A farmer once advertised for a farm hand. For a long time, no one applied for the job.

Finally, a young man applied. He was not much to look at, and his skills were basic. When asked why the farmer should hire him, the young man simply replied, “I can sleep when the wind blows.”

The farmer did not understand this cryptic (mysterious or hidden) answer. However, he hired the young man anyway because there were no other applicants.

For many days, the young man did a fine job. Then, one night, the farmer was awakened by a sudden storm. He rushed out of bed to prepare the farm. He did not even take the time to wake up the young man.

When the farmer went to cover the straw, he found it was already covered with a tarp and staked to the ground. In the barn, the animals were safe in their stalls. Even though there had been no sign of a storm earlier that day, the young man had prepared anyway.

The farmer finally understood the young man’s words. Those who prepare beforehand can stand firm during difficult times. (Story source unknown)

Those who are spiritually prepared can weather the storms of life.

Good Foundation

A familiar story to Bible students is found in Luke 6:46-49. It contrasts a wise man and a foolish man.

The wise man built his house on a rock foundation for stability. The foolish man built on sand without thinking of the consequences. When a flood came, the wise man’s house stood firm, while the foolish man’s house was destroyed.

They did not build their houses just for the flood. They built them to live in. Yet the wise man anticipated potential problems and built a strong foundation to protect his home.

Building this way required harder work, better preparation, and more time. However, a strong foundation provided safety against destructive forces.

Building on Christ

Christ built the church on himself, which is the strongest possible foundation, Ephesians 2:19-22. As Christians, we must build our lives on that foundation.

We do this by mastering the basics of the faith (Hebrews 5:11-6:2). We also must know the reasons behind what we believe (1 Peter 3:10-17). Knowing the truth and living it out is the foundation we need.

Prepare for Opposition

To prepare for life’s storms, we must put our spiritual knowledge into practice.

Put on Spiritual Armor

God’s children must put on spiritual armor, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. We must be dressed to fight for truth and stand against evil.

When we dress for this spiritual battle, we should expect opposition, Matthew 5:10-12. If we trust God through trials and suffering, we will not be ashamed, 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Our suffering for what is right is only temporary. God will give us strength and establish us on a firm foundation, 1 Peter 5:6-11.

Peter reminds us that our brothers and sisters around the world share these same struggles. The devil is prowling around like a lion, so we must be on guard. If we stand firm, we will be protected and have victory through the blood of Jesus, Revelation 12:10-11.

Conquer False Teaching

We must study God’s word to recognize and resist false teaching. False ideas can separate us from God.

Even some religious books can contain harmful errors. The Bible warns that people will teach destructive ideas in the name of Jesus, 2 Peter 2:2-3:

“And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Sensual and worldly teachers often blaspheme (speak against or disrespect) the truth. These errors can corrupt godly minds. People might teach worldly ideas and call them “Christian.”

Because of these dangers, we must strive for holiness. We must watch out for teachers who twist the truth to their own destruction, 2 Peter 3:14-18. We build ourselves up in the faith to save ourselves and guide others, Jude 17-23.

We should never forget that personal Bible study is the best antidote to error, 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Practical Ways to Grow

To grow in your Bible knowledge, try these steps:

• Pay close attention to Bible teaching in your local church.
• Complete your lessons for Bible class.
• Listen carefully to sermons, and take notes to study later.
• Avoid spiritual “junk food,” such as false teaching that lacks truth.
• Make spiritual growth a daily priority.
• Set specific goals for your spiritual growth.

Coming Storm

There is a storm coming. False doctrines (unbiblical teachings) are growing, and idolatrous (worshiping someone or something other than God) views of God are spreading.

Some people who think they are serving God are actually serving a false version of Him. Too many “Christian” teachings mix worldliness with faith. They encourage people to love material things.

Do not let ignorance catch you unprepared. Know God’s word and hold it in your heart so that you can have peace in the storm.