More Lessons from the Recent Storms (Part 2)

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19

I shared yesterday that Wednesday night into Thursday was a tough time of despair for me. I realized how vulnerable I really was. I realized how out-of-control I really was in the big picture.

As the morning when on, the “circumstances” didn’t change. We had no power. We were burning up gallons of fuel so generators could operate. Trees where down everywhere. We had no idea when the power would ever be restored.

The weekend before we had lost $38,000 in revenue because of Hurricane Sandy. Unless there was a change – we’d take another huge loss on this past weekend.

As I said, the circumstances didn’t change – but the Lord was speaking peace to my spirit. I hadn’t had my time with God, so I pulled away into my office and began to read the Word and my other devotionals.

One of the devotionals I read has recently spoken to my heart. Listen to what the writer shared:

Learn to appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything.

This knowledge is comprised of three parts: your relationship with Me, promises in the Bible, and past experiences of coping successfully during hard times. Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days.

If you are tempted to think, “Yes, but that was then, and this is now,” remember who I AM! Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity. This is the basis of your confidence. In My Presence you live and move and have your being.

Young, Sarah (2010-03-02). Jesus Calling: A 365 Day Journaling Devotional (Kindle Locations 3681-3687). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

The Lord used this to whack me on the head. It was just what I needed to hear. I have ahistorical record of God working in my life in the past. I have started circling promises in my Bible. I needed to be reminded that God is TOTALLY aware of ALL my circumstances and has promised to NEVER leave me or forsake me.

By the end of the day I was filled with a renewed sense of peace, hope and expectancy. It really didn’t matter if the power came back or not. No matter what I knew that He would be right there beside me. That truth spoke to my heart and gave me the courage to face the next several days. More about that tomorrow. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Team YOU: Lamentations 1-2; Proverbs 13; Hebrews 10:1-18

Motivations: Whatever we may undertake with a sincere desire to promote His (God’s) glory, we may comfortably pursue. Nothing is trivial that is done for Him. John Newton

Practice to Remember: Level 1:James 3:9-10; Level 2: James 3:7-12

Powered Up:  Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life. Oswald Chambers