I am writing this post in the preparation for Hurrican Ian in my hometown of St. Petersburg, FL. Our city seems to be in the direct path of this major storm. A category 2-4 is what is being predicted as of now. If you don't know what that means or looks like, think between 100-140 mph winds, gusts even higher. Storm surges up to 10 feet high (think higher than your first-floor ceiling if you are at sea level). Depending on where it makes landfall and how it decides to turn as it approaches our Western coast of Florida, it definitely is looking like a serious event coming our way. No matter how you look at it, the storm is coming. We may not know how bad it will be or if it will dissipate miraculously. All we can do is prepare and pray.
Life is much like this sometimes. Life is full of storms. Ones that rock your world, others that gently water the soil. Some that hit you straight on, others that turn last minute, sparing you from any substantial damage. Some you feel you have a long time to prepare for, others come suddenly with no warning.
How do you prepare for the storms of life? Are you complacent and simply hope and pray the winds won't blow down your home? Do you fortify your house and bunker down, hoarding all the things? Do you watch the weather Channel continuously, making yourself feel panicked and fearful as to what may or may not come to pass? Do you make a run for it and try to get out of the storm's path? I can be a little of all of the above depending on the day and circumstance.
So, as I sit here, preparing, in a line waiting to get sandbags, preparing for our own storm coming our way, I feel the need to press into what God has spoken over fear, anxiety, and the storms of life. I've leaned into these verses in some of the biggest trials of my life and have found so much comfort, strength, and hope in them. I pray you find the same.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm:
Job 40:6
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalms 107:29
God addressed Job next from the eye of the storm....
Job 40:6 MSG
Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became as smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
Matthew 4:39-40 MSG
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If you have ever lived through a major storm, especially a hurricane the winds are fierce. The storm surge can be fatal. When we lived through Hurricane Irma in 2017, the winds ripped through our city, gusting at nearly 100 mph. I remember it sounded like a freight train going through our yard. Yet, by the morning, the winds had quieted. The water had receded. We assessed the damage and began to clean up and put the pieces back together.
Storms can absolutely be scary. They can be devastating and life changing, even fatal. No matter what the storm may bring or the wreckage it may leave in its wake, there is still hope. When we lean into the truth of who God is and His faithfulness, we don't have to be afraid of the storms. We can go into them head on, knowing peace will come in the aftermath. The storm will end.
If you are in Florida right now or anywhere in the path of this very real and dangerous storm, I am praying for your safety and protection. However, maybe you are headed into a very different type of storm in your life; marriage problems, the death of a loved one, a scary diagnosis from the doctor. Whatever life is bringing your way, I pray you lean into God for your strength. May you know His unfailing and overwhelming love for you even if the outcome of the storm isn't what you would have hoped. You are stronger than you know dear one, but even when you don't feel strong, the God who created the Universe is holding you close. He is with you in the storm. Let Him be your strength.
Love you mama,
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