What is your Dorian?
Life is a LOT like the process of a hurricane.

  • A situation may start with a simple breeze that blows up to be wicked whirlwind. Turmoil and devastation.
  • Treacherous waves crashing onto and over once peaceful banks and shores.
  • There’s often much preparation. (By you or possibly by God.)
  • There are warning signs, for those who have access to communication.
  • Excess waiting ensues.
  • Oodles of projected noodles.
  • Persons and places may be spared, while others have catastrophic or fatal effects.
  • Things of life are scattered and hurled all around, often leaving fragments.
  • Life after the storm must continue.
  • Communities come together.
  • Prayers are lifted up and scripture is quoted.
  • Restoration takes place.
  • Blue skies and sunshine are seen again.
  • And on and on and on

Does this sound like your life?
Hurricanes don’t have to be just atmospheric. You may have a physical or spiritual hurricane going on inside of you.  
One of my dear friends recently saw the projected paths of hurricane Dorian and commented how her life is a lot like that right now.  Oodles of noodles everywhere!
I have no idea what you may be going through.  Maybe your are in the waiting, in the path of danger, in the midst of or spared from catastrophe, dealing with relational, job, health, or whatever issues may be surrounding you at this moment, just know that you are not alone.  He is there. God is in the waiting, before, during, and after your storm in life. God can and will rescue you.
I want to encourage you to hold on to the hope that there will be glory in the end of it all.  The end result may not be what we ever expected (good or bad), but now what. How will you show God’s glory and grace when you are in the midst of it all or at the end of this journey? Reach up and call out to Him.  Reach out and help others. Help each other through the hurricanes of life.
Find strength and hope in these few verses:

The Lord your God is with you. He is like a powerful soldier. He will save you. He will show how much he loves you and how happy he is with you. He will laugh and be happy about you,  Zephaniah 3:17 ERV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. Isaiah 40:31 ERV

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1 NLT

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NLT

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 NIV

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 NLT

Great blessings belong to those who are sad now. God will comfort them. Matthew 5:4 ERV

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ERV

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

Oh, friend, there are so many more verses to help guide you through this time in your life, or for you to help others.  Do you have a “go-to” verse? Please share it for others find encouragement as well.
Praying for and loving you. 
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie