Today, our plans changed with the incoming hurricane.  We still went and delivered school supplies and clothing to the Valley of Peace. We purposefully prayed for each family for healing and life.

I took the team to the first family, where we were greeted by the boy pictured above, and we were able to pray for them and bless them.  It was good to be in this place of ministry once again, but I was sad that we did not get to do more personal ministry.  Even as we finished up giving away the last bags, the rain began to come.  From that point for the rest of the day it has rained with more or less intensity.

Right now, I am sitting in an open air building with a roof surrounded by rain and gushing winds as we wait for the storm to come.  There will not be much sleeping tonight.  We have a safe cement building to head to when things get really bad, but this is a new experience for me.  Never have I been in such a storm, and yet, I still have peace.  In the end, we can do nothing but pray and wait and wait and pray.  No amount of complaining, wishing, or even hard work will cause the storm to pass.  We must wait, trust, and pray for peace and protection.

At this moment, I realize that this is not any different than any other moment in life.  We can do a lot of things, but in the end, we must wait and pray for God to do the work.  We cannot cause anyone to grow and bear fruit, but we can plant the seed, water, and fertilize.  God brings the fruit, and causes us to be safe during the storm.  Storms come and they may howl and blow and seem strong and mighty, but God controls the storm.  He protects us in the storm and brings about good in the midst of roaring rushing wind all around.

 

Storms will come.  They sometimes surround us and cause us to cower under their intensity and might.  Storms are still a mystery because they are something we cannot control.  However, God is our peace in the midst of the storm.  He protects us and guides us into the best way.  God uses the manner in which we handle storms as a witness to who He is.  We must trust that He is mightier than the storm and obey even when it may not make sense.  His love is more powerful than the raw potential of the strongest storm.  He is our peace!  He is our comfort!  He is the one who brings the best out of the worst.

I challenge you to look at your circumstances in a different way today.  The boss that is unhappy with you, the co-worker that says things that hurt you, the family member that purposefully does things to get on your nerves, look to God and pray for Him to help you respond as He would.  Respond in love, peace, and trust in the worst possible circumstances that God may get the full glory!!!

Jeremiah, Man on Fire!!!