I went fishing one evening with my Daddy this week. Fog started to settle on the water right before dark. It was the middle of the week so we only seen about two or three other boats out on the water. It was so calm and peaceful. I could hear the owls hooting (I love owls), I heard some fish jumping, and watched the bats dart down towards the light of the boat.  As it grew darker we kept making our way to different locations to fish. By the light of the full moon I could see my Daddy up on the front of the boat manning the trolling motor. Doing what he loves-fishing. As I snapped a picture of my Daddy, I noticed the moon reflecting off of the water and thought of the light God was providing to guide us on the water. I also thought of the time Jesus was in the boat with His disciples and calmed the storm. Also the time He wasn’t with His disciples, but sent them across the sea, knowing there was going to be a storm.  

You see Gods Word is a lamp in this dark world shining His light onto the path He wants us to take. 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

He may even send us on a path that will have a storm up ahead to “test” your faith. 

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-19   

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  James 1:3-4

He sent the disciples across the sea, knowing they would go through a storm. He didn’t direct them to go around it, He sent them through it. He allowed them to go directly through a STORM!

“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

“And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Matthew 8:23-27

God may allow you to go straight into a storm in this life. He is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end. He sees your life from start to finish. He knows how you will do during the test of your faith. Regardless what the storm of your life may be. He is with you always, He will never leave or forsake you, call upon Him, He hears.

 “Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:28-31 

He may not answer the way you intend, but if you are HIS– a believer walking/doing His commandments- He will use every storm for good (your eternal good). 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 

He may not rescue you out of your storm. He may let it rage for days, months, years, or even your entire time on this earth. But you see, this world is not the Christians home, we are just passing through. Christians are here for Gods glory. We are to take up our daily cross (burdens), deny our selves (what we want) and FOLLOW HIM. (Obey Him and His commandments)

“And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

“A single day in hell, will be worse than a whole life spent carrying your daily cross.”

Your daily cross/storm may cost you a lot of tears, but remember God collects every one. We are here to serve Him. We are here for the purpose of being conformed into the image of Jesus. (For whom he did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29)  The way is narrow, His Word says so. Once you put your hand to the plough, don’t look back. Let His light guide you in the darkest of times.

If we will focus on the Lord-not the storm, we will remain calm and at peace. We must remember, every storm that touches a Christian’s life- God must allow. He allows its for us to become more like Jesus and for us to not be conformed to this world. Remember our goal is to see Jesus face to face , to reach Heaven and hear Our Lord say, ” Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

“Dear God, no matter what happens, give me the heart that is willing to obey YOU whatever the cost may be. Love, Me”

“Stand for what’s right even if it means standing alone.”

“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with the world and be judged by God”

“Light in the darkness- My God, that is who You are”

 I had my amazing earthly Daddy in the boat with me fishing that night, but I also had my Heavenly Father shining His light in the darkness.

LET GOD BE THE LIGHT UNTO YOUR PATH!

*BLESSED*BETSY*