Faith is beacon during storm

Recently, our family encountered a health scare that set our lives on edge for a little while.

As we waited for test results, many things were taking place.

Each person was dealing with the situation differently and separately.

A choice of how to address the fears and concerns that mounted in our minds and hearts was a personal one.

Talking and coming together as a family, believing and affirming the positive helped our faith and our focus.

Faith in the Lord during this time was an individual decision, one made with confidence and assurance, knowing that he would help us make it through.

And he did.

As I thought about the situation, I knew in my heart that God was not caught off guard or surprised by the report.

The phone call to our home did not change what God would do with the circumstance on our behalf.

His promises remained the same even in the middle of the unknown.

In the midst of any storm, he would provide peace when our eyes and our focus remained upon him.

Isaiah 26:3 reads, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.”

We find out who we are, and where our faith and trust is founded when we are in situations that are beyond our control.

Christ alone is the only one who can impart peace of mind in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.

In Romans 8:28, Scripture reads, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”

Serving and loving the Lord positions us and our families for blessing.

That blessing may come through experiencing hard and difficult times.

The end result may be a restored relationship, healing, brokenness that brings repentance or simply restored confidence in the God we serve.

Our assurance is that all things, good and bad, the tests and storms of life must first pass through the hands of our loving father.

His sustaining power will enable us to continue until the storm subsides.

He fully knows the beginning from the end and will work it all out for our good, always.

When we study Scripture, it is evident that Jesus Christ came to preach the good news, heal the sick, deliver the captive and express the love of the father.

His mission continues to be one of redemption, healing and freedom.

The father’s only son sent to a lost and dying world in need of a savior.

His provision of grace and mercy affords us the opportunity to accept him as Lord and Savior and gives us access all he is and all he has for us.

During stormy times, we can be held in a safe place.

He is our sanctuary.

He is our high tower, where we run to have shelter.

Psalm 91:1-2 reads, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.”

A refuge is a safe place, a quiet and protective place that provides comfort and security.

Behind the walls of a refuge or a fortress lies all that a person needs to be sustained.

The provision already has been paid for, well stocked for the anticipated need.

When our needs are greater than ever expected, we can run to the Lord who is our stronghold.

His protection and assurance will be the comfort needed, and his promises will carry us through. He freely offers us a safe haven from the winds and waves that come against our minds and hearts and rob our peace of mind.

He answers when we call upon his name.

Our soul will find rest as we are hidden away in Jesus.

Let this closing Scripture be your encouragement today.

Psalm 59:16-17 reads, “But as for me, I shall sing of your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of your loving kindness in the morning. For you have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me his loving kindness.”

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker and author.