3 Lessons We Can Learn in the Storm

There are times in your life when a crisis comes and you're left feeling helpless.

It could be an untimely accident, the sudden death of a spouse, a wayward child, or a severe illness.You wonder out loud, "Lord, don't you care?" 

Of course, you know He does...but you feel abandoned and disillusioned.  The key is to remember that they are feelings, not reality.  Perception can be the very thing that keeps you from seeing the Lord at work. When we cry out to God in anguish - we often already know the answer…

Let's look at this familiar passage in Mark 4:35-41  (also Matthew 8:23-27 , Luke 8:22-25)

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

The Sea of Galilee, also know as the Sea of Tiberias is prone to abrupt and vicious storms. This body of water is roughly 200 feet deep and sits 680 feet below sea level. Northeast of the Sea of Galilee is Mount Hermon that reach upward 9000 feet above sea level. When the cool, dry air from the summit clashes with the warm, semitropical air near the sea shore it results in chaos. The varied differences in air pressure and wind direction combine to produce a weather phenomena that in turn spawns fierce and sudden storms.

Jesus' disciples left the multitude and took Him along in the boat. He often withdrew by Himself to rest. Jesus plainly said they would cross over to the other side. In effect He said, "You will get there." He was in one fishing boat with His disciples and there were other little boats along side.

There are times when we will face problems at home with our unbelieving spouse. We are in one boat and there might be other little boats nearby. But other times we are completely alone. Your best friend isn’t there to give advice. Your Mom isn’t there to console you. Your church family isn’t there to pray with you. You are all by yourself. What do you do?

Here are three lessons we can learn in the storm:

1. Trust the One who is sovereign in your times of despair and uncertainty

Satan loves to play on our feelings of fear and hopelessness because he then uses them to isolate and control us. He is a liar and will coax you to doubt yourself and your belief in God. Your spouse will draw upon their own set of crisis management skills, but as an unbeliever, they will fall woefully short. However, as a believer you have taken Him with you (Joshua 1:5). God is always there as you make your way through your circumstances.

When a great storm arises, you can bet the boat you are in will feel like it’s sinking. The waves of anger, uncertainty, and anxiousness will beat against its hull. The water of despair will begin seeping in. Your hope will feel like it has holes in it. Whatever you do, don’t sabotage your own rescue by trying to “fix it by yourself”. 

2. Remember - Jesus is in that rocky little boat with you and He cares for you

The fishing boats they were in had shallow sides and were prone to taking on water rather easily. The scripture says their boats were already swamped. Jesus was in the stern of the boat fast asleep on a cushion (generally reserved for the helmsman). He was tired and needed rest. He had preached all day and was exhausted. However, as God, we know He never tires as Psalm 121:4 declares, “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

Our Lord laid down His head in total peace knowing what lay ahead for them. There was no anxiety on His part and clearly He trusted His Father to preserve them. The disciples were seasoned sailors who were familiar with rapid changing weather conditions. Yet, they awoke Him, pleading with Him to do something. They were fearful and perceived they might die. Yet, you would think they would trust Him after the many miracles and signs He had done. Where was the faith they should have had in who He was?

Aren’t we just like them, demanding that God hear us while we yell, “Do You not care that we are perishing? Perhaps they remembered the writing of the sons of Korah in Psalm 44:23, “Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever.”

3. Be encouraged... He rebukes our winds of “what if’” and He calms our "sea         of panic"

Jesus stood and rebuked the wind, and calmed the sea. Just as demons shrank upon His vocal commands to be silent, so do the elements recoil and cease. The Creator of all nature commanded them to hush and be still...

If we are to display Christ’s attributes and ride the undercurrents of peace, we must stay anchored to our hope, and let Him take control of the situation. Your spouse is observing your reaction to the crisis, and you must let Jesus shine through.

When Jesus spoke to them, it was with a gentle rebuke. How often does He do that with us? Your spirit is quickened and you perceive His loving assurance and grace. These are teachable moments which we must embrace eagerly.

The disciples were in awe of what they had just witnessed. The question they asked one another was, “Who can this be…?” Indeed, that is the question we must ask ourselves, for in its answer, we find the One who has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

This hymn by J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918) talks about Jesus being 

our friend and protector. Stanzas 3 and 4 below speaks volume:

                                                   Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
                                                   While the billows o’er me roll,
                                                  Even when my heart is breaking,
                                                  He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
                                                
                                                 Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
                                                     While the tempest still is high,
                                              Storms about me, night o’ertakes me,
                                                     He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

3 Lessons We Can Learn in the Storm

You need to check your eye --- I think I see a speck...

