Are you grateful? – Day 12

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike went through Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Northern America within 13 days, causing 195 deaths and damage estimated at $10 billion (about R150 billion). Some of the communities along the coast of Texas were completely destroyed by the winds and water.

The damage was shocking. However, two specific pictures taken afterwards caught my attention. The first one was taken in Gilchrist, Texas. All the houses along the coastline were flattened, except one. The house stood strangely upright as if the wind and water were commanded to move around the house without destroying it. The other interesting picture was of a house in Winnie, Texas. Again, the water pushed up to the farmhouse, leaving everything under water except for the house that remained untouched.

In our lives, we sometimes experience storms too – in our marriages, families, finances, health or in the workplace. It may feel as if these storms are going to engulf us. The disciples also once experienced this. They were on a boat caught up in a storm, convinced that they were going to die. In a panic, they woke Jesus who was asleep throughout the storm. He calmly stood up and commanded the storm to quiet down. It instantly did.

God can do the same when you are experiencing a storm and he can give you peace, as that will be your strength in your battle. In Isaiah 43:1-3 God says: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God …” And in Philippians 4:6-7 we read: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

The best way to maintain perspective amidst a stormy situation, is to keep looking to God. The moment we remind ourselves of who he is and what he can do, peace will fill our hearts. Knowing that God protects us and that he is, ultimately, in control of every situation, brings peace that surpasses all understanding. Let’s make peace our goal and thank God at all times. God bless.