"In Me, you may have peace..." John 16:33
The storms of life are eventually going to touch us all with the winds of affliction and the rains of adversity coming towards our lives. The Bible warns us of these fiery trials that are to come as Paul addresses us as “Beloved” .... “do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you...” reassuring us of the testings to come....as the weathermen who warn us of the storm as they predict ahead, however, it is God who sees “all things” as He is the author and He says that “these too will come”.
The weekend had arrived as Randy and I finished a busy week of scheduled responsibilities regarding work, ministry, and family...and still concerned about how Randy was feeling we marched on and embraced what the weekend would bring with our plans on hold for vacation as emotions were swirling within us as we soon had to share with family and friends what now had entered into our week. During this time Hurricane Irma was making her way towards Florida and family began calling us and we prayed with them reminding them of the God who calms the seas promises to give those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ His peace in the midst of the storms, a place of perfect peace and security. So often the same words He gives us for others then echos back into our own hearts when faced with our own crisis and Truth resonates in our soul which fleshy thoughts cannot obstruct and we then continue in the things we have learned and know, even as Paul wrote....those who seek to influence others must first “partake of the crops” themselves. And I hear His gentle voice saying, “Do you believe?”
Lord, are you preparing my heart”? I knew I was at an intersect once again and the choice was mine...determining to march on and stand stronger on the truths of His Word at all cost or be filled with fear that was no good to anyone as we knew a Dr appointment now was just a phone call away. Instantly all the notes penned in my Bible that God had given me, all my favorite verses highlighted, all that I shared with other women, all came back and flooded my mind as I flipped the pages and sat with His Word tightly in my hands knowing that the application of God’s Word is what enables me to walk with Jesus, allowing Him to continue to transform my life. I instantly remember Samuel’s response to God’s call, “Speak, Your servant hears” 1 Samuel 3:10. I had to hear the Lord and humbly apply it’s truth in obedience and fully follow Him.
As I write this today, a year later, I am reminded again of the storms that come as the rains are falling down and as Hurricane Florence is stirring...and despite the storms and deep waters His peace prevails as I stay so close, so safe in the center of His will. The comparison that comes to mind are the hurricane force winds that can be clocked up to 150 per hour, while in the center of these storms is the eye, a space of about 20 miles, a place of perfect peace and a continued calm.
It is said that the application of God’s Word in our life takes us from “student to surgeon” and the “patient is us”. As we surrender to His will and allow the Word to speak to us... it will search, cut, heal and guide our hearts...bringing us closer to Him. Knowing we were faced with a trial greater than ever before I was challenged not to be governed by what was happening but to cling to Jesus and react according to His promises. He is the calm in the eye of the storm and in the deepest waters I have come to know the deepest things of God.
With Bible and pen in hand I attempted to begin to put in words all that we would endure and how trustworthy our God is, beginning on September 9th. As I have lived the pain and embraced the joys of walking with Randy through all he had to go through, all that he knew God had now called him to, the Lord gave me Jeremiah 30:2, “This speaks the LORD God of Israel saying, ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken’
It’s the assurance of His Word in His Promises to us, and the glory of Eternity that helps us bear our crosses each day. After many years of walking together as husband and wife with Christ and serving our Lord together we have truly witnessed that His promises do not fail — His grace is sufficient and nothing can separate us from His love.
Many have often asked, sharing their fear to surrender all to Him, knowing the cost is great. My prayer continues to be for all of us that the cost of discipleship will never be too great here on earth compared to the salvation of others and the glory and riches that are awaiting us ahead.
I desire above all else that the Lord would minister to hurting hearts and remind others that He is sufficient; nonetheless. As I write and remember and allow God to minister to me I pray that others will be inspired by the Lord who carried us in His arms through every moment....believing as Randy always said, “God will do great things”. May God use Randy’s story to tenderly touch and powerfully impact the lives of others. I am amazed at the stories I am hearing....like the seed that falls to the ground, only then can it produce life. Like the multiplication that takes place when we offer back to God the things He gives us as in the story that many have read throughout the ages in scripture of the little boy who placed a lunch that seemed so insignificant and small in Jesus’ hands. My Savior He will bless and I pray He would use it all to feed the hungry and hurting hearts of many.
May you look to God when times of uncertainty and storms come, He alone is able to keep you in the eye, in the place of perfect peace....May your soul find rest in God alone Ps. 62:1-2.....Selah
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