Sunday, January 25, 2015

"After The Storm"

Reflections4Life January 25th, 2015
“After The Storm.”
“And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3
Scripture Contemplation: Matthew 8; Luke 8; 1 Peter 5; Acts 27…
During a storm, we are doing all we can to make it through. Our concentration is on safety and making sure that we and those we love survive. We know that there may be damage, but we're not certain to what degree. In the storm, our vision is obscured. However, after the storm when everything is still and you and your loved ones made it through, the Sun shines brightly, leaving nothing hidden. As if to spotlight all the debris that needs to be cleared away.
I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There will be much to see after a storm passes. Put your trust in God, and let Him direct your paths. Storms do come to an end. Trust God to help you navigate in the wake of the storm. For He knows exactly what you should do.

After the storm, we will find that some things are unsalvageable. It cannot be repaired or saved. There are things that are completely destroyed, that you have no other choice than to walk away from and start all over. Yet, so many of us try in vain to hold on to those broken things that we should have long let go of. We waste time trying to fix things that God says is not for us to fix.

The storms in our lives can sometimes seem like they will never end. Yet, during these storms we come to know and understand what is truly important to us. We do learn during the storms, just who we are. We learn our character and the character and disposition of others. When the storm is over, and the light is shining brightly, it will be evident what we need to do. But the question will always be: will we listen? Will we do what we need to do?

Most of us will salvage what we can. Fix what can be fixed. However, some things will not make it through. Some things and some people we will have to let go of. Not every relationship makes it through the storm. Everyone does not come through the storm the same way. And this, my Beloveds, is one of the hardest things to face. Acknowledging the change and the need to move forward and let some things and people go.

Many believe they are not strong enough. They wonder what they will do if another storm comes along. How will they survive? How will they get through it on their own? Yet, what most do not comprehend is that it is through these storms that we gain the strength that enables us to handle what God shines the light on. We will see clearly and know with certainty what needs to be done.
The hardest part, many will find, is not the storm itself, but what comes after the storm. It is often the hardest thing to do—to let go and move forward after a storm. There are remnants of what used to be; reminding of us of times past when things were good. Some will get caught up in the memory of what was to evade what is right now, because it is often painful to see the destruction and brokenness that is front of us. And easy to forget how the storms arose in the first place.
The decisions we have to make, as a result, may hurt, but it is necessary to us moving forward. Fix what can be fixed. Salvage what can be salvaged. And move on from that which cannot be either. Starting over may be scary, but it's the healthiest and wisest thing to do; especially when God has already shown you what to do.

There is life after the storm. It may be different. There may be adjustments, but God is with us through them all. The storm can actually be a blessing in disguise. There are things we may have been avoiding and purposely not seeing. Once a storm hits, there is no more hiding or evading. And after the storm, just as the sun shines brightly; what we have been avoiding will become abundantly clear.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that you are strengthened by the love and power of God in your lives today. That, His word, and promise is a balm to your wounded and weary souls. Remember: The storms come to make you strong; to make you aware of who you are and who those are around you. Pay attention and heed the voice of God. After the storm, there will be peace. Follow the instructions of God as He tells you how to navigate. You are Blessed. Now go…Be a Blessing!

©2015. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

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