In the Storm

The new year is now in full swing.  With the new year comes new opportunities for success and failure.  I teach people that I work with that mistakes or failures are really the only way to develop a path to success.  If there are no failures that equals perfection.  By my historical count, there is only One who batted a thousand, who hit everything out of the park, everything he said and did was good. (1 Peter 2:22)

Instead, we are humans who battle through the forces that are attacking us daily.  The storm rises out of nowhere and threatens to drown us. Then we remember we have a life preserver...Jesus.

But living in the storm can be unbearable at times.  Currently I am reading Still Standing, the Story of SSG John Kriesel.  It is a story about one of our local soldiers who was serving his country in Iraq when a road-side IED took the lives of two of his comrades and took both his legs.  John and Jim Kosmo (writer) tell a chilling story of bravery, loss, salvation, and blessings that have made it difficult at times for me to continue reading.  I have walked away from the book crying and not returned for a day or two.

Now you may ask, why does Jim tell us about what he is reading?  Let me tell you, at times when you share the word of Jesus, people have a difficult time seeing it.  This book and many of the others that I read, display us God's love and mercy in action.  They display (much like the Bible does) how the storms of life come and how, through faith, people not only survive but also get stronger and do more for the glory of God.

Sometimes people are already walking with God and the storm only further cements their relationship with Him.

Sometimes the storm is overwhelming and God displays his majesty by sheltering us from the true onslaught of what is facing us.

Sometimes we struggle to allow God to show us his love.  We forget that God uses all for good even the worst possible imaginable situations.  We try to shove him away.  We try to hide.

But thank God - He keeps coming back!!!  He keeps his arms open to us!!!

No matter the storm you are facing, PRAISE HIM!!  Ultimately only good will come from your relationship with God.  Your life will not be easy.  But your reward will be eternal.  Rest assured you are loved!!

Psalm 107: 28-31

28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he brought them out of their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm,

and he guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for men.

One of my favorite songs is "I Will Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns.  I have placed a video of the song here for you.  Remember when the storms come...and they will come...praise Him.  You will not be alone.

Blessings to each of you this day.  God loves you and so do I.

Pastor Jim