"I bet he is enjoying the fact that I made a mistake!" I thought to myself. 

How often do I imagine the wrong response and correlating reason for it?

We all do it - married or not... We play Holy Spirit junior (as it were) in an attempt to filter someone else's actions through our own imperfect lens.

The following passage in Matthew 7:1-5 is a familiar one. Jesus Himself is calling out the hypocrites in the crowd. He is teaching on judging others. It is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted scripture references:
     
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck out of your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye."

There is only one Righteous Judge. When we judge another according to our own standards - we invite the same standard used against us.  Reaping and sowing is an eternal law.  How foolish of us to think that we can withstand judgment according to our own making!  There is a time for judgment with regards to a believer when they are in sin.  The bible devotes passages to church discipline and admonishment. Jesus' own words appear in Matthew 18:15-17.

We think we know why people do or say what  they do or say.  We play amateur clinical psychologist and do a quick analysis of their actions.  We filter their words through our own auditory prism instead of a grace filled ear.  We must be careful when we overextend our comments and thoughts - especially in our marriage.

Oftentimes we are guilty of actually judging their motives - not their actions.  That in and of itself is dangerous, and is outright unspiritual in nature. First, it speaks to a "trust" issue.  Not only do you question their trustworthiness, but you assign a wrong motive to their deed or words. God alone knows the heart motive and sees their intent.  We are better served by extending grace (undeserved favor) to the person and let God bring conviction when it is necessary regarding the circumstances.

In Oswald Chamber's The Utmost for His Highest, he writes the following,

"The average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual... the Holy Ghost is the only One in  the true position to criticize, He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding... There is no getting away from the penetration of Jesus. If I see the mote in your eye, it means I have a beam in my own. Every wrong thing that I see in you, God locates in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (see Romans 2:17-20)."

If I examine my spouse's motives, I risk projecting my own thought process onto their actions.  If I tend to be a bit more defensive when confronted - I might unfairly assign defensiveness to his words or body language. If I downplay their enthusiasm for a particular event, plan or purchase - I risk hurting their feelings and injuring the relationship.  I must stop criticizing the "why" before I know the "what".

Make certain that you refrain from lashing out when you are on the receiving end of criticism and anger. There is often another hidden reason for their outburst and sarcasm. We never really know what has transpired during their day or just before the incident that left you feeling wounded. It might be best to separate yourself for a brief period of time before you respond in a manner that is anything but Christ-like.

I often have to send up one of those "SOS" prayers to the Lord, asking for wisdom and for help with keeping my mouth shut when it is needed.  I don't need to irritate and agitate - I need to disarm and chill out! I need the Holy Spirit to take over and bring calm to a situation that is spiraling out of control.

Extending grace is not focusing on the faults of others - but rather covering them in love. 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

You need to check your eye --- I think I see a speck...

Moving Forward...

123RF Stock Photo

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s Providence. ~Augustine 

Christmas was rough.   Things were different this year.  My Dad was in and out of the hospital during the holiday season.  My Mom and I spent hours in the ER and drove across town numerous times to visit him.  Our family had to adjust to different schedules and make sacrifices.  That’s what family does when someone is hurting and needs extended care.

I make plans loosely.  I don’t concern myself with, “what about tomorrow?”  I have learned to stay flexible when it comes to schedules and the unpredictable.

I say all this to say, “Do not fret about the future… it will fret enough for itself.”  (Matthew 6:34)

As we move into a new year, keep in mind that God often uses difficult times to draw us unto Himself.  My New Year’s resolution is to purpose to spend more time in His Word and in prayer.  Surely these past few weeks has laid a foundation for that practice.  I am more committed than ever to stay connected to Him in meaningful ways. 

I am determined to nurture the Mary half and squelch the Martha half in me as I move forward.  Each one has an important part in my spiritual well-being, but right now in this moment in time I need to sit at the Master’s feet.

2014 will be a year like no other.  Each year has trials and triumphs, tribulations and trouble.  No matter what – God will prevail.   I need only to defer to His leading and walk in the steps He has ordained for me.

I press forward – that I may grasp all that Christ Jesus has for me, knowing that He has first ordained that which He has given me.  (Philippians 3:12)

I get frustrated and impatient at times… we all do.  But one thing is sure:  people take precedence over plans.  God has ordained the family unit and we are to take care of each other in a manner that brings glory to Him.  It matters not that you receive no thanks or that the recipient of your actions don’t take notice.  It is a labor of love, not a drudgery of duty.

