I have always heard that there are three persons in life. The first is in the middle of a storm, the second is just coming out of a storm, and the third is about to go in a storm. At some point in life, we will all experience being the first, second, or third. Where do you find yourself today?
About a week ago, I testified in church about the Lord’s faithfulness as my provider. Over and over, when I was seemingly at my lowest, He never allowed my cruse of oil to run out. I encouraged the saints through my testimony, and God got the glory. Then the preacher preached a powerful word: “Be at Peace, God’s Got You Covered!” It was taken from Isaiah 26:1-4 (KJV).
1 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
I was encouraged by that message and basking in God’s peace as I listened to every word of that sermon. No matter who we are or where we are in life, we are not exempted from the trials of life. Every now and again, we could use an encouraging boost to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Every now and again, we could use an uplifting that everything is in God’s hands and He’s got us covered even in the midst of the storm.
As I was driving home after that service, a foreign object hit my windshield. At first, I thought it was just a really hard bird poop. Hahahaha! I could not believe something had cracked my windshield. I had just heard about peace, and the enemy wanted me to get flustered and distracted. He knew what my vulnerable area was at that moment. I was definitely annoyed because I was thinking about this being another expense. I testified about the Lord providing for me, and now I would be tested on my testimony. Will I trust God, or will I allow the enemy to have me in disarray and worry about the repair cost?
When I arrived home and checked out of my car, there was no bird poop in sight, just a crack. The enemy wanted to discourage me! However, I was reminded of the word to “BE AT PEACE!” So, I called my insurance company to see if it would cover the damage. The lady said it would not. My flesh wanted to get worked up, but I had to choose to “BE AT PEACE.” The enemy would like for me to throw a pity party and question God, though. Jehovah Shalom was my portion. I went looking for repair shop options and costs to get an idea. I did not know how it was going to get paid. Before I went to sleep, I laid before the Lord and asked Him for wisdom concerning this matter.
The next morning, I refused to take what the insurance agent said because I was also paying a lot for insurance, hahaha! It could only have been the Lord who led me to file a claim. Honestly, I was not expecting anything to come out of it because the lady’s verdict outweighed my belief in a God who can change verdicts. Sometimes, we allow those in authority’s words to hold more weight than the promises of God for our lives. Who said it had to be like that? Who said things could not be different? Who said the “rules” could not be broken for the Lord to give you a miracle? As Moses said unto the people, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Stand still in His peace as He saves you from your situation.
After filling out the claim, I got an appointment with a repair company and discovered I had to pay ZERO dollars. What the enemy tried, the Lord Jesus made it fail.
What are you stressing over today? What bill seems insurmountable? What health report are you afraid of? Your mountain may be too great for you, but it is not greater than our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember the words of Philippians 4:7 (KJV),
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
There is no need for us to worry when God is in control. Let His peace rule in your hearts and minds today!
The beautiful ending to this story is the very next week, as I was driving to church, Pastor Charles Swindoll’s radio program was on, where he shared the same verse in Isaiah 26:3 (KJV),
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Another reminder to rest in the peace of God because though the storms of life rage on, my anchor holds and grips the solid rock!
Raphael R. Roker 