All Things Possible Through Him

Anchored in the Storm: Embracing God’s Presence and Peace through Waiting and Prayer

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7

We attentively watched the weather forecast for more than a week. A hurricane formed in the Caribbean, and the weather reports confirmed our fears. Hurricane experts determined the path would take a direct aim at our community. Every hour, we checked for the progress of the storm. Did it slow down? Did the eye of the storm take a turn? Anxiety, prayers, and more prayers.

We followed the track as the storm moved further northeast and veered away from our shoreline. Our prayers for our protection changed to prayers for others in the storm’s new path, and we added prayers of gratitude for our safety.

“O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.” Psalm 89:8-9

Life often feels like a series of waiting periods, especially when a storm catches us smack in the middle of its path. The dark clouds gather, the winds howl, and the rain seems relentless.

The storm may not be a weather event. It may come in the form of a health diagnosis, a crisis in a relationship, a storm of indecisiveness, or a drought of discernment when we need Christian wisdom the most.

In these moments of anxiety and uncertainty, it can be challenging to see beyond the immediate turmoil. We must wait, watch, and pray. Yet, our faith is tested and refined precisely in these times.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6

Consider the disciples in the boat with Jesus (Mark 4:35-40). A furious storm arose, and despite being experienced fishermen, they were terrified. They frantically woke Jesus, who was sleeping peacefully, and cried out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The storm ceased, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus asked His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Even as Christians, we may not understand the storm. Like the disciples, we may panic. This powerful narrative teaches us several critical lessons about handling the anxiety of waiting for a storm to pass:

1. Recognize God’s Presence: Like the disciples, we may feel alone and afraid during life’s storms. However, Jesus is always with us, even when He seems silent. His presence is our assurance and refuge.

2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Jesus could calm the storm with just His words. Similarly, no matter how fierce the storm we face, God is in control. He can bring peace and resolution in His perfect timing.

3. Grow in Faith: The storms of life are opportunities for our faith to deepen, even though it is hard to see these storms as opportunities when the wind and rain are battering down the house that shelters your heart. Rather than succumbing to fear and anxiety, we can trust that God is working all things for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. We may not understand the good that results from our life’s turmoil. Sometimes, the good that results from our storms will be evident to others in the future.

4. Seek Peace through Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer. Prayer brings inner peace even during turmoil. When we pray, we sense His peace that surpasses all understanding.

5. Remember Past Deliverances: Reflecting on how God has been faithful in past storms can strengthen our trust in His continued faithfulness. Just as He has delivered us before, He will do so again.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26

He is our anchor in the storm, our peace in the chaos, and our hope in times of uncertainty.

Prayer: Dear Lord, amid life’s storms, help us to trust in Your unfailing love and sovereign power. Grant us Your peace that surpasses all understanding and strengthen our faith as we wait for the storm to pass. Thank You for being our refuge and ever-present help in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May you find solace in His presence and peace in His promises as you navigate life’s storms.

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Blessing Your Children

It is that time of year! Schools and colleges across the world are celebrating the achievements and milestones reached by students. This is a time of graduation speeches, parties, dinners, and gifts. Students are assembled, lines of candidates march up to a stage, and diplomas are placed in the hands of those who are finishing one season of life and moving into another.

As Christians, we pray for our graduates, congratulate them, and wish them well. This spring, my fifth grandchild graduates from high school. With the intention of writing a letter to him to express my feelings, I turned to Scripture for inspiration. Examples of ancient traditional blessings given to children are found throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the story of Jacob and Esau competing for their father’s blessing illustrates the importance of the ancient blessings and the parts of a traditional blessing for each son (Genesis 27: 24-40).

The format of blessings for Jacob and Esau had four components. These blessings traditionally included: touch, spoken message of value, message of destination, and a message of commitment (Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament, Vol.1, 2005). A closer examination of each of the components reveals the blessing is more than a standard form letter or generalized message. It is a guideline for parenting.

A loving touch, a hug, an arm around a shoulder, or a kiss, conveys the love of the family member for the child. In everyday parenting, this is a signal that the parent is easy to approach and accepts the child without conditions. The family connection is reinforced through touch. Bonding is communicated with a hug or a kiss upon greeting, or the pat on the back for a job well done. This nonverbal reinforcement is what children long to have from their family.

