Speaking Peace to the Storms

Isaiah 43:1-2, 4-5 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

Since you are precious in My sight, You have been honored; And I have loved you; Fear not, for I am with you. Other translations say – “Fear not, I am protecting you.”

It’s been a few days of pounding rain and flooding in Hampton Roads. Our neighborhood streets and cul-de-sac have been flooded; cars in the neighborhood were under water, sunrooms, sheds and backyards full of water, families were evacuated from apartment buildings and their houses. There is no way to get in or out of my neighborhood, even in hubby’s 350 “big diesel truck” because the water in the streets has nowhere to go. Toilets were backing up due to city sewer lines being overwhelmed – wet towels piling up – that cannot be washed because there is no place the laundry water can go except overflow the garage. The smell of sour and polluted water, is taxing on ones senses. I would mop up, and the rain would begin again, negating everything I had already done.

I have a much greater appreciation for areas that have been devastated by hurricane systems or tropical storms. I have a greater appreciation for how numb one can become when there is nothing we can physically do but watch weather elements cause destruction. I have learned more about what it means to have no control – except to step into the authority of prayer – and partner with Jesus to command that the devil have no power to kill, steal and destroy – and ask for the storms to be still. “For if you ask anything in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will get glory from the Son.” (John 14: 14 – The Voice).

I have come to a greater appreciation of He who Lives in Me! I am thankful that in my uncomfortable circumstances; The Father has sent a great Helper, the Holy Spirit, that in His name He teaches me everything and reminds me, His peace is the legacy He has left to us. He does not give gifts like those of the world. And He says, Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful” in these storms of life – in which it is so easy to lose focus on the “Eye” of the storm – where peace and quiet and still – our Jesus – reigns. (John 14:25-27).

The Holy Spirit is present with believers – and I am called to be a redeeming force on this earth, and reclaim the peace of Jesus Christ, even in the midst of storms. I stand in the place of declaring “This all belongs to God” as I live and breathe in the power of the Holy Spirit. As I am uncomfortable in the midst of the storms that may happen, I can rejoice in the Holy Spirit as He plants and teaches dependence on Him – through the teachings of the Lord from within me where He dwells and reigns.

I am grateful to know that even in my concern as the water rises in my neighborhood during profuse rainstorms – I hold on to the promise that calms my fears – “I will never abandon you like orphans; I will be with you.” (John 14:18). He has us in the palm of His hand – and that is an understanding of great magnitude. He who lives in Me, loves me, cares for me, knows me and has me in every circumstance in life. How awesome that as I abide in His truth, HE abides in me…