Since 2005, I’ve become more focused on storm count. More than 25 named tropical systems and hurricanes have directly impacted or made landfall along the Louisiana coast in the past 20 years. Five of those were major storms.

This week’s focus on “Stay Ready” got me to thinking about other types of storms I’ve experienced—trials.

James 1:2-4 says this, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

I’ve recently started physical therapy to help me with pain I’m experiencing in my hip. According to my therapist, exercises focused on endurance and repetition will strengthen the muscles that support the area.

Life is filled with all sorts of storms—those I can evacuate from and the ones I’m required to carry wherever I go. James says I should count those storms as joy. Like the words of my therapist, endurance and repetition seem to be the order of the day and will help me to strengthen my body—physically and spiritually.

Consistent workouts (testing) for my hip (faith) build strength (patience) which helps to elevate the pain (creating perfection). In other words, storms come to test my faith. Storms are designed to produce patience. Responding appropriately to repeated storm tests will help me to be a better person.

Stay Ready: Maybe I should stop counting the storms and respond appropriately by exercising faith more often.