“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.” John 16:33 – NIV
We all face storms: some safeguarded, silent in awe of the Glory of God in thunder, others seeking shelter from wind and lightning. In the midst of a recently endured storm, afraid of the crashing waves, I stepped out of the boat towards Jesus, only to sink; relying on my own strength, but like Peter, where else was I to go?
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’ “Matthew 14:31 NIV
“Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” John 6:21
Reaching for the hand of Jesus, the rain became soft on my skin and wings of the wind lifted me; floating across waves of blessings and grace unaware to solid ground, exhausted but somehow cleansed.
Confident in the easy rowing of calmer waters, I ventured out once more only to run aground on the lake bed, dry and cracked, thirsty for the slightest drop. The scorching sun burned my skin as dark clouds grew on the horizon. With nothing more than the clothes on my back to protect me, again I feared the wind.
Yet through the blinding sun and blowing sandstorm, I failed to see my Savior approaching through the tempest, arms outstretched.
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” Hebrews 13:5 – NIV
“I have brought you through many storms, known and unknown. Why would I stop now? I only ask that you hold on and focus your gaze on Me. All else will succumb to the Power of the will of Our Father in Heaven.”
Ocean winds billow our sails, drawing towards safe harbors while storms in the desert bring life giving water to parched land. Faithfully holding the hand of Jesus is the difference between enduring the storm and being consumed by it. If He carries you through storms in the desert, how much more will He lead you beside still waters?
Be Blessed
Keep and eye out for the release of my upcoming book :
Echoes Intertwined
a collection of parables, lessons and God whispers.
