There are times during a sermon that I am overcome with emotion because I can relate to whatever it is the pastor is preaching about. I’m sure that most of us have similar experiences. Who couldn’t relate to going through the valleys and mountain tops of life.
We continue with the message brought to Joseph by the angel that his betrothed is with child and it’s not his. The whispers and judgment he and Mary must have endured at this news.
The presence of God is with us in all the different types of seasons in our lives. The lowest valleys are the times when we have the most opportunity to grow to know him more deeply. When we hit rock bottom and can’t bare another bad thing, we concede finally to give in and let God have control.
We begin to hear those small whispers because he’s close and we have to lean in to him or he to us, His presence is with us in the storm and we can begin to lean into him, knowing that we can trust him to follow through on his promises.
The thing about storms is that God often gets blamed for causing the storms, allowing them to happen or we begin to ask where he is because we’re not hearing him. Don’t let the storms cause you to doubt God’s promises, that’s what Satan wants.
The account of the shipwreck in Acts 27 is a perfect example of this. Paul warned the sailors not to set out, but they didn’t listen. They were headed to Crete which is surrounded by mountains and valleys. Storms could whip up out of no where in an instant. A perfect
“I told you so” moment when they were days without food and throwing stuff overboard to lighten the load.
When you’re in a storm, God will provide a way out. It may not be the way you would prefer to deal with the situation, but he knows best.
We each have an angel of the Lord that stands beside us. We have a God who sends us a warrior angel. He hears our prayers, comforts us and directs us when we’re lost. Never doubt that!
When it seems that God has left us, we’re not letting him in. The case is more than likely that we’re trying to do it in our own strength. But, when you realize he really is there, your posture changes.
When you take your eye off the storm and put it on God, you may still be in the mess, but you’ll have confidence that he can deliver you.
Real peace is not found in the absence of storms, it’s found when you’re in the presence of God. If you survive the storm, he’s surely not done with you yet! What you’ve learned during the storm, God can use to bring others to him.
Faith is in what God says, not what we see.
Pray for peace on earth, but it won’t take away the storm.
During this Christmas season, let’s remember the faith of Mary and Joseph. They endured the hardships and we’ve all been blessed because of it! Go and do likewise…
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 