we prayed!
Those were the words of one of our campers late this afternoon after we endured the most tumultuous thunderstorm of the 2022 season.
Lightning was flashing every three to four seconds and I was counting off the seconds between lightning and thunder. Once I didn’t even have the word “one” out of my mouth when the thunder boomed.
I would count and know that one of the adjacent campgrounds had experienced a hit. And there were the times I counted and knew that our campground had once again experienced a lightning strike.
My prayer was for the safety and peace of all the campers in all the different sites, ours and those around us. Last summer we experienced some horrendous storms but the Lord brought us safely through.
Each time we are faced with these outbursts of nature I am reminded of my Father’s word.
“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety, you are my God,
and I trust you.” 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure.” Psalm 91:1-4 CEV
Last year I had to fight through the fear of such terrible storms. This year I stood confidently victorious in the face of the danger and KNEW beyond any shadow of doubt that I was secure under the shadow of the Almighty.
Noah floated safely above the flood waters; David faced a giant of overwhelming size; Daniel confronted the lions and the Hebrew young men walked through fire without being singed. Peter walked on water; Paul sang in prison at midnight as a storm broke his chains and opened the prison doors; Lazarus was raised from the dead.
Each one knew they would be safe…because we prayed, because we trusted in God’s unfailing word; because we knew God’s promise was to never leave us or abandon us!
“…being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'” Hebrews 13:5b-6 AMP
When storms threaten, do you set yourself against them? Are they physical, spiritual, financial, emotional – do they threaten to sink your ship or to devour your person?
“Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You [for forgiveness] in a time when You [are near and] may be found; Surely when the great waters [of trial and distressing times] overflow they will not reach [the spirit in] him. 7 You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:6-7 AMP
Storms are real; adversity is meant to destroy. Face the lions, stand tall in the fiery furnace, defeat your Goliaths, speak to the angry waves.
Let the Father close the mouth of the lions, deliver you from the flames, calm the seas and direct the sling and the stone to destroy the giant.
“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. 4 So always trust the Lord
because he is forever our mighty rock” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV
Say with confidence “I knew I would be safe, I prayed!”.
GREAT DEVOTIONAL
I love the way the Lord continually reminds me of His protection!