July 19, 2005 – WHAT TO DO IN THE TIME OF RESTLESS STORMS

An Umbrella May Help but it Will Not Fix The Problem or Save You From The Storm.

Many are the storms of life but set your sail into the wind and let God carry you into His perfect will.  We are being polished and made ready for that great day of reunion with our Father and our Savior. If your storm isn’t produced by your own known sin, then it is a good sign that God is allowing the storm to bring about cleansing and good. Believe me when I tell you that as I prayed this morning my heart became burdened and sorrowful for the storms and testing that lie ahead. The Lord revealed that many of us are currently being tried, and for others, the storm is just ahead. God is preparing his people for the catching away of the bride of Christ and to enter a holy place called heaven.

I am speaking from first-hand knowledge of storms and sufferings.  This past year I have gone from one trial to the next, but one thing I know, in every case, God carried my load and gave me understanding of “why.” God does not want us to suffer; however, he knows that the suffering is going to provide for us spiritual blessings that cannot be reached any other way. Trust the Lord that He knows what is best for you.  Do not be afraid of the storms because God is in control.  In the midst of a storm, you will overcome by holding the hand of God and being obedient to His exhortations. When Balaam cursed the children of God, the Lord turned it into a blessing. Deu 23:5  however, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. When satan is on our case (which happens) God will tell satan “hands off” at the perfect time. Then God will work satan’s evil for our good. Storms are not fun, but they are exciting when we see God in everything that happens.  Dear ones, satan means it for evil, but God means it for good.  Expect the goodness and mercy of God to be the result of the storm and you will have blessings.

One night about two or three months ago, I was awakened by God speaking to me.  He said, “For a period of time you are going to undergo agony.”  I questioned whether God was really speaking to me and I answered by saying, “Agony is such a strong word, surely you wouldn’t want me to go through such extreme suffering, ‘Why God?’”  He answered that I must experience the sufferings of Christ for God’s purposes in my life.  I know that the scriptures say that in suffering we cease from sin.  Romans 8:17  now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I thought I misunderstood what God said to me so I put it aside.  Three weeks later, I awakened in the middle of the night with acute pain in my neck, shoulders, hands, and arms.  It was so agonizing that I perspired profusely.  I could not open my hands and they tingled as if they were asleep. I suddenly had trouble walking and all of my joints ached.  I finally went to the doctor and  after all the tests I was diagnosed with lupus, which attacks me in my joints. I know that Christ paid the price for my healing and so I wait in anticipation of being healed and for the lessons I may learn in the meantime.  When the storm hits a child of God, we first must ask the question, “God, are you saying something to me through this storm?”  Sometimes He has a lesson to teach us, but the bottom line for the children of God is: Romans 8:28  and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

There is a blessing in the storm when it passes!  In my long life I have experienced many storms and they have all become a meaningful experience with God.  In the storm we see the majestic power of God and His salvation for everything that befalls us. God is in the storm with us, calming us with His voice that says  “I AM in charge.”  Christ walks on the stormy waters and invites us to have total faith and trust in Him.  He assures us that He knows what is best for us.  He will deliver us if our faith is in Him. God is dealing with his children now.  Can you imagine what will befall those that do not belong to Him?  1Peter 4:18  and, “if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the unGodly and the sinner?”  19  so then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continue to do good.

As I write this my heart is crying out to God for those who are currently going through tribulations.  May God bring blessings to you. May you have light in the place of darkness, joy in the place of sorrow, and hope that there soon will be a glorious tomorrow brought to you from God….as He works all things together for your good.

2Corinthians 4:6  for God, who said, “let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  7  but we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  8  we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  10  we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  11  for we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

2Corinthians 4:16  therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17  for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  18  so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Note:  a friend brought me a prayer cloth and many have faithfully been praying for me.  I am feeling great and my pain is gone.  God is faithful to rally the body of Christ.  Remember you are not alone.  I may live alone, but I am never alone….the indwelling Christ, God the father, and the Holy Spirit are always present.  All I have to do is cry out and I receive help.