The spoken message of value is an opportunity for parents to verbally affirm the child’s positive attributes, strengths, and skills. These messages encourage emerging skills and well-developed talents. Young ears wait to hear such statements for their efforts. In our world today, media may bombard youth with negative messages. Children and teens need to hear positive comments about their attributes for their own self-esteem. This can validate their understanding of who they are and what they can become. These carefully worded comments communicate authentic affirmation to the child and increases their belief about their own value.

A message of destination is a chance to let the child know how far you believe they will go in life using the gifts they have. One child may be creative; let them know they will be an artist or writer one day. Another child may be gifted in math and science; tell the child they can be an astronaut, engineer, or anything in the field of science. A child who speaks their mind, applies critical reasoning, investigation skills, and can discuss findings with others might become an attorney or researcher. Telling a child that they can be anything they want in their specific field is inspiring and motivating. They will develop a sense of purpose and know parents support their dreams.

The promise of commitment is important for a child embarking on a new adventure or new stage of life. The parent or grandparent can let the child know their future will have many opportunities and likely a few challenges. But, no matter what the future holds, the parent will be there to encourage and love them all along the way. The promise of unconditional commitment leaves the door open for a child to come back for help when difficult life challenges, such as a troubled relationship or an unexpected financial crisis, occur. This commitment provides a lifeline to the child in need and may prevent the child from going down uncertain paths.

In addition to the ancient blessing found in Genesis, Scripture provides other wonderful examples of God’s blessings and encouragement for us all. These passages are useful to keep tucked away in your heart and for your children and grandchildren to learn throughout their lives. Here are just a few:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

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“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:5-8

Think about the importance of blessings. Blessings for children at any age are meaningful. Blessings:

Communicate love of the family
Communicate belief in the strengths and gifts held by the child
Communicate how bright their future looks to the parent
Communicate your love for your child is unconditional and lifelong

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End of Times?

The morning news each day ignites concern and fear. Disturbing headlines from around the globe, soon become paired with anxiety and causes tension and distress. The world is a treacherous place of disrespectful language and aggressive actions. We see troubled children, confused teens, misguided parents, and dismayed grandparents. We seldom hear of nurturing Christian homes-not because they do not exist, but because they are not aligned with current popular media. The sensationalized words of leaders and heads of state bring no comfort. We fear our time in history. It is then we must remember, as David did, the Origin of our strength.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

We know God has the final perfect plan and yet we worry. We schedule our days, watch our clocks, and strive for some sense of control and order. We scour news stories and investigate reports across multiple sources. We believe we have the knowledge and discernment to determine what will happen next. We search for answers. We look for security that cannot be guaranteed. We seek a road map, a travel guide, some direction to bring us peace. It is at this moment we must turn to the True Source of all knowledge and remember:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

We hear whispers about the End Times and read ancient Biblical prophecies which seem to be unfolding before our eyes. We know of wars and hear rumors of more wars. We see nations fight and people struggle. We see nations of displaced people. We witness repeated attacks on our own Holy Land as foretold so long ago. We worry about our country and the ability to fight off any evil. We question our weaponry. Are our weapons powerful enough for the enemy? Do we have enough in store? If needed, can our weapons find our enemies? At this time, we must remember the words Moses told his people who doubted their future:

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14

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With all the chaos, vitriol, and savage actions, we search for comfort. We crave safe keeping. We listen for reassurance. We ask for protection. We do not know what to do next. We do not know what to expect. At this moment, we should listen to the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples. He had informed them He would soon depart this world. The message was not meant to bring sorrow to the disciples. His message was meant as one of reassurance.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Yet we continue to have anxiety. It is part of our human nature. We look to the Scriptures for guidance. But we must remember, just as God told Joshua after the death of Moses, He is with us. He spoke with Joshua to provide strength and direction. His words, pointing to the future, remind us that God is with believers always- the present day and to the End of the Age.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

In Matthew, Jesus again reminds us to trust that He is with us always.

”And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.

When we hear fear provoking news, let us find peace in the words of Scripture. Let us remember that Christ has overcome the world. Lean on Him.

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It’s All Great

And they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” Matthew 21:16

Is it difficult in seasons of our most challenging trials to be joyful? During our daily frustrations and disappointments do we tend to only view the negative aspects of what we are facing without being thankful for our blessings?

