Such a Difference…
As I ponder words – a storm is brewing. Strong – full of wind, rain, lightening – a force for destruction. Will we be in it’s path? What will it reap? Questions swirl like a hurricane’s eye.
But time and again over the last few days God has reminded me He is bigger than the storm. More powerful than it’s force. In charge of it in fact. As He is all of life. Sure He could zap all the bad things: illness, storms, financial ruin, broken hearts. But His children are stubborn and need much instruction – and sometimes we only listen in the unexpected, the uncontrollable.
“His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” (Nahum 1:3 HCSB)
Yet, what is the first response of most, Christian or not, when the hard things happen: ‘Why God?’ The bad things are always blamed on God, when we should search the very hearts and souls that have wrought all that has gone wrong since the perfection of Eden.
The sweetness of trusting God makes such a difference. Yes, we still hurt and often still fret, but our gaze is turned toward the One who has our earthly days numbered and our forever secure. We look up – raising eyes and hearts to the Father. He whispers to our souls – ‘peace child, My peace is yours, just trust.’
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Like me you may have to ask for that peace daily, but knowing it’s ours for the asking is good enough for me. The deposit of the Holy Spirit in us is the peace that passes any understanding. Always with us.
So as this storm strengthens or weakens, turns straight towards my home or veers away, I am safe. And so are you. He is merciful to us and our safety – though it may not look the way we want it to – is assured. Through hurricanes and all life’s raging He is our protection.
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings I find protection until the raging storms are over.” (Psalm 57:1 GNT)
parisrenae 
Thank you for sharing. I know that as God led us through our faith journey of homeless wandering, it was easy to become overwhelmed by the storm and lose peace. The hunger and deprivation had a way of sucking us dry pretty quick, but over time our family discovered something. We found that as we accepted His lead, stayed focused on Him with gratitude, the storm would pass without affecting us much. Sure, the lack of food and sleeping on the cold ground was uncomfortable, but it didn’t crush our spirits. We were able to overcome because we trust Him and knew He was leading us. That isn’t such a bad thing. 🙂
Blessings,
Homer Les
http://www.uncompromisingfaith.ca
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Homer, you shared so much in such a short summary – I am blessed and encouraged by your storms and your witness of how faithful our God is – giving us every spiritual blessing and walking through every step with us. Blessings as you continue to trust in Him and continue to discover what a mighty God He is.
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What a great reminder that we are safe in Him, even in the storms. So blessed by this today!
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A mighty God is our fortress and we are safe from the weathers of life. Blessings as you walk with Him in the sunny and cloudy days…
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Verses from the Old Testament always help me to appreciate the power of God, as evidenced by all the variations in weather! Thanks for this reflection on your own storms and blessings.
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The Old Testament is so rich in God’s very nature showing us the essence of our Savior – our Strong Tower. Blessings as your Foundation holds through the storms…
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Great post Paris Renae! He definitely is the peace within the storms of life!
I hope you are not in the hurricane’s path though! Praying!
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thanks for those prayers, it passed us by, now much prayer needed for the Bahamas and the Carolinas. He is our Peace, our firm foundation – praise be to God for ALL He has done. Blessings as you weather each day…
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Yes, the devestation there has been huge.
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