In life, there are times when opportunities and blessings come like unending billows of wind, the waves of which, lift us on surging currents to a higher plateau of spiritual blessing; a fuller realization of our fondest hopes and dreams, and the satisfaction of reaching our highest goals.
It is during those times, we enthusiastically sing with the songwriter, “I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am Blessed!”
At other times, the unseen torrents of wind, coming unexpectedly, bring a cloud of unrest, so powerful, it turns the once placid waters of our life into a sea of angry waves, that beat upon us with dark threats of failure and turmoil, robbing us of our peace and leaving us shaken in our faith.
The poet and physician, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. wrote, “I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as it is in which direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sometimes sail with the wind and sometimes against it—But we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.”
Jesus, when preparing his followers for service, reminded them, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” (John 16:33)
He wanted them to understand the winds of trial, opposition, anxiety, and suffering would come against them, but He also gave them a word of assurance, saying, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Times have changed, but the intent of our enemy and the forces of hell have not! His emissaries are unrelenting in their assault upon us at every level of our life, bringing pain, hardship, sorrow and loss. He exaggerates the magnitude of our problems, while minimizing our resources. A tactic intended to imprison us in the bondage of discouragement and despair.
But there is good news wafting on thermals of wind that give us hope in the time of storm, light in the darkest night, and the strength to navigate our way through the deepest valley. As the storm clouds roll threateningly around us, we hear His voice, “It is I, be not afraid.” (John 6:29) He, who said, “I have overcome the world” is there in the midst of the storm.
The hymn writer, Vernon Charlesworth, gave us a beloved hymn when he wrote,
“The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Mighty rock in a weary land,
Cooling shade on the burning sand,
A faithful guide for a pilgrim band,
A Shelter In The Time Of Storm!”
I write this word the Lord gave me as I, personally, have been struggling with health issues that have essentially rendered me, a once very active man, homebound, encompassed with the darkness of weakness, pain and times of discouragement.
As the songwriter said, “My days are weary and long nights dreary.” But, with this message, I am reminding myself of all those sermons I preached about “Standing strong in the power of His might.”
At this time, both my wife and I need a healing touch of God’s Hand. Your prayers for a miracle are greatly appreciated.
The Shepherd's Staff 