The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He feverishly prayed for God's rescue, but with every day that passed, his hope was slipping away. He eventually built a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he returned to his hut to find it in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. Everything was lost. Stunned with grief and anger, the man shouted, "God, how could you do this to me!" He all but gave up and laid down just where he stood.
He awoke the next morning to the blare of a ships horn.
He looked out and saw the ship approaching the island. He was being rescued.
He looked out and saw the ship approaching the island. He was being rescued.
He shouted to the captain " How did you know I was here?"
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied
.
When a storm hits, I usually look for the nearest exit, hoping to escape the high winds. I am more than willing to give up my seat in a rocking boat in exchange for tranquil waters and blue skies. I don't like pain. I dread uncertain times. When life spins out of control, I often withdraw from friends and family in an feeble attempt to hide. Stress can paralyze me and make it difficult for me to function normally. Small tasks become huge mountains as the clouds gather and the winds pick up speed. To think that storms are for my good is a stretch to say the least.
I know you have repeatedly heard " we are strengthened by our storms". Honestly, there have been times when I felt as if I would curl up in a ball if one more person told me to praise God for my storm. Looking back, however, there is absolutely no doubt that my greatest growth has come during my most fierce life storms. Each storm has become a spiritual marker, a testament to the faithfulness of God.
It is from those markers that a deeper life in God is shaped and molded.
Storms will come. Storms are a reality of life.
We will either become storm survivors or storm statistics.
The choice really is ours to make. We can stop telling God how big our storm is and start telling the storm just how big our God is.
The key to enduring storms is to embrace each one that comes,
knowing it contains
and gives birth to the seed of victory.
Remember Jesus can walk on water, he is the only life preserver you need.
Now take a deep breath and let it out.
Give your prayer to the King.
Father My God, give me eyes to see Your hand at work in the midst of my life storms.
I surrender my fear , I give you my storm.
I choose to trust You even if I don't understand You.
Keep me from myself, forget me not and forgive me for my sin.
I will strive to Praise your name; shipwrecked or sailing on the high seas.
You are the King and I am your servant.
Your power, Your Love and Your Grace
is sufficient.
Thank You for loving me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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