Friday, September 8, 2017

Shelter In The Storm



Praying for all those trying to rebuild from Hurricane Harvey – loss of hopes, dreams, property, jobs, loved ones and even life itself. Praying for God to spare our nation from the devastating storm that is Hurricane Irma, and from those that lurk more distantly. For me personally, Hurricane Irma may strike even closer to home, threatening my family, home, church, business, state, and nation.

Yet God is in control, His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and His ways are higher than my ways. He works all things together for good for those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Job said he would trust and praise the Lord even though He would slay Him. For reasons we can’t begin to understand in this life, God allowed Satan to inflict loss of property, family, and health on His faithful servant Job, yet He never allowed Satan to take his life.

When Job began praying for his friends, even though they were quick to accuse him and tear him down rather than comfort him and build him up, God restored all to him and even more (Job 42:10).  May whatever storm we are facing teach us not only to draw closer to God in faith, but to fight as prayer warriors for one another.

Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), lashing out in fury with wind, lightning and floods as he knows his time is short to deceive humanity before Jesus Christ returns to banish him to the pit of hell. But Jesus is the One who spoke “Peace, be still,” to the raging storm, and the storm obeyed Him (Mark 4:39).

Praise God that if we have trusted His Son as our Lord and Savior, no one and nothing can harm us unless He allows it for our ultimate good and His glory. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Our earthly possessions can vanish in an instant, but the treasures we store up in Heaven last forever, safe from theft, destruction, or corruption (Matthew 6:19-20).

Our earthly life is but a vapor, gone as quickly as a puff of smoke dissipates (James 4:14). But once we place our faith in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), He gives us eternal life in Heaven with Him and our loved ones in Him, in a glorified body that will never sin, age, die, or experience sickness, pain or sorrow, in our own mansion He has especially designed for each of us (1 Corinthians 15:49-57).

Praise God that He is our Shelter in the storm, our Rock, our Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10) to Whom we can run, knowing that He will protect us as a hen protects her chicks (Matthew 23:37), and that He will hide us in the cleft of the Rock (Isaiah 2:21). He alone can lift us from the miry clay and place our feet on the firm foundation of the Rock that is Himself (Psalm 40:2).

May all be safe from the storm, trusting in Him Who is our Shelter, knowing that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5) , but that with Him, all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26). We can endure all trials in Him Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), for His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9)


© 2017 Laurie Collett
 

8 comments:

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
as I read your post I thought 'If God is for us who can be against us.' Then within seconds I saw that you had written that too. I join you in prayer that our beautiful Saviour will shield you from what the enemy will try to do through fear. When we are weak then He is strong.
Father we thank You that all the promises of God are in Christ Jesus, and we who are in Christ Jesus know that Your thoughts are for our welfare and not to harm us.
Therefore we shall be still and know that You are God.
'The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.…'
Halelujah! Amen and thank you Lord for loving us.

Laurie Collett said...
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Frank E. Blasi said...

Dear Laurie,
Around 35 years ago, I read about a hurricane which struck an area of the USA, and a Christian couple's home was reduced to a pile of rubble.
The pastor heard about this and decided to visit, primarily to offer comfort and encouragement. When he got there, he was surprised to find the couple standing by the rubble, singing and praising God for the display of his Almighty power.
I'm aware that the storm Irma is due to pass over Florida, if it hadn't already. I hope nothing bad comes of this and everything will be fine after it's all over.
I wish you and your husband all the best, God bless.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen and Amen. His love, power,, mercy, grace and truth reign supreme, May we be still and know His perfect will. He calmed the waves and His Word can calm our hearts as He protects and shields us from all harm.
Thank you, Brenda, for your lovely prayers.
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Dear Frank,
Thank you for sharing this encouraging story. He truly is all we need, even though we don't always act or think as if we have accepted that truth. The storm has arrived in our home town and we are unlikely to know the outcomes before tomorrow or even later. Thank you for your good wishes and prayers.
God bless,
Laurie

Donald Fishgrab said...

Thankfully, God controls the storms. praying for all who have to deal with it.

Laurie Collett said...
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Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Donald! Thank you for your prayers and God bless.