Shelter from our storms

Yesterday the storm seemed to hit our house pretty hard. Yes, it snowed here, but that's not what I am talking about. Peace was not reigning over here in our household. But, the Lord was in it and showed me once again, how very faithful He is to the weary and burdened. I'm studying James and I'm even smack dab in the middle of this week's lesson called "How to handle a trial God's way." I have been asking Him to help me put into practice what I am seeing in His Word and I was delighted to see how He gave me that chance in one of the biggest storms to hit the Fleming house!

i don't remember all the events in order, but here are my thoughts as the storm started brewing.

Breakfast was over. Chores started. Someone was crying. Someone else was crying and then someone else joined in. Someone's clothes wouldn't fit right. She needed help but was having a meltdown in the process of getting dressed. Another little one wanted milk but couldn't stop crying to ask for it. One child couldn't find blankie and then when did it was wet and then she couldn't stop bawling. Everyone in unison was screaming "Hold me! Hold me!" Somewhere in there was pushing and scratching, I just can't remember where.

I'd like to say that I calmly looked at their sweet faces at that moment and brushed the tears away, but I didn't. I ran to my room, locked the door, dropped to my knees and cried out to the Lord. I pleaded with Him to show me how to make it stop. How to show me what to do. How to bring peace in the storm. I told Him I was tired of reacting angrily often, how I felt defeated. I just gave up. But I knew that was not the place to be. I then wondered what it would have been like if Jesus gave up on me. I'd be hopeless. That's the state I was in and He knew it and I begged Him to help me weather the storm.

"Wisdom. Ask Me for it."

So I did.

And He gave me the story of Jesus on the boat with the disciples in the middle of the storm. Just like that.

I came out, still heavy hearted but hopeful, knowing He gave me what I asked.
They grabbed blankets and we lay down in the hallway, all snuggled close and I told the story as I knew it.

"But then Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was great calm." Mark 4:39

We sat in silence for a few minutes. We prayed. We hugged. We thanked Jesus for being with us in our storm and then they ran out to play in the snow.

Thank You Jesus for being the Shelter from our storms yesterday, today, and forever more.

James 1:5-8 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.