RIDING THE STORM OUT
The billowing cotton like clouds reflected the brilliant sun rays. The gathering clouds were scattered intermittently over the coastline as if brave soldiers storming the beachhead. Out toward the west over the Aegean blue ocean laced with white and diamond accents, the clouds were massed at sea, ready to swallow the land.
Where sea greeted sky was indistinguishable and the blue, grey, and white danced like a kaleidoscope on the horizon behind the barrage. The cool ocean snapped in gusts warning of the approaching aerial assault and I sat still watching, chilled by the gusts, yet warmed by the sun that would witness the engulfment with light hidden for a time. How long only God could know.
We often search the beauty and majesty of God’s creation in awe of the grandness as if the words of wisdom will be riding on the winds. Slim trunked palm trees defy logic and physics as they yield humbly to the might of the wind. The trees like fallen mankind know not where the winds come from, only that tough times come, our roots or foundations are tested by the elements of this world.
As I watched the incoming storm, I found comfort… even if temporary. Like a salty sea burned sailor with years of seasoning behind me, I know storms come and storms go, but more than that, I know we can try to avoid storms in this life, but success is fleeting.
I knew watching the imminent storm flying toward me from the Pacific there could be damage, maybe even lives changed, but I doubt the storm could do more damage than what we can cause in the smooth sailing moments of our lives. Of all the storms I’ve lived through in life and the damage done, it pales in comparison to the damage we can do to our own lives.
Our actions have consequences, similar to the approaching storms in our lives. The real life lessons learned are revealed in how we conduct ourselves not just in a state of emergency, but in day to day life when storms are the last thing on our minds. As dreaded as the storms are in this physical and spiritual life, there is beauty in the storm if we have a proper bearing… or perspective.
With each storm in life we gain experience, wisdom, and learn to face things with less dread, even expectation. Much can be gained in the process of riding the storm out, we gain confidence in Who it is that delivers us as well as teach others to live like a sailor at sea.
We batten down the hatches and turn our bow to face toward the fury and set it and our faces like flint while we aim for the heart of the storm. We’ve learned that the storm and our breath both are held in the palm of our Father’s hand. One false move or otherwise doesn’t change our destination… just our date…
On the other side of the next storm is sweet sailing… We just need to be prepared to ride the storm out…
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
Hi Floyd,
Nobody likes to be in the storm of life but it is in these storms that we learn and grow. When I read the account of Peter walking on the water out towards Jesus, I notice that Jesus did not calm the storm but instructed Peter that he had little faith. Often Father will not clam the storm we are in and like you said, we batten down the hatches and turn our bow to face toward the fury and set it and our faces like flint while we aim for the heart of the storm.
Great reminder to weather out the storm. 🙂
Blessings
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:28 am
Great example! That made me think of the twenty third Psalm. He walks us through the Valleys of the Shadow of death. He prepares a table in the presence of our enemies. Our Father supplies and provides. He is lifted up in our times of distress by our faith that shows the world His majesty. Thanks for sharing. Good stuff.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 @ 9:47 pm
Many of us that live here in the Northwest, especially west of the Cascades, enjoy thunder-storms. They’re not as common and usually not as intense as those experienced by folks living in the flat-lands or those dwelling in dryer and warmer environs. That having been said, I can only imagine the real and justified fear that those living in the Mississippi Basin or the Midwestern plains might feel due to the very real threat of thunder-storms developing into tornadoes. Over the years, we’ve had a few up here in Washington, one actually passed through my neighborhood a few years back, but they have been nothing like those that level entire towns and ravish lives in a matter of minutes that we’ve all seen on the news.
More to the point though … We will never know the ferocity of the storms we will encounter, or the extent of the debris field they might leave behind. We can only trust the Man at the helm to steer us into, and through those storms and deliver us safely to the other side. I tend to be like Peter, I might be walking on the water, but then fear creeps in as I inventory my circumstances and the next thing I know, I’m floundering in the sea while my faith washes ashore with the foam.
