Encouragement
It's been a terrible year of storms, with the Florida hurricanes, the tsunamis in Asia, as well as storms in other areas of our world.
While we were pastoring in Kona, Hawaii, I came to the Mainland for a Convention and La Moyne was at home in Kona. She heard a tsunami siren, so she went to the dictionary to find out just 'what' a tsunami was. She did not realize that the word 'tsunami' starts with a 't', so she failed in that attempt and finally went to the store to ask a 'local' what a tsunami was.
'The church and parsonage are located about 1500' up the mountain from the ocean, so there was no danger there, however several people came to the church, seeking refuge. That tsunami never came, but at least La Moyne learned about them and 'what to do' should there be another warning.
We laughed about her trying to find the word in the dictionary later, but we all need to know what to do when storms come! Storms are no laughing matter, as we who live in Oklahoma know from experiencing tornadoes!
(In fact, the tornado sirens went off at noon today here as they do each month, to keep them in working order and to help keep people alert.)
Recently I heard a quote that is important:
"Don't tell God how big your storms are...tell your storms how big your God is!
In recent papers that have been on this website, I made the following statements:
"You prepare for the storms BEFORE they come" and "Remember Who is in the Boat of Life with you!"
The disciples on the Sea of Galilee forgot about Jesus and did not apply faith to the situation. Big storms are rough, but a big God is capable of helping us face big storms. I love Paul's response in Acts 27:25: In the midst of the terrible storm at sea, being taken prisoner to Rome - "Sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God that it will turn out just like God said it would!" And they were all safe to shore!
Abraham also, said: "What God has promised, He is able to perform." (Romans 4:21)
Billy Graham's daughter, Ann Graham Lutz wrote in the 1994 Decision Magazine:
Five Things A Storm Cannot Destroy (Mark 6:45-52)
1) You have God's purpose (vs. 45)
2) You have God answering prayer (vs. 46)
3) You have God's presence (vs. 47-48)
4) You have God's peace (vs. 48-50)
5) You have God's power (vs. 51-52)
She further said, "When the storms come, don't look back...or around...or ahead! Look up and ask God to give you a fresh vision. Then just reach out to someone else by giving them Jesus!"
Sometime back, I did a study of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Joshua 3: 5-17 describes the preparation necessary for crossing the Jordan which was done under the leadership of Joshua.
1) Verse 5: They sanctified themselves (actually allowed God to sanctify) Prepare for your storms by realization of God and readiness to do His Will.
2) Verse 6: The covenant (Word of God) was to go before them. This is a MUST in all of our lives!
3) Verses 7 and 10: They realized the Presence of God. He had been with them all the way from Egypt and He would not forsake them now! Neither will He forsake YOU! (Hebrews 13:5-8)
4) Verse 9: They heard the Word of God through Joshua. We prepare through God's Word on our own and from God-anointed messengers.
5) Verse 14: They moved by faith. Let us be sure to make God the object of OUR faith!
6) Verses 15-17: They experienced the miracles of God.
Jeremiah 12: 5 asks the question that is pertinent to us all: "If you have run with mere men and they have wearied you, how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, you have trusted and grown weary, what will you do in the swelling of the Jordan?"
CONCLUSION:
Since 1992, I have been 'clean' from cancer of the vocal chords, following 32 radiation treatments. This was a very difficult storm in my life, as I had been preaching for 50 years and the thought of possibly losing my voice, was quite traumatic! I was struck with the use of the word 'clean over Jordan' (vs. 17). When God does a miracle, it is COMPLETE! Amen!!
When our son Kevin was a Jr. in High School, he was injured in a basketball game. At the ER, the Dr. found a large tumor in Kevin's fibula and was concerned that it might be malignant. After a 2nd opinion, surgery was done to remove not only the 5" tumor, but also the fibula. During the agonizing hours/days that followed as we waited on the biopsy report, this poem was given to us by a dear friend. It has meant so much to us throughout the years as we faced other storms in our life.
"MY FATHER'S WAY"
My Father's way may twist and turn
My heart may throb and ache.
But in my soul, I'm glad to know
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hope may fade away....
But still I trust the Lord to lead
For my Father knows the way.
There is much now I cannot see
My eye is still so dim....
But come what may, I still can trust
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by, the mist will lift
And darkness turn to day.
Then looking back.....we'll praise His Name,
Who led us all the way!
(Author unknown)
Praise God, the tumor was NOT malignant! While a teenager at Falls Creek Baptist Encampment, Kevin felt that the Lord was calling him into Law Enforcement, but after the surgery, there was concern as to whether he could pass the physicals. After MANY prayers (and diligent rehab on Kevin's part), he passed all of the physical exams and served for 2 years as a Courtesy Patrolman, then became an Oklahoma State Trooper and has served for the past 25 years in that capacity. How we praise God for that answered prayer!
So, fellow traveler, God's Word to you is:
1) GRASP GOD FIRMLY
How can I slip through His fingers, for I am one of His fingers! (John 10:28)
2) TRUST GOD WITHOUT WAVERING....Hebrews 10:23
3) LEAVE ALL ISSUES WITH HIM
Instead of asking so many questions, claim all the promises!
4) DRAW FROM GOD'S STRENGTH TO BE MADE PERFECT (complete and mature)
So whether it is the Jordan River of Life ...or the Jordan River of Death, God is sufficient to take us through...and over.
Jesus, by His Word and His Spirit, is with us ALL the way and He will greet us on the other shore! Amen and Amen!!
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Your words could not have come at a better time. My aunty went to be with Jesus tonight.
May God continue to bless your work as you bless many. My Aloha, Brian