A tree is able to stand upright because its roots are firm in the ground. A windy day can cause a tree to sway, but its firm roots can keep the wind, or even storms, from knocking it over. Limbs may break off, leaves may rustle in the wind, but the tree continues to be unmoved. Just as we face those gray, stormy days, when the rain fails to cease, strong winds nearly knock you off your feet, and your hair becomes a matted mess, we all come to face the storms of this life. The storms that one can face in life include the loss of a loved one or job, struggling to pay the bills, sickness, and many more. Storms come and go. God is with is in every storm. Just as a tree's firm roots keep it steady, we can root ourselves in God, for He can keep us steady in the storm. There is no storm so strong that God cannot handle.
God can keep us steady in the storm, for He is constant. Webster's English Dictionary defines the word "steady" as this: "firm in standing or in place; stable, unshaking, unfaltering; constant." Life is full of all kinds of trials, or storms. Despite the trials we face, there is hope. Trials can strengthen our character. In the midst of the storm, God can steady us by strengthening us. Maybe you've been trying to weather the storm you're facing right now in your own strength. Thankfully, we don't have to face the storms of this life on our own, for God is constantly with us. Psalms 89:21 says, "I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong." When you're trying to find the strength to press on through the storm, look no further than to God, for His strength is perfect. No matter how grand the storm, Jesus can calm it. In Matthew 8, Jesus and his disciples were on a boat when a big storm appeared. While the storm arose, Matthew 8:24 points out that "Jesus was sleeping." The storm stirred up fear in the disciples, but Jesus was calm and steady through the storm. Jesus remarked, "You of little faith, why are so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26). In the end, Jesus calmed the storm. When we know that the presence of Jesus is with us, that he is right by our side, we don't need to be afraid of the storm. Rather, we can have faith that Jesus will calm the storm. Know that God is the one who is truly in control. The magnitude of the storms we face in life cannot compare to the magnitude of God. God is greater and more powerful than the storm. When strong winds blow during a storm, a tree does not fear the winds. Rather, it sways with them, for its firm roots keep it steady in the ground. When storms of this life bring on strong winds, don't be fearful of them. Sway with them. Root yourself in God. Remember that "storms make trees take deeper roots," as three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings asserts. Trust in God to carry you through the storm. Be still and remember that God has your back in the storm. -Johanna
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AuthorHello there! Welcome to my blog! My name's Johanna. I am a Jesus-loving twenty-year-old who also loves to make people laugh, spend time with family, explore the outdoors, and take photos. I hope my blog inspires and encourages you to draw more closer to God and enjoy life more. Remember that you were created for a purpose. You are wonderful. Archives
June 2017
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