STORMS

MareBearHitstheRoad Blogger - April 19, 2010 - Day 30 - Casting Crownsl does a song call the Voice of Truth. It is a wonderful song that reminds us that when we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on God, all things are possible. But in the STORMS, what do we most often do...we sink. Not because we don't believe but because as the lightening strikes and thunder roars, and the waves come crashing over us in the boat of life, we lose sight of our creator and are trapped by fear, uncertainty, anxiety, worry and a dozen more negative emotions - fight or  flight mentality that clouds our vision. And in those moments, it is not that we are without Faith in God and His promises, but looking up is so much more difficult than we thought it would be, during times of trial and sacrifice, loss and discouragement, etc.

How do we face the Storms as they approach, sometimes by surprise and sometimes expectantly, without forgetting that our creator wants to bring us nothing but blessings and build us up to serve Him in the way that He wants us to?  How, when we know He always provides, do we remain unraveled or unshaken by the slings and arrows of the evil one, as we draw closer to God? How do we keep our feet firmly fitted in the Gospels, the truth, wearing the full armor of God?

And...have you ever noticed how whenever you are on a strong spiritual path or in service to God, via the many ways that we do that, we seem suddenly bombarded with hurdle after hurdle along the way? How the road of service is constantly under attack one way or another?  Or how about when you try to spend some time in the word and all of a sudden your eyes become heavy with the desire to sleep? Or as you are on your way to church on Sunday morning, for stupid reasons you end up fighting with your spouse? Or as you work diligently to get your house in order to go out in service to the King, only to find that for every 3 challenges you overcome, 10 more crop up like weeds, to stand in your way?

I am pretty certain that I know how you have answered these questions, since we have all been there done that.  Well first and foremost, we must always Look UP and not out.  If we are staying focused on the crashing waves and not at the man in the boat, the Captain, then inevitably we will always be in the eye of the Storm. As I began this late last night, my eyes became heavy with exhaustion from another day of battles, all won but still the battlefield is never easy. As I finish this tonight I pray that somewhere in the midst of this particular blog, something pops out to at least one person who is facing trials or tribulations.

I was having a conversation with my oldest and dearest friend and confidant yesterday about Abraham and Isaac..I was speaking in terms of this move to NY and the sacrifices that I am making along the way to meet that goal and be forward thinking toward future challenges and goals. In so doing I was referencing this particular scripture because as I have been preparing for this journey, I have had many moments where God has said bring it to the mountain top and sacrifice for me. My "Isaacs" have been belongings, my pets, friendship and family - all of which are gifts of abundance and joy for me, but ultimately they are GOD's. It is through His provisioning that I have anything at all, much less possessions, wonderful pets, work, friendship and the family that I love. As we spoke of this particular biblical story, one of my personal favorites, my friend became very upset as he felt that this particular scripture sends out the wrong message to "the crazies" of the world, for lack of a better term, the people who take some scripture too literally when in fact they are lessons by which He teaches us how to be the very best not just as children of God but also teaches us what FAITH means.

Storms are tests of faith and commitment. And we all fail sometimes and we all succeed at other times.  The tale of Abraham's great Faith and Trust in God is witnessed in this particular scripture because he does exactly as he is instructed by God. He does not waiver, he unconditionally believes GOD and His promise to provide. How many of us are willing to be so obedient as to lay our lives, belongings, comforts, children, pets or whatever it is we hold dear and lay it on the altar for GOD as a sacrifice and be absolutely trusting and BELIEVE GOD that he will provide? Storms are the very thing that teach us how to do that. And while we may not always handle ourselves well during the storm; we may fail to look UP but rather out or inward; though we may turn our back on all we know to be true because we are blinded by the wind and rain and waves of the storm; when the clouds begin to clear and the rain ceases to fall, the waves disappear and followed my calm seas and a gentle wind we remember that He is God, we are Not and that He IS in control.

So, when we hear that song by Casting Crowns, and listen to the words...imagine that it is Christ that is at the helm of your ship as the seas become rocky and remember as He whispers to you...get out of the boat, you can walk on the water, if you believe and keep your eyes fixed on me because I will not fail you - YOU WILL NOT SINK. I will be the calm that you seek, that you need in every storm. I will be the wind in your sails, and the anchor at the shore.

Stand firm in your faith and He will take care of the rest...maybe not the way you think, and definitely not always solving your problems to your anticipation or liking but when the fair weather arrives, and the seas are calm once more and you can look back with renewed eyes and unclouded vision - then and only then can you  be witness to the glorious blessings that occurred while you were in the Storm. Lay your Isaac's down before the King and know that He WILL provide...because in the end - it's all His anyway!

Blessings,

marebear