Every day I try to write, read and listen to things that inspire me and challenge my mind. My friends Wendy Hermonstine and Weltering Mc Lead circulate meaningful content daily. Weltering recently sent me ‘Hope in the Storm’ and ‘Life’s Interruptions are opportunities to trust the Lord and see Him work’. They resonated with me in a major way and I decided to share the content because I know it will motivate someone.
Hope in the Storm
To receive peace when your world is in chaos, call on Jesus for help.
Matthew 8:23-27
Many people in the world—maybe even you—are facing terrible storms in their life. Broken homes, joblessness, loneliness, loss, financial struggles, and world crises slash at the very fabric of hope. Some may even feel as though they’re lost, adrift at sea in a small boat during a hurricane. And many wonder, How on earth will we be able to reach the shore safely?
The disciples faced this fear as well. While they were crossing the Sea of Galilee in their boat, the weather took a frightening turn. In desperation, they woke Jesus and cried, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” (Matt. 8:25). He rebuked them for their lack of faith and proceeded to calm the storm, showing himself to be lord over all creation.
This story teaches us where we should turn when storms arise in our own life. Sometimes people interpret challenging events as an indication that God isn’t paying attention. That’s what the disciples thought until Christ calmed the turbulent waters. But even when the world seems out of control, remember that Jesus is in the boat with you, and he’s still lord of all.
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 33-34
Life’s interruptions are opportunities to trust the Lord and see Him work
Numbers 22:15-35
A whistle gets our attention quickly, wouldn’t you agree? It’s used to control unruly behavior; signals the start or finish of an event, or interrupt action. Have you ever considered that God has a “whistle”? It’s not one we hear with our ears, but it’s effective in getting our attention and redirecting our life.
In today’s passage, God used a donkey as his “whistle” to redirect Balaam, but the man was oblivious until his animal spoke. Although you won’t hear a talking donkey, God still has His ways of getting your attention.
Sometimes He uses a restless spirit or some vague dissatisfaction with one’s life. At other times, it may be a scripture passage or something a person says that causes us to pause. God’s “whistles” come in many forms—illness, financial reversals, tragedies, disappointments, loss, difficulties, or failures.
Whatever situation the Lord uses, our response should be to quickly seek Him in prayer. He deserves our undivided attention, but too often, we get preoccupied with our circumstances and fail to recognize them for what they are. The next time the Lord interrupts your life in any way, let the situation prompt you to turn to Him and seek His guidance.
Bible in One Year: Judges 7-9
You will find your tribe. You will meet people who you really connect with.
Don’t be afraid to show your authentic self to the world.
It may be hard at first when people judge you and question your choices, but you must continue doing your thing.
Very soon, you will find yourself around people who share your visions and encourage you to pursue your dreams.
They will accept you just as you are and listen to what you have to say without judgment.
You will feel safe and comfortable in their company. You deserve to feel valued and appreciated.
Never forget your worth.
I have experienced many storms in my life, but they made me stronger and I also had many opportunities interrupted. We can learn a lot from the way an eagle deals with the storm. Eagle is the only bird that embraces the turbulence to push itself higher. When other birds flee from the weather, the eagle actively engages stronger winds to fly high above storms instead of seeking shelter.
God’s delay is not his denial and I had to learn to trust the process. I believe we all are dealing with some level of the storm as we continue to celebrate this life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.