Storms

Have you ever been in a situation where you looked at the potential outcomes for your circumstances, and there wasn’t one that looked like a happy ending? You have spun and turned the facts every possible way, and found yourself left with a knot in the pit of your stomach.

Maybe your child was in trouble at school or with the law and your heart was broken. You were betrayed by someone you trusted, and you wonder how you will ever trust again. Your husband came home and said that he doesn’t think he loves you anymore, and left you standing there wondering how in the world that happened. Someone you love has been given a terrible health prognosis.

I like my life neat and orderly. I prefer the times when I make plans, God gets on board, and we happily sail along together on smooth waters. However, I’ve learned that my faith grows when the wind and waves start rocking the boat. I wish I could say that fear and worry are a part of my past; however, I am learning that when I stop fretting about the storm and look to the One who controls the wind and waves everything in me changes. No, my circumstances don’t always get better, but my ability to cope and think clearly always improves.

In the past five years, our family has experienced . . . loss by rejection, life threatening illness, death, and the birth of a one pound nine ounce preemie (who I’m thankful to say is doing well), and like many of you – a host of other challenges as well. Through it all, God has never forsaken us. Jesus has been our Rock, and has given us the foundation we needed to stand in His strength.

When we thought we were falling overboard, Jesus was always faithful to provide what we needed to see us through. I love the song by Scott Krippayne – Sometimes He Calms the Storm, enjoy the words to the refrain below:

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn’t mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

Jesus said in John 16:33; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

What a blessing it is to know that even when storms rock my world, Jesus will either calm the storm or He will provide me with all that I need to ride it out protected by His peace.