Trusting Him through the storms and leaning on Him as we pick up the broken pieces and shards left behind in their wakes is all we have. We control neither the storm nor it’s consequences. We control only our choices. Though often our choices contribute more garbage to the debris field and complicate the gleaning there of. We can only trust that He will show us the pieces worth saving and those we should leave to rot. Those worth saving we keep and build on while we lighten our load by leaving the junk behind.
Man, I’ve got a long way to go …..
Another good post, Floyd. Thanks.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:33 am
That makes two of us with a long way to go, David. I so enjoy how you weave your words together to leave a picture trail of your heart. All the wisdom in your words point to the fact that you’ve weathered many storms in life and will get stronger with the coming storms. Thanks for providing such honesty that brings others, mine for sure, to the surface.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 2:23 am
Without the storms we would not appreciate the cloudless sky and the beautiful sunshine. Without the storms we would not appreciate the reprieve the Father gives us.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:34 am
Good point, Bill. I think many of us sit in dread of the next storm instead of being thankful for the times of peace. Got me thinking on that one, Bill. Thanks…. I think!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 4:32 pm
Amen!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:21 pm
Right?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 8:18 am
Riding out a storm without a proper shelter can be a devastating thing. With a shelter, it can still be intense, but you can more readily see that the storm will pass even in the midst of fear. He hides us in the shelter of His wings, we abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Storms may still have effects, but we are safe in Him. You painted a vivid picture here, Floyd! Love the reminder. Thank you.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:37 am
I like that add from scripture, Jason. The protection from the hand of God we tend to overlook and take for granted. I know I do. May we be reminded to stay in the safety and will of our Father instead of running ahead into danger seeking our own will. Been there more than once… Good reminder, Jason. Thank you, brother.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 9:24 am
Great post. I really love reading your thoughts. The storms of life used to really agitate me because I felt like I needed to be in control of everything. Today, thanks to a savior, I can look forward to the other side knowing that there will have been growth and a lesson learned. Also, there’s just something special when you know you can batten down the hatches and turn our faces toward the storm.. Well said, thanks.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:40 am
Those are the words of a man living in redemption… I think maybe you and I were cut from the same bolt, Hutch. You described my life and seasons to a “T”, brother. It is with the majesty of our Father that we can look upon the dangers of this planet and still be at peace within… because He is in there providing that wisdom… Thanks, Hutch. On the very same page with you…
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:33 am
Floyd not only is this post filled to the sky with wisdom, truth, promise, and joy, but written so beautifully it reads like a poem. A necessity in the life of any child of God; “the imminent storm.” The wisdom; “We batten down the hatches and turn our bow to face toward the fury and set it and our faces like flint while we aim for the heart of the storm.” The truth and promise; “We’ve learned that the storm and our breath both are held in the palm of our Father’s hand”. The joy; “On the other side of the next storm is sweet sailing…” Thank you Brother. Although I don’t know you well, I discern experience and tears behind the words. Robert Frost said: No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. Your words brought remembrance of some of the storms through the years, and to tears. Bless you!!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:47 am
I know you have immense wisdom from our Father… and I’m learning that you have the same type of insight as well. May the storms of our lives serve to honor the One who delivers us from the storms of life… and into eternity. I know you’ve witnessed harsher storms than I, Betty Jo and I’ll follow your advice and heart and actions directed by our Father into the storms that life brings. What a blessing you are to me and all who are blessed to have you as a part of their lives… regardless how small a part. What a gift. Thank you.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 11:18 am
It is true brother we bloggers inspire each other. I wrote this huge comment then thought, I think I will just post it on my blog and build on it. Thanks Floyd for the inspiration.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 1:37 pm
That sounds like a wonderful idea! Thanks for always adding your inspiration and gifts here, Betty. I cherish it more than you know, sister. Thanks, Betty.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
Floyd,
Your words made me think of James 1:2-4 because you have trusted God through your storms, and you have seen Him work in mighty ways…just what I’m guessing based on your post and your storm imagery…encouraging 🙂 Thank you 🙂
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
I have been left with no where to turn in my life except unto our Father. In the end it is the wisdom and perspective I needed in order to find a deeper peace within from Him. Life is a series of storms and like His word, it all speaks, every verse, to His sovereignty. Thanks, Dolly, and I appreciate your encouragement, sister.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 5:38 pm
Powerful and beautiful post, Floyd, with a lyrical quality which is unusual for you; but I love it! I have never minded storms . . . that is, when I’m safe inside. Our Poodle goes crazy, but I love gray, windy nights. In fact, I”ve even slept through terrible storms (and a tornado and a hurricane and childbirth–but that is another story)! However, I do recall being out one evening for a walk when I didn’t listen to Mike. He said a storm was brewing and that I shouldn’t wander far off. I just walked over three blocks, but I was terrified. I couldn’t find shelter. Trees were being uprooted by gargantuan gusts of wind that threatened to take me with them. Fortunately, I saw a candle in a window (yes, the power had gone off), and was able to take shelter at an unknown (to me, then) neighbor’s house. God is so gracious and always provides a light in the storm. And I think of how eagles use storms to mount up and gain great heights. May we trust the Lord of Creation and of us.
