Recently, I have been in the midst of a raging storm, waves of worry and hurricane winds of anxiety threatening to capsize my boat. I was fearful I would not reach land safely and I felt like I was drowning.
I understood how the disciples questioned Jesus in Matthew 8:23-27, "Jesus, don't you care if we drown?"
Psalm 77:2-4, 9 (NLT)
When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the LORD. All night long I prayed with hands lifted to heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!...Has God forgotten to be gracious: Has he slammed the doors on his compassion?
Yet, throughout the worst of the turbulent winds, I would remember how Jesus had come through for me in my past storms. Never early. Never coming by helicopter to life-flight me out of the boat, but always working all things for good in the end.
Psalm 77:10-12 (NLT)
But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
When I felt like I could not continue fighting the waves, Jesus would arise and say, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
My prayer in response, from the depth of my heart was, "I have faith, Jesus. I believe. Help my unbelief."
And Jesus would throw me a life-line...
A little miracle that would strengthen my faith.
A scripture promise in my daily Bible reading.
A dream.
A Word of Knowledge downloaded to my heart and mind.
A preschool chapel lesson inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach me a lesson on faith.
Prayer warriors standing with me in the boat.
Prayer warriors calling and texting prayers and words of encouragement from the distant shore.
While I had to row with all of my strength in the waves that crashed against me, Jesus was strengthening me. He was making me stronger so that the next storm that comes, because there will be a next storm, I will remember how Jesus was with me in the midst of this storm. How He never left me or forsook me.
And finally, at the very last moment, on the day before I needed my answered prayer, Jesus arose and said to my storm, "Quiet! Be still."
And the waves and wind stilled.
Who is this Jesus who even the winds and waves obey Him?
He is my Savior, Rescuer, Healer, Shepherd, and King.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Thank you that you hear me when I call. Thank you for forgiving me when I panic and I have a hard time scrounging up a mustard seed of faith. Thank you that you are strengthening me in the storms of my life. Thank you for being my Good Shepherd who cares and protects me. I love you, Jesus.
Psalm 77:13-15 (NLT)
O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you: You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people.
Are you in the midst of a storm?
Are you struggling with fear and stress and worry?
Call out to Jesus, "Jesus, Jesus help me!" No fancy prayers needed. Just a call of desperation from your heart will do.
He loves you. The Bible says that Jesus is near the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
He wants to help you. Invite Him into your storm.
Keep your eyes, ears, and heart focused on Him, no matter how high the waves get.
Ask people around you to pray with you. They will keep you afloat.
And, you'll see Jesus arise and say, "Quiet! Be still" to your storm.
John 16:33 (AMP)
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
Love,
Yolanda
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