November 2: I am thankful for…
…the storm in my life right now.
Want proof that satan is shaking in his boots? Try yielding to the will of the Holy Spirit, walking closely with the Savior on what you know is the pathway He has prepared for you, and pay attention to how the world responds all around. The clashes of thunder. The sharp lightening. The raging winds. The dark skies. All of the tumultuous things born to distract from the magnetic pull of the right of way. The right way.
Matthew 14: 25-31 reads:
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:25-31, New King James Version)
There is a storm all around me, and as I am keeping my eyes on Christ before me, stretching out His hands and telling me to “come”, I am determined to drown out the weather activities so that I do not lose my footing. It’s hard, but I know without a doubt that Jesus has me and will not let me sink.
I’ve often heard that if things are going smoothly, with no conflict or struggle, then it might be wise to take a look at the path you are following. See, satan does not desire for us to follow God’s will for our lives – he is determined to throw every punch he can to lead us astray. And if we are veering off of God’s path for us, the right way, nothing pleases satan more. But when we keep our feet planted, walking in Christ, satan can, and usually does, launch an all out attack to hinder our procession on the narrow path.
Looking at the storm around me, I am confident that the sleep deprivation, the restlessness of my mind and even the stress-induced fever blister that is trying its hardest to surface, are all things that cause satan to giggle a little. But know this, I will not waiver from the path my Jesus has so lovingly carved out for me.
I’m thankful for the storm, because I know that I am going to walk out of the dark clouds a stronger woman, who reflects Christ even more than I did the day before.
Heavenly Father, thank you for today. Thank you for loving me and for promising to walk with me through everything, including the storms. I love you, Jesus, and know that you have equipped me with enough grace to walk through this storm unscathed. It is in your perfect love that I take refuge and refueling. May Your will be done through this time of unrest. Amen.
the toenail 