I would have to raise my hand and say “yes.” It is hard when it seems one burden on another is placed on my shoulders or one blow happens after another. But not long ago while eating lunch with my husband at our favorite beach café, something happened that struck home.

The weather was an amazing gift that day. Following a hard freeze two days earlier, we were blessed with sunny, balmy, seventy-five degree day. As you might imagine, all the small outside tables were taken.

Because of the crowded situation, we were forced to sit at a large table for ten. Being accompanied by our pooch that day, there were three of us at one end of a large table. As we took our first bites of the delicious entree, a frazzled mother of three bounced chaotically into the picture. Seeing the open end of our table as her only option, she graciously asked if she and her three little ones could share the other end. Of course, we insisted and warned of our pooch on the ground beneath the table.

The middle child was told to sit on the end and the worried mom promptly provided him with an electronic device and headphones. It was easy to see this young boy had difficulty in the overstimulated environment and the mom feared her son might bother others in the outdoor dining space. As the minutes passed, the mom and the other children managed the boy’s restless behavior and reminded him several times to keep his voice down. The boy, with developmental challenges, seemed isolated from the family but in reality, the mom knew the best way the boy would enjoy his time there.

After a while, the birds began descending near our table attempting to grab a crumb or two. When a bird swooped down directly to the boy, he startled and backed away from the table. He told his mom, “When that bird came at me my whole life passed before my eyes.” The mom questioned, “Oh? What did you see? When your whole life passed before your eyes, what did you see?” He replied, “It was all great.”

His words pierced my heart. God sends us messages in the most unique ways. To the casual observer, the situation seemed to be one in which a young boy struggled each day to make sense the world around him. To others it seemed he didn’t connect with people as other children his age and younger are able to do. It seemed he didn’t know about life and the world around him. In reality, at his young age, he had already figured life out: ”It’s all great.” In the words from this young child, I heard the message, count it all joy. No matter our trials.

Count it all joy.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-4

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Looking for God…

How do we find God? Often we do not seek Him when we need Him the most. We might become afraid or angry instead of asking Him for help. We may not talk to Him when things are going well but only cry out when we are desperate. But we are to be in a relationship with Him. We are to look to Him in all situations-good and bad. And who should turn to Him? Christians? Adults? Can children find God? Where do we find Him? He can be found in the Word. He offers support in any situation.

For the child who feels abandoned, the one who believes other families have happy homes while their home is sad, dysfunctional, and dark; for the teen who believes they cannot eat like others for fear of gaining weight; the one who cuts their arm to avoid feeling the internal pain in their heart; for the one who believes love is for everyone else but not for them…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

For the one who ached for a lifelong companion through the years and meets a person with a faithful heart; the one who cried for a child to become a part of the family and an orphan is placed in their arms; the child moved from home to home for years and at last finds a forever home…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says: “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.” Psalm 28:6

For the one who cries upon hearing the diagnosis then learns of a treatment; the one who worries of the unfaithful spouse then finds the truth is pure; the one who fears job loss then finds another opportunity; the parent who fears a teen has lost their way then they share a smile and a prayer together…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

For the one who quietly opens the front door to avoid waking the family when returning from a double shift; the one who sleeps in a hole in the dirt while deployed serving their country; the one who preaches the Word in a small wooden church in a foreign jungle; the teen who works a part-time job and contributes to the family rent…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says:”Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

For the one who reads a negative test when hoping for a baby; the one who is deserted at the altar while the crowd watches from the pews; the one who sits beside the bed of a loved whose heart monitor no longer beeps; the one who learns their marriage is ending…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

For the insecure one beginning an exam that determines their future; the one who believes the finish line is out of reach; the one who answers the call of a church with empty pews…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

For the child who believes he should not have been born; the one who feels they were made in the wrong body; the one who feels inferior when compared to their friends; the one who thinks they are not attractive; the one who believes they are not as strong, as skilled, or as smart as others…look to God’s Word.

The Living Word Says:“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God will find a way when there is no way. He may not go the direction you have mapped out. He may take you on a better path or to a different ending-but it is His plan. He will hold your hand on the journey. Rest in Him.

Looking for God… where do we find Him?
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