Women’s Connect June Devotional 2022
Fellow sister,
Enjoy this devotional, written by Gayla Grayum. May you be blessed as you experience the sure promises of the Lord in any storm you may be facing today. Thank you, Gayla, for sharing this encouragement with us!
“Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already-you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.” Isaiah 43:19
This month ushers in a new season. Summer is finally upon us and we can feel the long-anticipated warmth of summer days. All the dead branches and twigs have been pruned away, the grass is green, my perennials have new life and my little garden is planted! Warm weather is finally here and I love it! The days feel more relaxed yet at the same time more productive as we soak in extra hours of daylight. My grandkids look forward to time at the pool to temper the afternoon sun and long evenings outdoors before dusk arrives.
Born and raised in the Midwest, I have experienced many sultry summer days and what they can bring. As the summer temperatures begin to warm, so does the threat of severe weather. We never know when the elements in the atmosphere may be ripe and just like that, a storm is upon us. When a storm comes it can wreak havoc. It can uproot trees, damage or destroy buildings and even cause death. It can leave a mess behind to clean up. I am sure we all remember the derecho that surprised us a few summers ago.
Photo by Henry Grayum
Storms in our life can appear just as suddenly as a summertime storm. Without warning, we find ourselves smack in the eye of the storm. It may shake up our health, finances, relationships, and even test our faith. The suffering can be intense and rattle us to the core. The dark clouds may loom above for what feels like an eternity and it may take time to restore the upheaval that a storm can create in our life.
As we try to ride out the storm, we may wonder what good things can come from a storm? How can God be doing a new thing with something that seems so destructive or painful?
Storms can provide great benefits to the earth. They can prune away weak limbs in trees, bring water to areas in drought, refill lakes and rivers, cool the earth, and replenish plants. A storm can bring renewal to living things. Storms in our life can also bring forth new things. They may help us let go of or purge the things that don’t matter and clarify what is missing or lacking spiritually or physically in our life. A storm can bring greater dependence on God and teach us to wholly trust in him.
Photo by Henry Grayum
As you step into summer, stay vigilant as storms will come. Enjoy the warm sunny days, but keep your feet firmly planted in God. When you see a storm approaching, lean into him and he will give you protection. Jesus commanded the wind and the waves to obey him in the fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:27). Jonah was rescued from the belly of a whale (Jonah 1-2). God will not leave you stranded in the storm. Fear and anxiety can be much like rain and wind coming at us full force reducing our visibility. It may be hard to see God is making a way for you to get through whatever storm you may be facing. Trust that God will get you to the other side and be ready to see what new thing God has done when the sun is shining and you can see clearly again.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Photo by Gayla Grayum
After a year of hunkering down through stormy weather, I am starting to see blue skies. The clouds are clearing in the west and the dark intense clouds are moving on to the east. The raging winds are calm, the torrential downpour of rain has subsided to a soft sprinkle and a rainbow has appeared where the sun, rain, and clouds collide. God’s goodness and provision are shining through the storm.
We don’t get to choose our storms, but we can look for the purpose through them. As you weather the storm, what new thing can you see God doing in your life? Is he clarifying, pruning, and purging the old to bring forth something new? Renewing your relationship with him? Creating a deeper dependence on him? Equipping you to do something new?
If you are in the midst of a storm, I pray that you remember these truths in God.
He goes before you
He can calm the storm in you
He hears and answers prayers
He is our eternal hope
He is faithful
He is sovereign