Bless you for a wonderful post, Floyd!
Lynn
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 5:58 pm
I’ve seen desert flash floods wash away eighteen wheelers, lived through seven point three earthquakes, but the hardest storms for me have been the ones of my own making. With time and storms our Father gives us wisdom and perspective to trust Him. Thanks for reminding me not to go out for a stroll in a storm! Especially the way it can get in St. Louis!
I was thinking of you when I typed this one. While it isn’t my typical style, I sense an influence from you and your writing. Not that anyone can replicate your words, but just a hint of that flavor. I do enjoy reading that style, just not my style too often, but this one called me as I sat on the coast and watched a late afternoon storm blow in during July.
May we point one another to our Father in trust and peace. And may we be lifted up like the wings of eagles… great imagery. Thanks for the thumbs up, Lynn.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
OH I’m so glad you repeated this, because I had meant to say that I LOVED your analogy of storms of our own making. I have not ever heard that analogy, and it’s brilliant. And I simplly canNOT imagine a higher compliment. Thank you so much Floyd. What you wrote is beautiful, and I would do well to emulate YOU!
God bless you,
Lynn
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:00 pm
Thanks for your ultra kind words and support, Lynn. Your style is all your own and there is a reason that you were published and supported. “Love Letters To God” changed the way I end my Bible studies and was and is still ground breaking, but I do appreciate your humility. Bless you, sister!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 9:02 pm
Floyd, I am still so amazed that Love Letters to God has affected you that way. Do you thnk maybe sometime you could write about how you study the Word and then how you write a prayer (letter) to God after? I think your readers might be interested.
Bless you,
Lynn
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 10:54 am
That’s a good idea, Lynn. I’ll jot that down and put it in the tumbler! Thanks!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 6:19 pm
I hope no one was injured in your storm.
We had a fire here last weekend. We received phone calls from the Fire Department telling us to be ready to evacuate, so we complied, packing Robert’s truck with equipment he needed. In the van, suitcases with changes of clothing, important papers, photos, some dog food and other items.
Daughter Becky and Dennis live four miles from us and they were not in the line of the fire, so that was where we would go if we needed to leave. Our neighbor packed his vacation trailer and hooked it up to his truck moving it to a safe location.
Planes finally began to drop the needed retardant to help stop the flames. Sunday evening the wind shifted and the fire went in the other direction toward the canyon. One house was destroyed, and some out buildings, a 4 wheel vehicle but no lives. A few hot spots remain but they are quickly being taken care of.
