Have you ever been in the car and all of a sudden, thunder booms and the clouds explode?  Torrential rain starts pouring from literally out of nowhere and you’re almost to your destination. Your mind starts racing. You began to plot how to unload whatever you have to unload and stay as dry as possible. Of course there’s your shoes getting soaked and your purse. Let’s not even mention your hair! Then the lightning starts. Now it’s not just about getting wet! Lightning can be scary. I could be struck! It’s starting to get tense. “Lord,” you begin to pray, “please make this stop.” Little did you know, others had been praying for the rain to saturate their gardens! Looks like you’re probably going to have to deal with it. You pull into the parking space and sit there for a few minutes hoping it will cease to no avail. Finally, you open the car door and dart out. The minute you get in the building you breathe a sigh of relief. You made it! Not too bad after all. The thoughts and strategy planning were actually the worst part. It wasn’t nearly as bad as you imagined. 

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe (‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ NLT). Just the “name” of Jesus spoken in a sudden situation is safety. He is a strong fortress that you can run into no matter where you are geographically. No matter what circumstance arises, any time, anywhere, His name is a strong fortress of security for His children. Who do you call on first in an emergency situation? Family? Friends? These people are fine and well meaning towards you, but they do not have the power to protect you from “the rain”. You must first get to your dry, safe place with Jesus and then call the others with the details. 

Things in life happen often all of a sudden. Your mind starts spinning webs and you’re desperately trying to figure this out. Anxiety rears its ugly head and what started out to be a normal day is now a nightmare! In the book of Matthew, Jesus had invited Peter to walk on the water with Him. Peter accepted and was actually doing it momentarily. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭30-31‬ NLT) First of all, congratulations to Peter for even daring to do this. The other disciples stayed in the boat. But notice, when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and put them on his circumstances, he began to sink. However, he instinctively knew Who to call on. He didn’t ask any of the disciples for help. This was critical. He was drowning! He called on Jesus! Immediately Jesus reached for him. I kind of wonder how long this splashing and struggling would have gone on. How long do our struggles last before inviting Jesus into the situation to fix them? Who you call on in times of trouble makes all the difference. Call on the Lord first. 

We definitely are not guaranteed a life free of trouble. Jesus very plainly explained that we, as His followers, would experience hardship in this world. When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him (‭Isaiah‬ ‭59‬:‭19‬ NKJV). Notice it doesn’t say “if the enemy” but “when the enemy”? This is a guarantee that we’re all going to face trouble. Not such great news there, but the promise God gives us is incredible! He says His Spirit will lift up a standard against him on our behalf! That standard is Jesus! His finished work of the cross is our salvation! The devil himself can do absolutely nothing against the name of Jesus! He can try to wreak havoc but rest assured, he has been defeated by our Lord. For us to call on the name of Jesus is to call on the Champion of champions to fight our battles. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ NIV). He’s always there! He’s that strong fortress that protects us. What a mighty God we serve!

So, when troubles come – and they will – take a deep breath, get your wits about you and don’t go into panic mode. Call upon the name of Jesus. He’s right there just waiting to be involved in the situation. He’s never failed. He never will. You’re the most important thing to Him. His ears are always open to our heart’s cries. Don’t let a sudden downpour scare you.

Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.