my storm
Right now I’m still in the middle of the storm at sea. Sometimes I forget Jesus’ promise of going to the other side. Sometimes it feels like my sleeping Savior has left me to get through this on my own. Sometimes He has to rebuke my lack of faith. Sometimes He brings momentary calm to the storm with His resounding, “Peace, be still.” Other times, He brings calm to my heart with those same words.
Sometimes I curl up on His lap, figuring if the storm is “small” enough for Him to sleep through, why can’t I? Sometimes I yell at Him instead of the wind and waves. Sometimes I look around for peace, forgetting that the Prince of Peace is right next to me all along. Sometimes I find contentment, knowing He is with me in the worst storm of my life. Other times I just want Him to stop it all and let me off the boat.
I am often that person James describes as being tossed by the wind and waves because of unbelief. Which means I’m adding to my own storm. Ouch.
I want to believe even when I can’t see Him because my eyes are blinded by the driving rain. I want to trust even when I can’t hear Him because of the thunderous cracks of lightning hitting all around me. I want to stand firm even when everything is moving beneath my feet.
“Soaked, but hopeful.” I can’t wait to get there.
In the meantime, I want to remain steadfast in the storm.
Alece, I am so honored… and it makes me happy that my comment inspired some churchy goodness!
And what a great post by traceepersiko… seems “the storm” is a common denominator right now.
“It is in the midst of my storms where I feel God the most.” That is worth chewing on.
haha, some things seem a lot funnier at midnight when you’re totally sleep deprived ;) Reading it now, I sound like an arse. The last half is still true though… that was a great post. Struggles bring us closer to God, and if we let them wash over us we might just find ourselves closer to Him than ever before. That makes me pause and consider closely the tragedy in my life the past few years…
I am praying for you to have eyes to see yourself as He does … He sees that you are doing a great job in this storm. Mercy! He sees you are beautiful. He ADORES you. He doesn’t expect perfection. He expects you to do what you are doing … give it to Him, minute-by-minute if you have to … all of it … the ugly, the sweet, the bittersweet, your frustration, your anger, your joy, your tears, your laughter. He invented all those emotions. He is so pleased with you sweet, Alece. His lap is big and He is calling you to rest. You are doing great in this storm. You are a rock and it is impressive. So proud of you!
Love you!
@gritandglory says:
thank you for being such a strong encouragement to me.
Soaked but hopeful. Yes…exactly.
hear, hear.
(i’m the one in the bottom of the boat eating the left over cheese and crackers)
and i so loved your tweet about calming the storm/the heart…brought some much needed clarity.
love you so
@gritandglory says:
i’m more likely to be the one puking over the side of the boat. hey, somebody’s gotta feed the fish.
I spent a week on a troop transport ship traveling from Oakland, CA to Japan. I puked my guts out the whole way. I think I will leave any boating to you guys it you don’t mind.
@gritandglory says:
i canNOT even imagine. i would be a wreck.
Woah. Talk about a post that’s so honest and filled with truth.
I recently saw an interpretive dance where the person has cancer. At one point, she’s beating the chest of the male dancer like, “This is so unfair!!!” To think that we do the same to God Almighty….. and still He holds us so, so close and whispers to our heart, “Yes, my beloved, I know. I will make beauty out of these ashes. I will make all things new again. I am on the other side already, but most important, I’m here with you now, and you’re with Me. We’re in this together.”
There are storms all through our lives. Some are bigger than others, but as we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus, and know that his foot steps are carrying us through those storms, his grace is always sufficient. As he continues to carry you, keep praising him. As the storms of life continue to come, keep praising him. His promise is to never leave us or forsake us, do we really believe it or do we just say it. LU
“I had myself some church right there in the coffee shop”
Beautifully written post Alece. Your faith will follow you anywhere, as it is in your heart.
Storms pass, and then come the rainbows. I hope you see your’s soon.
@gritandglory says:
it always strikes me which parts stand out to you. i’m smiling that you liked that sentence.
and i hope to see my rainbow soon, too. doesn’t seem like the clouds are ready to part yet though…