A few weeks ago, I woke up at 4:38 am to the sound of rain and thunder. As I laid on my bed I began to think about storms...no not actual storms, but BATTLES that feel like storms. People face battles all around us , some are physically or emotionally and others are mentally or even spiritually.
This COVID pandemic has brought panic to many people. This may be because we don’t know much about it. We do know that it’s taking many people’s lives. Many of those lives didn’t get the chance to know true peace in God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound of mind.” Trade all of that fear and anxiety for love and peace. Another verse that talks about his peace is Philippians 4:7. Here it says, “ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Guard means to “watch over in order to protect or control”, in that case we shouldn’t worry or fear anything, since we know exactly who protects our hearts and our minds.
There was one experience in particular, where I found myself inside a storm. This has to do with the passing of an uncle. He had suffered from cancer for many years, but when it returned, it hit harder. On the day of his passing, my family and myself were on our way to Walmart. I remember we were in the car and about to arrive, when my mom called to check on him. It had been like 2 minutes in the call, when we heard crying and screaming, he had died. My mom left the next day while we stayed and didn’t leave till a few days later. His passing hadn’t seeped in, till the day of his funeral. As we entered, everywhere we saw, people were crying and hugging each other. My sister hugged his wife and I couldn’t hold it in so I stepped aside. I'm a very sentimental person, so seeing people hurt is something I can’t handle. My mom spoke at his funeral, and while she was talking a video played as well. My cousin and I started crying, as we remembered the memories created with him. It was him who had taught me how to play the piano. I later found out that before he died, he accepted Jesus into his heart. I found true peace in knowing that he no longer suffered and that he now had received eternal life.
There are experiences that are harder to get through, but remember that in the middle of that storm you’re in, God is there too. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “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.” He will never leave your side, he will give you the victory.
If you are currently feeling fear or worry, I hope you turn to God for his everlasting and true peace. Exchange your feelings for everything he has to offer!
Don’t forget to smile,
Grace.
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