Hello, Reader 🙂 I’m going to talk one-on-one with you today about something that’s been on my mind and heart. I’m hearing so much about this pandemic and about the “storm.” “Same storm, different boat” in a nutshell. And yes, that is quite true.

As I look outside of my home and see trees violently being swayed by the wind, I couldn’t help but think about wind against plants in general.

When a sprout and young plant grows, it’s important to have them outside to feel the wind. Why? The resistance they build up against the wind in their little stems makes it so that they can be strengthened to withstand winds in the future.

We can relate! We are tested daily with trials and temptations, which can produce steadfastness and allow our faith to be refined as gold (James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

The tests and temptations in my life brought me to a place of complete surrender, knowing that I needed God in my life, directing my steps.

I’m thankful for the storms. I count it joy to face trials. Are they fun? Are they harmless? Do I always overcome? Hint: No. BUT, I am still thankful. I still count it joy. Because I know the good that those storms will produce in me if I look to God and not myself. They grow me in ways of love, compassion, understanding, and humility (to name only a few!).

Regardless of the storms I face and will face, I know who my anchor is and I know who my refuge is. God has proven faithful in every storm. It’s His nature! It’s who He is. He is faithful. It’s up to me to choose if I will keep my eyes on Him amidst those storms.

If I hadn’t experienced any storms in my life that rocked my boat, nearly capsizing me, what would my faith look like? How could I help another person struggling with storms? How could I be a living example of God’s grace and mercy? You know the answers, my friends. I am stronger because of the storms.

You don’t need to be afraid of the wind… the size of the waves against you…the bursts of lightning. You can be stronger because of the storms if you know the One who can calm them.

James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Psalm 69:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:22-33; Psalm 89:1.

©️2020 Rachel D. Lyne