The wind howled outside as the branches of the overgrown shrubs surrounding the old farm house scraped across the weathered boards. Inside a little girl whispered “Mom what is that sound?”, fearful, yet sensing her mother close by. The mother listened to the eerie and forsaken sound and quickly sent a prayer heaven-ward, “God give me peace and strength she pleaded.” Just then the wind seemed to whip harder around the windows and the mother herself struggled a little with her response. “Honey, it is just the wind, God is right here and we are safe”. Those words built her faith and wrapped her heart with a surety, that had not yet met her mind.

I can share these thoughts with you because that mother was me! God had led me and my precious little daughter from the city to the old farm where I had grown up. A host of unknowns confronted me daily. I found that the wind that night was just the beginning of a host of stormy winds that would make changes in the life that was before us. Changes in a job that I thought was secure, an unexpected issue that destroyed the engine of our only vehicle, and a need to find a safe place for my little daughter while I was working. There would be even more surprises as we went along on our journey. Thinking about it today, I am reminded of another storm, in a different land….

It had been a long and busy day near the shores of the Sea of Galilee as Jesus was teaching the multitude. He spoke about parables, about seeds and about the difference the soil makes when the seeds are planted, and sadly, not all the plants would mature to be harvested. It was a long day, He was weary and said to the disciples “let us board this ship and cross over to the other side”.
I remember that the story said it was quiet at first, then quickly a storm broke over the lake, threatening the ship and the lives of the disciples. Their cries awakened Jesus who was asleep in the lee of the ship. In their desperation they confronted him… “Carest thou not that we perish?” Mark 4:38 tells us how he rose up and commanded the winds to be still, and they obeyed!

What about your life, are there any storms? Does it seem at times that Jesus is asleep in your life’s boat? When on earth, as a man, He grew weary and needed to sleep. However, once He ascended to the throne of Heaven, Psalms 121:4, tells us He neither slumbers nor sleeps, and stands ready to fight for us, as he says in Exodus 14:14.

He is in your life’s boat…no matter how strong those winds blow. Whether it is challenges in health, disappointed relationships, sudden catastrophes or the month that lasts longer the money. It matters not, He only needs to speak to the winds of strife. Even if they are tearing into your realities and seemly leaving only trails of tears, He is near. When it is the darkest, the Light will break through and the “Son” will not only provide a refuge and fortress, but He, Himself, will be that refuge and He has never lost a battle!

By the way, my job came through, just as the money was needed. A neighbor loaned their car so I could drive the twenty-five miles to work, and a safe and secure place was made available for my precious daughter! I found that in place of the wind there was peace! His peace!

I pray you gather hope from my experience with the One whose power and love for you knows no boundaries!

Grace Abounds Ministries, with its projects of service, also experiences winds of strife and yet He always sends His peace! That peace comes in many forms, including your prayers and your thoughtful donations. Until next time, Please let us hear from you at Grace Abounds-Ministries.org.

As we near this earth’s end, let our faith only increase as we remember that,

“Moreover, the law entered that the offense might abound, but where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.” Romans 5:20.