God is good.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:02 pm
I know that your prayers were part of the fire avoiding your home, Hazel. God is good indeed! That’s down right scary! So glad His grace was poured out on you and sounds like the fire as well. Thanks for sharing that, Hazel. Wow…
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 6:46 pm
I love what you say, Floyd: “Our actions have consequences, similar to the approaching storms in our lives.” That’s powerful. It’s often not the big storms that are the hardest but the little ones, the subtle ones. But those are the ones that build our character.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
Good call, Dave. It really is the everyday things that add up and creep in to bring about life’s toughest storms. The enemy is subtle. How great is it that our Father uses our mishaps in redemption to continue to lift us up? Like the perspective. Thanks, Dave.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 8:14 pm
Love holds the sword that appears to threaten.
http://momentsmidstream.blogspot.ca/2009/06/love-holds-sword.html
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:08 pm
Doug –
Write more often! Please! 🙂
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:11 pm
I hope you caught Doug’s post about the sword and the storm. Genius from God above!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:12 pm
I did – loved it!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:22 pm
I love the simple yet profound lesson! I’ll be quoting Doug on that one!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:10 pm
Caught your add over at your site, Doug… Brilliant!!! That was awesome! Wisdom straight from the heart and mind of our Father! Thanks for adding that, Doug! Amazing really.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 @ 10:04 pm
It never hurts to quote the title of an REO Speedwagon song as a title, either… 🙂
So much seen, so much said – well done, yet again. 🙂
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:09 pm
Leave it to you to think of REO! While it wasn’t my inspiration, I did think of it when I typed the title after having written it! You can’t kid a kidder! We’ve seen a lot haven’t we, brother? You more than I, and we have wisdom for the wear. Worth the trade off I’d say. What say ye? Thanks, Rick. You always have a way of bringing a smile to my face.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:11 pm
That’s in my job description, I think – yep. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – it’s in there 🙂
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:24 pm
Yep! Thanks for the encouragement and building up, brother. You are a treasure…
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:11 am
A key word I hear in your last line is be PREPARED to ride the storm out. That’s all we can do–work on putting ourselves in the position to trust Jesus more and more when times are good, so that when the bad stuff happens (and we’re old enough to know it will ALWAYS happen), we’ll know how to rest in him then too. I’m not there yet, but I’m learning. Thanks for this, Floyd.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:13 pm
I’m not there either, Lisa, but we’re closer than we were, aren’t we? I know we are. The weary lines of the sailor knows what to expect and Who to trust. May we live like sailors at sea, sister. Thanks, Lisa.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 1:40 pm
Two things came to mind reading this:
” but in day to day life when storms are the last thing on our minds” I think sometimes when we are just coasting (no super highs or lows) that it can become HARDER to praise God- to remember who He is. I think sometimes it’s in those dull moments of comfort that it can be hardest to offer the sacrifice of praise.
Secondly, your last few lines match up with my Bible study yesterday and today. In Christ Death has lost it’s sting. What does that mean for the believer? To me it’s starting to mean that we should live without fear of any kind. It means that persecution (like the kind Christians are facing in Egypt right now) can be faced with joy knowing that death is only the doorway to more life.
Getting long winded here. Loved your post. God bless.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
Great call on the highs and lows, TC. We get too lazy and set into our daily ways and habits and miss the miracle that God performs in our lives daily. I gotta meditate on that. You’re so right… I’m also with you in the maturity that knows the destination… just not the date… Peace in that mindset from God himself. I’m with you, TC. Glad we’re on the same page… not that we’ve ever been anything but that! Thank you.
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 1:03 pm
LOL, two peas in a pod
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 5:05 pm
Talk about scary!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 4:33 pm
I thank God for the storms. In them I find my strength, humility, renewed wisdom, and the knowledge of what REALLY matters.
Great post Floyd!
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:17 pm
That is such a mature response, Mike. To be able to be thankful for the storms points to the wisdom from our Father within… Awesome and encouraging response, brother! “What really matters…” Amen, Mike. Thanks.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 6:33 pm
I like the idea of being flattened to the ground…but the roots still hold. Well done
Thursday, August 22, 2013 @ 7:19 pm
I like the way you put that with such simplicity hiding the fact that the perspective boiled down is wisdom from Above. “But the roots still hold.” Thanks, David. And well done to you, sir.
