He will see you through it

As the sun is setting on our now lakefront home, thanks to Hurricane Irma, I am reminded of what all has transpired over the past week.
This has been the longest week of preparation for a hurricane I’ve EVER been in. I’m a native Floridian, and I’ve witnessed and been in my fair share of them. From observing the beginnings of Irma, to seeing her devastate islands that I love to travel to; purchasing more water, food, and gasoline that I think I ever have for a hurricane; witness the most populated evacuation emerge; seeing family and friends have to leave their homes not knowing if they will even have a home to return to; imagining the worst, hoping for the best, and fresh off the heels of Hurricane Harvey…it has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions.
If you read the bible verses and prayers that I posted, you could probably sense the uneasiness in my prayers. I was reminded of David, when he would write a Psalm and it almost sounded conflicting…“I need to feel Your strength, Lord. Thank You for Your strength.” Or in Mark 9:24 when the boy’s fathers exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I was totally believing that God was in control and is my Protector and Provider, but the size of Irma and the intensity of the storm was terrifying. My humanness was on an emotional ride.
It was a sleepless night, as Irma’s most powerful winds didn’t reach our home until well into the night. While my family was sleeping, I was a restless momma. Then…daylight came.
As the morning light became visible, it was time to assess the damage. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I opened the door to see a momma deer with her fawn gallop across the pasture. A young buck ran on the yard side of the fence, about ten yards from our front porch. He must have gotten injured, because he had a slight limp as he paced the fence line, trying to reach the other deer. It was refreshing and comforting to see God’s critters.
There was still strong gust of winds throughout the morning, but our damage was very minimal. Large limbs down, but not on any structures.  Praise the Lord! Small branches and leaves were scattered all over the backyard. The nearby creek had overflowed, and the water increased throughout the day. We often have excess water, due to the fact that we live in the Green Swamp area, but this flow of water exceeded what anyone has seen in many years. So, our backyard now appears to be lakefront property. The water will recede, and the sun will always set (even when we can’t see it).
Through the storm…emotionally, physically, and mentally…God was in control.
Through the storm…I would turn my focus on The Creator.
Through the storm…I’d hold out for hope.
Through the storm…we made it, with God as our Protector.
At the end of the storm…joy comes in the morning.
Whatever storm you may be going through in your life, please know, and remember…God is in control, He will see you through it, call out to Him and grab His hand, and joy will come in the morning. Your troubles will recede, and The Son will always shine.
We have learned what to do and what not to do during and after a storm. Just like any storms/trials in life, growth happens.
I pray that you will hold on to hope, in the midst of your storm. Grow in wisdom, knowledge, and truth through it all. Joy will come in the morning.
#WESURVIVEDIRMA.

My God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and savior – from violent people you save me. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:3-4

Blessings to you and yours, Stephanie
#HeismyRock #ComfortinChrist #HurricaneIrma