Riders of the Storm
by Shawnee Boykin
Rise and Shine!
That which reflects the light of the master of the storm, rises above the storm. On the 8 Hour drive to Houston from King Ranch, I saw the light of the sun reflected in a brilliant moon. This was no ordinary moon. It was rising above a massive thunderstorm. I am reminded of what God said. “Psalm 107:28-31 Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. So they rejoiced that the waves became quiet, and he led them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his gracious love and for his awesome deeds on behalf of mankind.
The stuff and storms of life are not meant to destroy us, but draw us closer to God and build his overcoming and true character in us.
**Corrie Ten Boom, survivor and overcomer of the Hitler, Nazi extermination of her people during WW2 said “In order to realize the worth of the anchor we need to feel the stress of the storm.”
“How often we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource! We go to him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn that the storms of life have driven us, not upon the rocks, but into the desired haven.” George Macdonald
What storms we have endured in the past few years! Why? Is He making them happen to us? No. It’s not in his character to throw destruction at those who are seeking Him.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
1John 4:7-9 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him..
God is Love. There is a very real storm and war against God’s love in the earth right now. But He is in the field at this time! Open, looking for you, and hoping you and we will all come running to Him and put our face up to His. He shines as the Lover of our soul and wants us to know Him fully as He is.
He is our Anchor and sure foundation. He is our refuge, our safety, our provision. He is our greatest advocate! He is our great great Joy! He is our friend. He is our peace that surpasses all human understanding.
He also wants us to know fully who we are to Him. When we look above the storm, wind, destruction- and look only at Jesus, we are changed! Accept the reflection of His Love for us. Look into His eyes, and know that as He sees us- this is the reality of what you are growing into, the more time you spend with Him. Then you Shine! We can Rise above the storms of life, and shine so brightly with the reflection of the Love and knowledge of who Jesus is! That is what will be seen in our faces. That dear ones, is the fullness of who we really are, and no storm can wash it away, but only serve to drive us deeper into His arms and the reality of who we really are in Him. All of God’s grace, Love and Power is yours. May we continue to rise and shine.
So much love-Shawnee