The Storm Is Over

A wonderful teenager said something to me this morning that has had me thinking all day.

THE STORM IS OVER NOW!

My first reaction to her was, "No it's not!". Because of how I was looking at things. Her response...God Bless Her...."Yes it is, speak faith and peace into your future". This...came from a teenager!! Seriously! 

She reminded me of the lyrics to this song I've shared, so I made sure to look it up and listen to it as a refresher. You know what? She is absolutely right. What a wise girl. The storm IS over. The worst has passed. What happens when a storm is over? RECOVERY. Time to move on.

Many just endured Hurricane Sandy and the tremendous toll it's taken on their lives. Unfortunately, many lost their lives. The rest, are left to RECOVER. But, they got through the storm. It's Over Now! The rains and heavy winds have subsided and the clouds have gone. They're alive. My first reaction to what she said was taking into account all that people have to go through to put things back together after the storm. (Philipians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me) But, the recovery is not part of the storm at all. While putting things back together can be extremely difficult, it's not the worst part (although it may feel like it at times). Remember the survivors of Hurricane Katrina? What about the Tsunami in Japan? There is always something to be grateful for, like the opportunity to be able to put things back together in the first place. To do that, you must first have faith to get through the storm and then recovery. Reminds me of a story in the Bible I read on my break today. Mark 4:35-41 Where Jesus calms a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee. Here is an awesome breakdown of that story. Faith over Fear

                                                 

Those people that survived those disasters are making it, one day at a time. Just like the one's that have just survived Sandy. 

So, like this girl said to me, "Speak faith and peace into your future."  What an awesome thing for her to say. It's all about how you look at things. It's about attitude. Sometimes you have to look at situations for what they are and have faith. Realize that things can be much worse and that the future will be brighter. You have to remember that God got you to where you are today, and he'll get you through tomorrow. (Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you) So when you think about what is required to recover from the storm you also need to know that the Lord will not give you more than you can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Seriously! I've learned that, although I doubted it many many times because I kept thinking that I was alone. lol So now, I try my best to exercise patience and have faith. I pray hard and try to give things to God. When I do...he comes through, in HIS time. Even when the Storm is over, we still have to pray to get through the recovery and never forget to be thankful. We have to "Speak faith and peace into your future". (Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.) Everything will be alright. (Matthew 21:22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.) It really will. (Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.)

Ok...so as I look through photos of the devastation caused by the storms on CNN, etc, I am reminded that things can be rebuilt. Everything takes time and effort and you can't do it alone. You are not alone! When I am going through my own storms, I know that this too shall pass. Recovery, is not an option! I will keep praying for all those that are going through a storm or the recovery phase of a storm. Have you been hit by Sandy or something else? You will be ok. Have faith. I will be there for those in my own circle that need my help in any way. And....I will stay in prayer and take the advice of my dear friend. 

I am seeing God at work in many ways. While I may not know where things are going, I know where things have been and where they are at. You know what....I am thankful and will NEVER GIVE UP!