Let this New Year awaken a drowsy Spirit and a lackluster desire to be all that you can be for God.  Move forward in confidence.  

Don’t dwell on what is past.  Look for God’s signposts as you purpose to do His Will.  It will be different this year.  (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Enjoy these Blog posts from past New Years -

A Sure Foundation for the New Year

A New Year - Time For a Change

Happy New Year - A Fresh Start

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Moving Forward...

Your Provision Is Right Behind You

God's  provision often comes in unique ways, from odd sources and always at just the right time. 

Are you yearning for something from God just now?  Perhaps you’re waiting for an answer to prayer… a job, a marriage, a prodigal.  You might be hoping for a miracle… a healing, a pregnancy, or maybe a new beginning.

Jehovah~Jireh  [The Lord Will Provide]  - 

The text in Chapter 22 of Genesis begins with God testing Abraham using the very thing He promised to give him years earlier.  Abraham’s only son – flesh of his flesh – was to be offered up as a burnt offering on a mountain in the land of Moriah.  Isaac was precious to him and Sarah, and that made the request all the more heart-wrenching for the aging father. 

After Abraham and Isaac left the young men and donkey behind, they traveled to the place God had shown him.  Isaac carried the wood on his back and Abraham carried the fire and a knife for the sacrifice.  As they journeyed, Isaac voiced his concern over the fact that there was no lamb for the burnt offering.  That is when Abraham told his son, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

As Isaac lay bound on the crude altar upon the wood, Abraham lifted his weapon to slay his son.  The Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven saying, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

Verse 13 says, “Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns.  So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.  And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day."  Abraham knew God would provide what was required.  Faith told him to believe God for the provision, but he did not know how it would come.

We often look ahead to see what God will do on our behalf when we have a need.  We rehearse in our mind just how it all might come together. But I began to think about how Abraham’s provision was behind him.  

As he was concentrating on being obedient to God, he was totally unaware of how God was orchestrating his circumstances.  God would position exactly what was needed at precisely the right time in exactly the right place.

This is a great quote by one of my favorite Bible study teachers and mentors:

"Not only has Jehovah-Jireh foreseen your need for eternal salvation, 

He also sees your day-by-day needs."   

(Kay Arthur – To Know Him by Name)

Remember, God’s great vault contains all of the gold, silver and precious metals this earth contains.  His treasure chest is overflowing with diamonds, rubies, and all kinds of precious stones.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He is the keeper of all living creatures.  

God has no lack – He simply cannot run out of provision for you and me.

In Matthew 17:27 Jesus provided what was needed in dramatic fashion.  Peter was confronted by the temple tax collector and assured him that his Teacher paid lawful taxes. The One whom the wind and waves obeyed instructed Peter to go out and cast a hook into the sea. He was told to take the first fish that came up and retrieve a coin from its mouth, sufficient to pay the exact temple tax for two as was required.

Whatever you are in need of – your Heavenly Father can and will supply.  Do not recoil from asking, nor despair while you wait… 

He is already moving mountains and placing  your ram in the thicket - right behind you.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Your Provision Is Right Behind You

Speak to me Lord… I am Weary!

Will God speak to your circumstances? He did to mine. I had known Jesus personally for about 10 years when He spoke this poem into my spirit. The Lord always comes to us with love and encouragement, just when we need it! We get weary and begin to lose hope. His Word breathes life back into us, and He is the lifter of our head.

Holding onto your promise can be difficult. Time can continue to go by with little confirmation of what you were sure of in your spirit. Those are the days when you cry out to God and ask Him for more grace and more faith. This is what God spoke to me in one of those moments.

May it bless you as much as it has me.

Your Husband - My gift to you

Daughter of Mine, come close and listen to Me.

I chose you first.

My strength is made perfect in your weakness.

Your husband is my workmanship.

I have ordained this marriage.

It is a divine joining- a partnership

“till death do you part.”

My grace is sufficient for you.

Do not take offense.

His actions are not governed by My spirit.

He does not yet know Me as you do.

You are the apple of My eye;

it is my good pleasure

to give you the desires of your heart.

That would be your husband - would it not?

Your obedience to Me and your humbleness

in the face of heartbreak are your sacrificial

offering to Me - one in which I treasure.

I am your husband now, for awhile. Let me comfort and love you.

Daughter, take heart. You are not forgotten.

Can you see him? I am creating in him a new man;

in My likeness. Be patient… Trust Me… Wait.

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife…”

“For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?”

(I Corinthians 7: 14, 16)

Speak to me Lord… I am Weary!