fierce, but He also knew it would not destroy them.
Isaiah 40:31 provides the perfect picture of waiting on the Lord: “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Are you willing to wait for the Lord’s timing?
Wind is a reality in this world and it’s not going away any time soon. The Lord knows you are tired, but He also provides you what you need to advance. Why not commit to one or more of these steps today? Reach out to a chaplain or pastor to help you advance!
