There is a way out of your storm – 10 February 2021
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Bible text(s)
Matthew 11
Psalms 40
Isaiah 43
Over the weekend, a snowstorm in Germany caused consternation. The storm was so severe and unexpected that the train literally froze in its tracks and passengers had to be rescued from the train with ladders.
At times in our lives it also happens that a storm of whatever nature freezes us in our tracks – literally and figuratively. A storm can come in the form of retrenchment at work, the death of a loved one, a divorce letter, shocking news about a child or even a diagnosis about your health. This type of thing stops us in our tracks as we, like the frightened Germans on the train, eagerly search for ways to survive the storm.
For us as believers, a crisis is not the end. It is simply an opportunity in which we can experience God in a new way in our lives. Listen to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”In Psalm 40:2-3 the Psalmist writes: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” And in Isaiah 43:18-19 God himself speaks: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
A crisis is an opportunity to turn our eyes to God, to pour out our hearts before Him and to wait on Him to lead us through His Holy Spirit. This is an opportunity where we can experience Him in action. God is still able to fill our hearts with hope and to help us see opportunities amidst a crisis. And just like the people on the train in Germany were able to flee to safety with ladders, God can pull us out of the storm and give us a firm safe place to stand on. God bless.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for holding me in Your hands. Guide me in every season of my life. Keep me close to You as You make me aware of Your presence in my life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