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 6:54 am
It’s no fun to go through storms – especially those that we’ve caused. But we always have something to learn. I think it’s about riding it out – but I also think it’s about grabbing his robe and begging him to show us what we are supposed to learn in this time.
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 10:55 am
I can’t argue with that… EVER! “Begging Him to show us what we are supposed to learn this time.” And the wisdom comes. Excellent case and point, Loren. Thanks, brother.
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 6:33 pm
Hi Floyd,
This line “The real life lessons learned are revealed in how we conduct ourselves not just in a state of emergency, but in day to day life when storms are the last thing on our minds” grabs me most tonight. Hmm. 🙂
Thanks, bud.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Friday, August 23, 2013 @ 10:01 pm
Thank you too, sister. Hope some others can catch your post about how God uses you and all the people around you to mentor His chosen… Good stuff. Thanks, Jennifer.
Saturday, August 24, 2013 @ 7:43 pm
Well, Floyd, this is gonna be a bit lengthy…Lots of good reading with your post AND with the responses your post evoked. The Word lets us know that the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. Our world is broken and with that, creation suffers, It is waiting for the sons of God to be manifest. Maybe that is why WE have been instructed in the Word to “speak to the mountain”. I Peter admonishes us to “be sober, be vigilant” – in other words, “WATCH OUT” ….”BE ON GUARD” . I have been hit by a number of unexpected and harsh “storms”. I must say, now that I’m thinking about it, that I had already been praying, interceding, or somehow acting in obedience to the leading of the Lord. Not knowing directly what was coming, I ended up being somewhat “prepared” , so to speak.
John 15 tells us to remain in Him and He will remain in us. In HIM we live and move and have our being. With our identity tied up in Him, our priorities also change. The stuff of life can’t totally break a person who has obey the command to “gird up the loins of our mind”.
I’m thinking that God doesn’t want us to be caught off guard. He wants US to lay a foundation when there is no storm, so that when it does blow, we are not devastated. I also think He can enable us to enter a storm for the purpose of delivering someone else. (After all, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t even smell like smoke once they were removed from the fiery furnace.)
I never expected my kid’s dad to walk out and leave me to take care of everything that previously took two parents, two jobs and such. To follow was TEN long years of working two 8 hours jobs, still trying to homeschool and keep everybody together. My physical health suffered. Not having any family around and because I lost the house and had to move, there was no familiar church family. I had to quit Nursing school. I decided in favor of my children. Problems galore raised their ugly heads over those years, but we managed to get thru the unpleasantness with God’s help. No it wasn’t at all the ideal. It wasn’t what I had signed up for. I thought marriage was forever. My Christian husband found a girlfriend to the demise of the rest of us. I thought I was going to die…BUT I didn’t. When I went to God for instruction, He gave me assurance from Psalms 3….I want be your Glory…. I will be your shield ……and I will be the lifter of your head!
I took him up on it and HE hardened me to the circumstances. His Peace that passed all understanding my way, was indeed my guide. Pretty soon, I found myself loving the challenges and seeing God’s mighty power unleashed~!
God promised that He would restore all the years that the locust had eaten and the canker work had destroyed. I held on to that. A few years later, enter Randy. This amazing man finished raising the kids and has been a double blessing to all of us. Most of the kids call him Randad. He has the blessing that should have been their father’s. …And,…that’s the REST of the story! 😉
Sunday, August 25, 2013 @ 8:57 am
I’m almost speechless. That’s heart wrenching and proof again that we live in a fallen world. And yet our Father did deliver you to a better place, not perfect, none of us have that this side of eternity, but a place of peace and joy. What a beautiful story of redemption. I’m always in awe of our Father that can take the ugliest parts of this world and turn them into things of beauty because His love is intertwined in the hearts and the stories of His children. Thanks for sharing your story. It is encouraging and valuable as well as a reminder that we all face storms, but His grace is sufficient. God bless you and your family, Nancy.
