by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro www.holyspiritpress.org www.eaglesnestfoundation.org
The cool, damp, earthy scent of autumn is in the air. Wooly sweaters and cardigans are suddenly welcome against outside temperatures which begin to redden our cheeks. Harvest is drawing to completion as the earth enters a season of rest and replenishment in order to prepare for the spring which will follow. With the shortening of days comes increasing storms in the Western Hemisphere bringing water so vital to next year’s harvest.
Many of us delight in the storms. Cozy and snug in our homes, we listen to the soothing sound of rain on the roof, wind in the branches or the eerie silence which accompanies falling snow. We cover ourselves in blankets before a warm fire, read books for which there was no time in summer, play board games and watch movies. The warm scents, then tastes of spiced apple cider and hot chocolate tickle our noses then tantalize our palates. These are days of which good memories are made.
But we can only enjoy these storms when we know we are safe & secure in them. For instance, when the roof leaks, there isn’t enough food or heat, or when we are without a home entirely, we cannot enjoy the storms.
Beyond weather’s storms, there are financial, health-related, relational and emotional storms we will face in life as well. In each of these, God promises to be our spiritual Dwelling Place, Refuge, Sanctuary and shelter if we will let Him.
God does not promise we will live forever or that we never will enounter difficulties. Life here remains earth, not heaven. But He does promise to be with us through these storms, making sure we get through them – so long as He is our Lord as well as Savior.
Thus when life’s storms come (which they will), we can remember His promises and lean into our invisible God. He will not let us down. Rain and snow storms bring the water needed to prepare the soil for the next year’s harvest. God uses life’s storms to prepare hearts within us and around us for His kingdom harvest.
We can find hope knowing that no matter how ominous the clouds, the storm will eventually pass and the blue sky, which has been above the clouds the entire time, will be revealed again.
We can take comfort God will use every one of life’s storms for ultimate eternal good in the lives of those called according to His purpose. (That’s us!)
So as the next life’s storm approaches, take a deep breathe. Let out a sigh. Breathe in His peace. Rest in His promises. Take time to recognize His little kisses and gifts along even the most difficult of paths. And remember you are gazing at the storm from within the safest Dwelling Place of all.
PSALM 46:1-3,7-11 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging….
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shieldswith fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah! [Pause, and calmly think of that!]
END
PLEASE view the new music video for “RESTORE” (with choir) on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piQYnPY1vIA&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL (Made by upcoming, Holy Spirit-filled film director, Olivia Mowry.)
Elizabeth Fulgaro is a wife, mother, writer, inspirational speaker, worship leader, composer, singer & recording artist. She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor with a heart for helping Christians understand and steward their finances God’s way.
For books, worship cds, Bible studies and teachings written by Elizabeth Fulgaro or to schedule her to come speak to your group please visit www.holyspiritpress.org Worship music audio clips can be found at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ElizabethFulgaro For information on her work for the military and their families please visit www.eaglesnestfoundation.org Eagles Nest Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible.
