By Gladys McElmore
Does God know when we are in a capsized boat? Are there special needs in such a disaster? As we are struggling to overstep or escape such a shattered boat and the consuming waters, God can calm the bitter experiences that pin us down physically and mentally as individuals, families or community groups. As believers in God’s saving grace, we launch out on faith in a continued journey or on a new adventure of life. Regardless of the circumstances, we always hope that our boat full of troubles will not capsize. Whether God saves us or not, we must believe that He can, according to His will!
As it was with the prophet Jeremiah, problems may be stacked high when we call on God who understands and sees the entire collection of broken hearts. When God is called, we can ask for guidance and faith to do His will. God knows about our disasters before they occur. He also observes the aftermaths. We can use Judges 4:14 and ask ourselves as Deborah asked Barak, a battlefield general, “Is not the Lord gone out before thee?” Ask God to go before us. These words can be spoken before medical procedures, financial arrangements, court procedures, job evaluations and any family decisions or political elections. Can God do anything else to help us as we may be grasping our capsized boat?
If there are any known or unknown enemies, God can and will (sometimes) send a panic attack, a new rainstorm or a mud slide to trap and destroy enemies and eventually give us victory that no man can explain! Let us pray to be positioned to receive God’s blessings. Remember that God’s presence is always available and He will always help us.
Thank God for all blessings in our lives. Thank Him for the difficult times which have made us stronger spiritually. In some tough times we have sometimes received our greatest blessings through troubles! While studying we can usually ask: What do we need to change? Which scriptural truths apply to our lives? What tasks need to be done more diligently? What does God say to us? What does He want us to do?
With God, it matters not concerning our possessions or positions in this world. God can change our lifestyles, create needed miracles, plant our feet on solid ground from all kinds of stormy situations for His glory. Keep praying; trust and obey as we wait for His blessings!
Mrs. Gladys McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.