Are You Prepared for the Storms and More Storms? By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."
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Introduction
We are living in unprecedented times—an era marked by increasing uncertainty, global unrest, political chaos, and spiritual apathy. In the midst of all these, God is speaking, warning, and awakening His people. The question that echoes through the spirit is simple yet profound: Are you prepared for the storms and more storms that are coming? This lesson dives deep into a prophetic revelation emphasizing God’s desire for His people to live under His covering, to be alert, to be prepared, and to trust in His divine protection above the arm of flesh.
The spiritual storms mentioned here are not only literal or natural disasters, but also emotional, moral, financial, and political storms sweeping across individuals, communities, and nations. The Lord desires to warn us—not to instill fear—but to prepare and direct us under His wing, just as a mother hen gathers her chicks before the storm.
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The Purpose of the Storms
Isaiah 26:9
"When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness."
God sends storms for a divine purpose: to wake people up. Many are asleep spiritually, trusting in wealth, systems, and personal strength. But God, in His mercy, allows storms to expose the frailty of such things. The storms are not always punishment—they are divine interventions to realign us to His truth and wake us from spiritual slumber.
Storms serve as divine training grounds, revealing where our trust lies and inviting us to take shelter in the only safe place: the presence and will of God. It is during the shaking that what is unshakable is revealed. Those whose foundations are firm in Christ will remain standing.
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The Unprepared Will Be Overtaken
Proverbs 1:27-29
"When calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind... then they will call to me but I will not answer... since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord."
The unprepared are not victims of circumstance; they are victims of willful ignorance. Many live as though nothing serious could ever happen. But spiritual complacency is dangerous. When the storm comes, many lose everything—not because God failed them, but because they ignored the warning signs and refused to prepare.
Preparation is not just physical—it’s spiritual. To be spiritually prepared means being aligned with God, listening to His voice, walking in obedience, and staying under the covering of divine instruction.
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The Covering of Divine Protection
Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
God is a refuge. Just as a mother hen covers her chicks in a storm, God longs to protect His children. But the protection is not automatic—it requires response. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying they refused to be gathered under God’s wing. The same lamentation echoes today. God is calling His people to run to Him, not from Him.
The covering of God is found in humility, repentance, prayer, and obedience. It is not in religion or ceremony but in a heart that stays yielded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Trusting in the Arm of Flesh Is Futile
Jeremiah 17:5
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord."
Many today look to governments, wealth, technology, or personal intellect as their source of protection. But the storms that are coming will sweep these things away in a moment. The prideful declare, “We will rebuild!”—not realizing that without God, their efforts are vanity.
Rebuilding without repentance is rebellion. When people do not learn from the storm, they are bound to repeat the same cycle until destruction completes its course. God desires humility, not defiance.
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Rebellion Brings Repetition of Calamity
Isaiah 9:10-12
"The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone... But the Lord has strengthened their foes against them."
Prideful rebellion is blinding. When people declare strength in the face of divine correction, they invite even more judgment upon themselves. God does not send storms to destroy without reason—He sends them to redirect. If people harden their hearts, then more storms will come until repentance is born.
It is dangerous to rebuild bigger and better without seeking God. That is the path of the nations who have fallen. God is not mocked; what we sow, we will reap.
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Self-Reliance Is a Delusion
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."
Self-reliance is one of the greatest deceptions of modern times. People believe they are strong, wise, and capable—until the storm proves them wrong. The reality is that human strength is a vapor in the face of divine judgment.
Those who are drunk on their own imaginations will find themselves devastated when their trust in flesh fails. We are not called to be strong in ourselves, but to be strong in the Lord.
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The Shelter Is Found in Obedience
Matthew 7:24
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Obedience is the key to protection. Those who listen to God’s warnings and follow the leading of the Spirit will be shielded. The foolish hear but do not obey. The wise not only listen, but act.
This is a season to cultivate a lifestyle of prompt obedience. When the Spirit speaks, we must respond. The guidance we receive today could be what saves us tomorrow.
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Summary
Storms are coming. Some have already begun. God is calling His people to wake up, prepare, and seek shelter in Him. Those who are spiritually asleep will suffer loss, but those who walk in obedience will be preserved. The storms are tests of foundation—will you stand or fall?
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Conclusion
God does not send warnings without providing solutions. He is inviting us to dwell in the secret place, under His wings, in the safety of His counsel. The time for playing church is over. The time for full surrender is now.
Do not wait until the storm hits to seek shelter. Run to God now. Let Him be your refuge. Let Him be your strength. Let His voice guide you through the chaos. He is faithful to protect those who trust Him.
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Call to Action
Prepare your heart. Be diligent in prayer. Turn away from self-reliance. Seek the face of God. Pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Cultivate a life of humility and obedience. Warn others. Encourage the weak. Speak the truth. And above all, remain under the Covering of Divine Protection.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."
The storm may rage, but you are not alone. God is with you. Stay anchored in Him, and you will come through rejoicing.
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Salvation Prayer
Lord Jesus, I recognize today that I need You. I cannot stand through the storms of life without You. I repent of my sins and turn to You as my Savior and Lord. I believe that You died for me and rose again. Come into my heart. Cover me with Your protection. Fill me with Your Spirit. Lead me in Your truth. I surrender my life to You now and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
