Morning by Morning, September 14 - "Pounded by the Storm"
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Your name is above every name and every moment of my day. ...
"We were being pounded by the storm so violently that on the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard, and on the third day with their own hands they threw the ship's tackle overboard. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, 'Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and thereby avoided this damage and loss. I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told" (Acts 27:18-25).
I pray for all the people being "pounded by the storm" along the North and South Carolina coasts this morning in the face of the hurricane. I think of several summers where I spent time on Myrtle Beach, which is likely buried under waters of water about now. May they "keep up (their) courage" and "have faith in God" as You bring them through the storm. May You stir hearts with compassion and empower Your servants with wisdom to help the hurting, assure the fearful, and provide for all that is needed according to Your riches in glory and the mercy of Your grace.
Paul went through a storm he never chose to come and even warned against. But there he was in the midst of the aftermath nonetheless. And Your were right there with him through it all -- confirming Your word and leading by Your Spirit. Others were in a panic, but Paul was at peace "giving thanks to God in the presence of all" so that "all of them were encouraged" (v. 35-36).
Lord, turn our storms into opportunities to display "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Let our hearts be steady and secure, built on the rock of faith that cannot be shaken and overcome by the storms we endure (Matthew 7:24-25). You are our "Refuge and Shelter from the storm and rain" (Isaiah 4:6). Empower us to be Your heart and hands to minister Your peace and provision to those in panic or pain, to those suffering great loss and in need of hope and help and healing. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My Friend, I pray you are steady and secure on the rock of your faith in the One who is your Refuge and Shelter through every storm, ready to to pray and help as the Spirit of God leads you in His mercy and love, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
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