A devotional by Patricia Russell
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.” –Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
A few years ago, my husband and I planned on going on vacation during the month of August.
When people heard where we were going and the time of year, they remarked on the fact that we were going during “hurricane season”. I’m not a weather specialist but I was not overly concerned. Depending on where you are in the world some parts are prone to stormy weather, especially if you are going on a cruise and passing through the Caribbean regions during this time.
The word ‘storm’ means something different to us living in Southwestern Canada, who have only a faint idea of what it means to board up windows, run in the basement and buckle down for cover. How do you not curl up in a ball knowing winds could beat the window frames in? How do you not crumble under the terror of the winds? How do you find strength to stand in the storm that could possibly take you out?
Jesus Christ and His disciples were journeying in their boat when the weather became stormy. Let’s read about this in Luke 8:23-24 (KJV): “But as they sailed, he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.”
While the storm was happening, Jesus was asleep. The storm didn’t disturb Him. His disciples had to wake him up. The storm scared them, but it wasn’t strong enough to jolt Jesus awake. When Jesus arose, He rebuked it. Mark 4:39 (NIV) says, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” God created everything that exists, so we have to trust that He knows how to manage His creation. While the disciples were fretting (as most of us would too), Jesus remained asleep. He literally was having a siesta while those onboard were fighting for their life!
Jesus was able to sleep because His perspective on the storm was different from the disciples. He was in control. He had authority over the storm. Jesus knew who He was in relation to the storm. The question for us is: How do we perceive the storm we are in?
You might see the storm as an in interruption to your life. Maybe you’re becoming fearful because storms bring noise and can possibly cause damage. We all need strength to face our storm. We need strength to discern the direction it is going so we can ensure we are not in its path. Ultimately, we pray for strength to survive it. We want to still be standing after the winds and rain cease.
Remember where Jesus was in the boat. He wasn’t on the deck trying to steer the ship. He was in the bottom having a good rest. Jesus knew who He was, and He knew He was in control. God has given us Holy Spirit to draw strength and courage to face the winds of worry and fear. We have access to this power to not only face the storm but survive them when they surface.
Take courage my friend, nothing has changed. God knows the storm that we’re in or will enter into. He knows when they are coming. He has the final say on how hard the storm hits. I believe His desire is that we know Him in such an intimate way that we trust Him to protect us as He protected His disciples. Jesus wants us to copy His behavior by taking courage and resting till the storm passes over.
Draw strength in knowing that Jesus has us covered, protected and safe—even when the storms of life rage all around us. We are safe in Him.
Let’s Pray: Father God, we draw strength from You. Thank You for covering us and protecting us from the strong winds of fear. Thank You for the comfort of The Holy Spirit to give us peace until these storms pass over. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.
Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.
She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.
When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.
As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.
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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
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