The last type of storms we shall look at are needless storms. These types of storms have no reward attached to them, but only needless pain and trouble. Not everything is caused by a demon and not every evil situation is directly brought about by the devil. We may be responsible for our own needless storms through bad choices, careless living, or folly.
Proverbs 26:17 says “Like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him”. Subsequently we are warned that if we would suffer, it should not be because we are meddlers (1 Peter 4:15) since there is no prize for such suffering. Another similar cause of this type of storm is loose or foolish talking: “A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites beatings” (Proverbs 18:6). The Contemporary English Version puts it this way “Foolish talk will get you into a lot of trouble” (Proverbs 18:6). Also, “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words” (Prov 18:21, Amp). By our words, we can initiate and intensify needless storms in our lives, which we wouldn’t have to deal with if we only align our words with God’s word.
The Scriptures also teach that those who love oil and wine will not be rich (Proverbs 21:17) and lazy hands make for poverty (Proverbs 10:4). Some storms of poverty or lack, therefore, do not result from curses but failure to heed these Scriptures. Moreover, if all you spend your money on is junk food and sugary drinks, not only do you set yourself up for poverty but for needless health challenges.
We read in Ephesians 6:14 that God has given us righteousness as our breastplate, i.e., for our protection and defense. Righteousness is not only a state or position we are brought into when we believe in Jesus as our Saviour (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). It is also a lifestyle we have been called to pursue (2 Timothy 2:22), which we ought to do by our walk of faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Ephesians 6:14). As long as we keep our breastplate of righteousness on, we deny the devil access into our lives. We see this in the life of Job. Because of his uprightness, there was a divine hedge of protection around him that the devil could not break (Job 1:8-10). But the Scriptures give us this warning: “whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him” (Ecclesiastes 10:8 KJV). Even so, when we deliberately choose to practice sin without repentance we willingly open the door to the devil, giving him access into our lives. And when he comes he only comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). But he would have had no access if we hadn’t open the door to him.
Needless storms can be severe and even fatal. But they are also among the easiest to eradicate: Stop it! Through prayer and by relying on the grace God provides, put a stop to the bad habit and practices and disobedience to God’s word.
Kwadwo Omari, PhD
March 30, 2022.
A Very Important Message
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. Pray the prayer below to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, for the Bible says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be discipled to grow in the ways of God. You can also email me ([email protected]) and I will be happy to grow together with you in Christ.