Daily Devotionals
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 (Paula)
Yesterday, I got to spend some quality time with my two nieces.
Despite the weather forecast of immenient rain, we decided to keep our plan to go for a run in the park!
We’ve all heard the somewhat cheesy saying “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain,” right?
I’ve said it… perhaps you have too. But yesterday, we didn’t just SAY it, we actually DID it.
Our arms outstretched, our faces turned to the sky, our mouths open to catch rain drops, it was a cathartic experience! By mile one, our hair and clothes and bodies were soaked. We stomped in puddles and reveled in the feel of the cool raindrops on our skin.
Was this the first time in my adult life that I didn’t run from the rain? My usual is to grab a protective umbrella or hooded rain jacket and dart from shelter to shelter to keep from getting wet. Or, I grump around, and decide to avoid or isolate from the stormy experience completely.
Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What if we welcomed every storm with prayer and thanksgiving, like Philippians 4:6-7 suggests?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
That’s EVERY situation.
With thanksgiving.
Not just the happy, good, and sunny, but the sad, the hard, & the stormy. What if we stopped avoiding the downpours and instead allowed them to prepare us for His future redemption?
What if we looked for Him to show up in the mix of the mess?
What if that very rainstorm IS where we need to go?
The darkest, rainiest, most heartbreaking moments of life also hold some of the most precious, joyful, hard-won battles. Our faith is tested and our roots grow deep.
Dear Sister, if you are experiencing a challenge or a difficult situation, I’m sorry. It hurts. It stings. It exhausts. But can I encourage you to take one day at a time and lift your eyes, open your arms, and let Him be your peace in the storm? Surrender the storm to Him.
We are here if you need prayer or just want to talk.
Better Together.
Paula
Despite the weather forecast of immenient rain, we decided to keep our plan to go for a run in the park!
We’ve all heard the somewhat cheesy saying “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain,” right?
I’ve said it… perhaps you have too. But yesterday, we didn’t just SAY it, we actually DID it.
Our arms outstretched, our faces turned to the sky, our mouths open to catch rain drops, it was a cathartic experience! By mile one, our hair and clothes and bodies were soaked. We stomped in puddles and reveled in the feel of the cool raindrops on our skin.
Was this the first time in my adult life that I didn’t run from the rain? My usual is to grab a protective umbrella or hooded rain jacket and dart from shelter to shelter to keep from getting wet. Or, I grump around, and decide to avoid or isolate from the stormy experience completely.
Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What if we welcomed every storm with prayer and thanksgiving, like Philippians 4:6-7 suggests?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
That’s EVERY situation.
With thanksgiving.
Not just the happy, good, and sunny, but the sad, the hard, & the stormy. What if we stopped avoiding the downpours and instead allowed them to prepare us for His future redemption?
What if we looked for Him to show up in the mix of the mess?
What if that very rainstorm IS where we need to go?
The darkest, rainiest, most heartbreaking moments of life also hold some of the most precious, joyful, hard-won battles. Our faith is tested and our roots grow deep.
Dear Sister, if you are experiencing a challenge or a difficult situation, I’m sorry. It hurts. It stings. It exhausts. But can I encourage you to take one day at a time and lift your eyes, open your arms, and let Him be your peace in the storm? Surrender the storm to Him.
We are here if you need prayer or just want to talk.
Better Together.
Paula
