It’s amazing how much has changed in a week!
Last week, when I, once again, had to surrender all to the Lord, I was preparing for the worst. The news was showing major flooding in my oldest son’s neighborhood in Jacksonville. My daughter-in-law was at a shelter in Raleigh. Even if my son had been able to fly home, there was no access to the city.
My youngest daughter received a large bill from her insurance company with an accompanying letter explaining that her doctor visits were not covered under their plan, even though she verified coverage before her first appointment. My oldest daughter and I had recently returned from evacuating to Maryland, where she spent the entire five days vomiting so much she had to get an IV. Another family member had called about some difficulties he was going through. I wanted to jump in and fix everything and everyone. When I realized I couldn’t, I had to let it all go and trust God with the outcome.
Sometimes God walks with us through trials and sometimes He deliverers us from them. I have yet to see the outcome of all of the above-mentioned situations, but one week later I have some good reports. My daughter-in-law is home. The only damage to their house was the loss of some siding. The doctor’s office absolved my youngest daughter of her debt. My oldest daughter is feeling much better and is regaining her strength. One of my family members who is in a difficult situation is drawing closer to the Lord and is even listening to Christian radio.
I am thankful that my children’s circumstances changed so quickly, but even if they hadn’t, God’s love and goodness would have been the same. Instead of celebrating no flooding, God would have made a way for my son to get home and to fix his house. Instead of my youngest daughter’s debt being released, God would have provided the money to pay her bill. Instead of my oldest daughter’s health improving, the Lord would have continued to sustain and encourage her. I know this to be true because I have seen the Lord come through for me and for others over and over and over again.
Sometimes God stills the storms in our lives; sometimes He holds us in the midst of them.
You and I often praise God after He calms the wind and waves, but what is in our hearts is revealed while the storm is raging. Can I praise Him when I don’t see the end of my trials? Can I worship Him when I didn’t get the outcome I wanted? Can I trust Him when my circumstances are screaming that He doesn’t care? Can I declare His goodness when things don’t look good, or I don’t feel good? Is He for me when it seems like everything or everyone is against me?
How can you or I know God’s heart if we never have to learn to trust Him? And how can we learn to trust Him if we never have opportunities to build our trust? Life’s storms give us opportunities to draw closer to the Lord and discover His heart for us. They will also uncover what is truly in our hearts. Raging seas will often reveal what has been raging in our souls.
In the midst of life’s storms, it’s up to us to seize the opportunity to press into the Lord and grow and gain freedom or to oppose Him and harden our hearts.
In the past, I have done some of both. Whether I railed against God or rested in Him, my circumstances didn’t change. But learning to trust Him and rest has sure changed me.
I used to worry about everything. I worried about my past. I worried about the present. I even worried about the future. Fear and worry consumed me. Now I worry much less. Worship has replaced worry because I have learned to rest in the Lord. No matter my circumstances, I know He has me and is holding me. When life is screaming He doesn’t care, I know He is for me and cares for me. When I face impossible situations, I know He will part the Red Seas. I can lay my burdens down because deep down in my heart I know He loves me and will never leave me nor forsake me.
If you are in the midst of a storm, know that God loves you. He is for you and is making away where there is no way. The wind and waves might be raging, but you can be still and rest in Him.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, Right now my circumstances might be shouting that you are not in control, that you are distant, and that you don’t care. But I choose to trust your heart for me. Thank you for your love. Thank you that you are always with me and that you are for me. In the midst of this storm bring me revelation and healing. Draw me close to you and teach me to trust in you and rest. I love you and know that you will bring much good out of everything the enemy intended for evil.
In the mighty name of Jesus…Amen!
May you be abundantly blessed!
Jeannie
Photos-Pixabay