“Northeasters bear down on the best of us. Contrary winds. Crashing waves. They come. But Jesus still catches his children. He still extends his arms. . . . still sends his angels. Because you belong to him, you can have peace in the midst of the storm.”- Max Lucado
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 8 of Anxious for Nothing as he talks about the third promise that fosters peace in the middle of a storm.
3. You are in the Lord’s service. While we may not receive a clear message like the apostle Paul, we still have God’s assurance that we won’t live one day less that we’re supposed to live. Thus, as long as God has work to do, He’ll keep you alive to do it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean no problems exist in your future. Just as Paul’s problems continued, so will yours. Yet, it’s still not easy to lose your ship, as the sailors did in Acts 27. Your boat – marriage, business, job, body, etc. – kept you afloat. But without your boat, you’re convinced you will sink. And for a while, that’s reality. Waves seep over you. Fears suck you under.
Hence, Pastor Lucado underscores, “You can lose it all, only to discover that you haven’t. God has been there all along.”
For example, in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a triple challenge as the Moabites formed a great and powerful confederacy with two other nations. However, in response the king sought the Lord, proclaimed a fast in all Judah, and cried out to God in prayer. Most noteworthy, Jehoshaphat so totally believed in God that he remarkably decided that singers lead the army into battle. For the king knew the real battle was spiritual.
In conclusion, Max exhorts us to learn a lesson from the king:
“Lead with worship. Go first to your Father in prayer and praise. Confess to him your fears. Gather with his people. Set your face toward God. Admit your weakness. Then, once God moves, you move too. Expect to see the God of ages fight for you. He is near, as near as your next breath.”
Today’s question: How does the Holy Spirit take the wind out of your northeasters? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Healing from anxiety, healthy thinking”