Sunday, August 25, 2013 @ 7:20 pm
As usual, I’d like to say more and more. However, most of it this time is to simply say “AMEN”! I truly understand and truly have gone through this “stormy” life … sometimes turned to good, some remaining evil. BUT in all cases, God is BIGGER! Thanks for your insight.
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 11:27 am
God is bigger is right! The storms come and go, but He holds all of it in His hand and will eventually deliver… this side or the other… Thank you, sister.
Sunday, August 25, 2013 @ 9:04 pm
What a powerful post Floyd! This reminds me about the passage in James 1 that says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I know the storms of life build me into the person God’s wants. Great post!
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 11:29 am
It’s a tough process, but your perspective in not just knowing the scripture but believing and living it is an honor to our Father and an encouragement to all you come in contact with, Dan. I have great respect for you and the people that share that perspective with. Thanks, Dan.
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 3:57 pm
Beautiful! I love a storm…nothing like the thunder, lightning and pouring rain to make you want to grab a good book, cup of coffee and a big blanket and snuggle up in the easy chair to ride it out. We have all lived through our “storms” of this life that make us better instead of bitter if we let them. Thankful for a God to lean on when the storms come rolling in. Great post!
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 6:03 pm
“Better instead of bitter if we let them.” Such wisdom in those few words! It really is our free will to be used as we’ve gotten to know our Father and His intent in our lives. The fear melts like snow in an Arizona summertime. Thanks for bringing the wisdom, sister. I’ve got to use that line and tell them you imparted it to me! Thanks, Nannette.
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 7:06 pm
I’m thinking of driving towards a storm rather than trying to run from it. You get out of the storm faster that way and there is less time spent worrying about it. When I try to run from my trials, or just sit there and stew in them, they always make my life worse. much better to just embrace them – and God in the midst of them – and see what He wants to teach me from the situation. I love real-life storms – if only I could have a james 1:2-4 attitude toward some of those trial sorts of storms I tend to avoid!
Monday, August 26, 2013 @ 7:08 pm
Forgot to tell you – that was encouraging. Thanks. I’ll think about it in terms of my writing “storms”!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013 @ 1:38 pm
“Writing storms!” I like it! I’m not sure if a drought isn’t worse than a storm?! You’re welcome and thanks for that vision, Barb!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013 @ 1:37 pm
I’m in the same boat with, Barb. The time waiting is the hardest… although that seems to be the things that our Father always seems to target to improve on! And yeah, the trials that produce perseverance… not exactly a Disneyland “E” ride ticket… You’re not alone, sister! If this were a boat we’d be in trouble! Thanks for that perspective, Barb. Spelled my sentiments right out perfectly.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013 @ 7:23 am
Dear Floyd
I have found that trying to avoid life’s storms is not a clever thing to do for we will face them again and again. Going through them with our Lord Jesus at our side, builds our trust in Him more and more. And when the next one comes , it seems a little less frightening for we know who walks alongside us. But still, I find that just like Peter, I sometimes take my eyes of Him and then I start to drown. But He is there to save us as we cry out. Great post, dear bro!
Blessings XX
Mia
Tuesday, August 27, 2013 @ 1:40 pm
Excellent point, Mia. Avoiding life’s storms only prolongs the inevitable and it is our Father’s strengths that we rely on, not ours! I’m with you on the walking on water thing too… my bones must be heavier than normal! But as you stated, He is there. It’s about His glory and our feeble faith. Thanks, Mia.
Friday, August 30, 2013 @ 5:25 pm
You have so much wisdom! Storms are inevitable and pressing into them, learning from the experience, and trusting that the sun will shine again is really the only way to come out of them drenched in the righteousness of God. I can also look back and see how God has used some of the storms I have created in my own life for His glory. Even though I come out of those with a little more wisdom I am also scarred from my own sins. And those He covers in grace!
Saturday, August 31, 2013 @ 8:34 am
Wow. You really summarized that perfectly, Rachael. Storms are inevitable, only our perspective changes and with each storm the sovereignty of our Father is revealed more and more. Thanks for bringing your wisdom and clarity, sister!