Welcome to Chapter 7 of ROW Against the Flow. Life often brings unexpected trials and ongoing battles that can overwhelm even the strongest among us. This chapter invites you to explore how to face these daily storms—not by relying on your own strength or plans, but by humbly surrendering to God’s care and applying practical spiritual habits that help you stand firm.
We all carry worries and anxieties that can slip out in quiet moments, tempting us to take control or try to manipulate circumstances. Yet Jesus calls us to a different way: to cast our cares on Him, humble ourselves under His mighty hand, and resist the enemy’s schemes with faith and alertness.
In this chapter, you’ll discover how spiritual warfare is a continuous journey. It involves staying watchful, maintaining a clear mind, and trusting deeply in God’s provision and protection. You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle challenges and temptations in everyday life and how to apply the R.O.W. principle—Repent, Obey, Worship—as a powerful response to these storms.
Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged to turn worries into prayers, exchanging anxiety for peace that surpasses understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:6-7.
Let’s Reflect Together
- What are some of the daily “storms” you face that challenge your faith and peace?
- How might applying repentance, obedience, and worship help you navigate these moments?
- When has turning your worries into prayers brought unexpected peace or clarity?
- In what ways does knowing other believers share similar struggles strengthen you?
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences. Your journey and insights are a vital part of this community learning and growing together.
What’s Next?
- Keep reading or download the full book to continue the journey.
- Invite friends or groups to join you in exploring these themes.
- Stay engaged as we continue to ROW against the flow, finding strength in Christ through every challenge.
Thank you for taking this step toward trusting God more deeply amidst life’s storms. Together, we can stand firm and encourage one another with the hope and power found in Jesus.
Chapter 7: Navigating Daily Storms
Sometimes I pretend I don’t have a care in the world, but then an anxious sigh slips out and I remember I’m carrying a load of complaints and concerns. In those moments, I can choose to turn that prayer inward (anxiety) to what I can do about it including manipulating circumstances and people. Jesus gives us another choice, in fact a command, to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and to cast our cares on Him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:6,7).
On the night my dear Ella died, my internal circuits were overloaded, I was out of the control seat. Nothing that I could do could get us out of this situation. As I watched the paramedics stream into the house, each with a red bag and a trained mind full of ideas for what to do next, I paced about 10 feet away praying, “Jesus, What are you doing here? What are you doing right now?” I could do nothing but watch the syringes fly and listen to the commands of the first responders.
When I turn the worry upward instead of inward, when I approach God with my concerns instead of making a plan to solve them I experience something unique. When I thank God for His presence and His wisdom and humble myself under Him I experience His peace.
In our journey through spiritual warfare, we’ve explored the reality of the battle, our authority in Christ, and the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. Now, we turn our attention to the practical application of these truths in our daily lives. How do we navigate the storms that come our way each day?
The Ongoing Nature of Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare isn’t a one-time battle; it’s a lifelong journey. Even after we’ve experienced freedom in Christ, the enemy continues to seek ways to pull us back into bondage.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. — 1 Peter 5:5-9
This ongoing struggle requires us to:
- Stay alert: Constantly be aware of the enemy’s tactics
- Maintain sobriety of mind: Keep a clear, focused perspective on truth
- Actively resist: Take a stand against the enemy’s schemes
- Stand firm in loyalty: Hold onto the truths of God’s Word
- Remember we’re not alone: Take comfort in the shared experience of believers worldwide
Recognizing Everyday Temptations and Challenges
Daily life is filled with temptations and challenges that can shake our allegiance and pull us away from God. These might include:
- Peer pressure to compromise our values
- The lure of instant gratification through technology or social media
- Discouragement from setbacks or failures
- Doubts about God’s goodness
- Conflicts in relationships
- Stress from school, work, or family responsibilities
It’s crucial to recognize these challenges as potential battlegrounds where our faith is tested and refined.
Applying the R.O.W. Principle in Various Situations
The R.O.W. (Repent, Obey, Worship) principle we’ve learned can be a powerful tool in navigating these daily storms. Let’s look at how to apply it in different situations:
1. When facing temptation:
- Repent: Acknowledge the allure of the temptation and turn away from it.
- Obey: Choose to follow God’s commands.
- Worship: Thank God for His strength and the way out He provides.
