Monday, August 15, 2011

Storm Stories

I am not a big fan of flying. I don't really know why... all my flying experiences have been good ones. I guess it's just the idea of being in a small space, high up in the air, and zero control over what actually happens to the aircraft! So yesterday evening I flew in an airplane and as always, I spent a good portion of the air time praying. Isn't it so good that we have a Heavenly Father who we can talk to anytime? Most of the flight was turbulent because we were flying through some severe thunderstorms. The lightening was magnificent. Flying parallel to the storm made the amazing lightening show even more beautiful. Flashing streaks silhouetted the ominous clouds. I was captivated. Then I heard God's voice...
                                           I brought you up here to show you this.

I was in the midst of this storm seeing proof of a Mighty God.

Let me steer away from this story for a moment and tell you a personal story. Just like every other Believer in Christ being refined to the likeness of Christ, Bryan and I have been in and out of storms. And currently we are in a pretty tough one. God has been speaking loud and clear to us despite the raging circumstances around us.  And I am so grateful for His voice - it's the rod and staff that are comforting me in this dark valley.

So back to the flight. I started thinking about all the 'storm stories' throughout Scripture. Each one, a revelation of God's mightiness... Jonah swallowed up by a whale, after a storm directs the ship mates to toss him overboard. Noah on a massive ark filled with 2 of every kind of animal, in a storm for 40 days and nights. Peter walking on the water toward Jesus in extreme wind conditions. The disciples watching Jesus calm a raging storm with the words 'Be still.'

They were in the midst of a storm seeing proof of a Mighty God.

How about you? Are you in a stormy season weary from the winds and waves, wondering how long the rain will fall and the winds will blow? Maybe you finally took a step of faith like Peter, walking confidently toward Jesus and you began to fix your eyes on the windy circumstances around you. Suddenly you are sinking. Maybe you, like Jonah, are running from God and He is using a storm to get your full attention. Or maybe the storm you are in is just a lesson in faith - that just as those circumstances are tossing you to and fro, God is saying 'Be still and know that I am God.' (Psalm 46:10). Whatever your situation, know this: God is Mighty. His hand is Mighty. His voice is Mighty. His plans are Mighty. So look for God's Mightiness in your storm. He has great plans for you friend.

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' - Jeremiah 29:11

1 comment:

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Just last evening, really in the wee hours of the morning, I awakened to fear. I suppose a bad dream was the culprit. Just as clearly as I've ever "heard" the voice of God in my heart, he impressed upon me these simple words... "Focus on me.

It was such a forceful thought, that I immediately focused on the face of Jesus (what I imagine him to look like), and a warm peace immediately flooded my soul.

So, as you navigate these uncertain waters, do so with God as your intentional, intimate focus. He will carry you through. This I know to be true.

peace~elaine

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