Don't let the "storms of life" stop the FLOOD of God's blessing.

On Thursday March 31st. 2011, storms lashed Florida for the entire day, with gusts of wind up to 75 mph and in our area, up to 4 inches of rain fell. Thunder, lightning all day with a few tornado's touching down.  Fortunately there was no loss of life although several houses and buildings were damaged and at an air show several aircraft were destroyed.
It inspired me to write this blog.


"Don't let the storms of life stop the FLOOD of God's blessing"

Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. vs.24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.   vs.25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. vs.26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

The disciples who witnessed this miracle of Jesus, must have been awestruck.  One minute the storm was raging, and it appeared that Jesus was so unconcerned that "He was asleep".   The reason why Jesus was sleeping, was He was in perfect peace, knowing the outcome by faith.  He had no doubt they would make it to the other side, and He had no fear.  The disciples on the other hand, were looking at the circumstances, and allowing the raging storm to affect their faith and it became their focus, instead of trusting the Lord to get them safely to the other side.

But in response to His disciples anxiety, Jesus took action and a great calm came over the entire area.   That's our God in action. He always causes us to triumph. 2 Cor. 2:14  He is always ready to honor His word and work on our behalf.  He will "make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" Isa 43:20

With all the economic problems, violent storms, earthquakes and wars all over the world, there are a lot of people who are living in fear about the future.  That is not hard to understand.  It is easy to watch these happenings taking place, on our TV's, while we are in the comfort of our homes sipping coffee.   But it is another thing when we are actually experiencing the problem or difficulty. 

That's why having a personal relationship with God is so important.  It's because God knows all of our circumstances, successes, failures, trials, tribulations, difficulties, troubles and everything else about us, but His plan and purpose for our lives remains unchanged.

His plan does not include failure and He has an answer for everything.   But we have to deal with the evidence the five physical senses tell us, so if our focus in on those things, we will never hear what the Spirit of God is saying to us.   

When I look back on my life and see the many times that the Lord came through for us, I am overwhelmed by His goodness.  I am not sure what I would have done if I did not know the Lord in a very personal way. I can tell you with great confidence, that if you spend time in His presence, you will be able to deal with the storms of life in a different way.  His Word speaks about the "oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness" Isaiah 61:3  

Oil is symbolic of the anointing or power of God. God has an anointing of the oil of joy which is God's answer and solution to our human mourning. There is an anointing of joy available for us that is independent of all our human frailties.  It's an anointing that EVERYONE of us needs and it's very necessary in times of stress, discouragement, depression and all the things that assail humans in times of adversity.

But it's not just the Oil of Joy we need, but also the "Garment of Praise" which replaces the spirit of heaviness.   When we praise God, He responds and His presence surrounds us and we feel His love and peace all over us.   Praise also takes our focus off of our problem and centers it on God. 

Don't allow praise and worship to be clinical and traditional.  Let it flow from a heart of love and gratitude towards Him.   Do it will energy and passion and fervor.   There is amazing power and release when we worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords with all of our hearts, minds, souls and flesh. 

Above all, allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your spirit.  Become aware of His leading and obey Him when He corrects you, because out of it will come blessing. 

(listen to "Pour out your Glory Lord" while you read this blog)

Just ask Him now to fill you to overflowing.  Ask Him to fill you with His peace and Joy and new life.

Pray this prayer " Father, thank you for your love, mercy and goodness.  Thank you for your presence that fills me now.  Thank you that every bit of stress, anxiety, depression, fear lifts off of me now in Jesus Name.   I thank You for making a way for me where there is no way.  I thank You for being my provider today and I praise You and bless Your Name.  In Jesus Name I ask this, Amen"

God bless you richly

Gil Howard-Browne

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