2. When dealing with discouragement:
- Repent: Turn from negative self-talk and lies about your worth.
- Obey: Choose to believe God’s truth about you.
- Worship: Praise God for His unchanging love and faithfulness.
3. When experiencing conflict:
- Repent: Acknowledge any part you’ve played in the conflict.
- Obey: Follow Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Worship: Thank God for the opportunity to grow in love and grace.
Turning Worries into Prayers
So you’re a world class worrier? Maybe you’ve been muttering your prayers at the wrong altar. Have you been grousing to yourself in expectation that you have to accomplish these major things in your life?
World Class Worriers can become World Champion Prayer Warriors with a change of altar.
It’s the same energy, just directed to the One who is truly in control.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:4-7
One of the most powerful ways to navigate daily storms is to turn our worries into prayers. This involves:
- Identifying our concerns and anxieties
- Bringing them to God in honest, heartfelt prayer
- Trusting God with the outcomes
- Thanking Him in advance for His faithfulness
Practical Application: R.O.W. in Action
Repent: Identify an area of worry in your life. Confess any lack of trust in God’s provision or control.
Obey: Choose to bring this worry to God in prayer, following the pattern in Philippians 4:6-7.
Worship: Thank God for His care, His wisdom, and His power to work in your situation.
Conclusion
Navigating daily storms and engaging in ongoing spiritual warfare is a continuous process of trusting God, resisting the enemy, and growing in believing loyalty to Jesus. As we consistently apply the R.O.W. principle, turn our worries into prayers, and stay alert to the enemy’s schemes, we’ll find ourselves better equipped to face whatever challenges come our way. Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid storms altogether, but to learn to stand firm in Christ through them, knowing that we’re not alone in this battle.
Reflection
- What are some common “daily storms” you face in your life?
- How can you practically apply the R.O.W. principle to one of these situations?
- The chapter emphasizes that “World Class Worriers” can become “World Champion Prayer Warriors.” What specific area of worry in your life can you intentionally redirect from anxiety toward prayer and petition with thanksgiving this week?
- The author highlights that in moments of crisis, we are often “out of the control seat.” When your internal circuits are overloaded, how can you choose to turn your prayers “upward” to God’s control instead of “inward” toward self-reliance or manipulation?
- The text encourages us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand by casting all our cares on Him. How does consistently practicing this act of humility empower you to resist the enemy, as described in 1 Peter 5:5–9?
- What strategies can you implement to stay alert and maintain a sober mind in your spiritual walk?
- How does knowing that other believers face similar struggles impact your approach to spiritual warfare?
Prayer Focus
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your constant presence in our lives, even in the midst of daily storms and challenges.
Lord, we acknowledge that we often face temptations and difficulties that can shake our faith. Help us to be alert and of sober mind, recognizing the enemy’s schemes in our everyday lives. Give us the strength to resist him, standing firm in our allegiance to Jesus.
We confess, Father, that we sometimes allow worry and anxiety to overwhelm us. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to carry our burdens alone instead of bringing them to You. Help us to turn our worries into prayers, trusting in Your infinite wisdom and care.
Holy Spirit, guide us in applying the R.O.W. principle in our daily lives. When we face temptation, help us to repent quickly, obey Your Word faithfully, and worship You wholeheartedly. In moments of discouragement, remind us to turn from negative thoughts, believe Your truth about us, and praise You for Your unchanging love.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the example You set in navigating earthly challenges. Help us to follow in Your footsteps, facing conflicts with grace, forgiveness, and a desire for reconciliation. May we reflect Your character in all our interactions.
Father, we bring before You our specific worries and concerns. (Pause for silent prayer). We choose now to release these burdens into Your capable hands. Thank You for Your promise of peace that transcends all understanding. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
We pray for discernment to recognize the daily storms in our lives, whether they come in the form of peer pressure, the lure of instant gratification, doubts, or stress from our responsibilities. Give us the courage to face these challenges head-on, relying on Your strength and wisdom.
Lord, help us to be consistent in applying the truths we’ve learned. May we not just be hearers of Your Word, but doers also. When we falter, remind us of Your grace and empower us to stand firm again.
Finally, we thank You for the assurance that You are with us in every storm. Help us to see these challenges as opportunities for growth and deepening our trust in You. May our lives be a testimony to Your faithfulness and power.
We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
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Aaron Bauer 