First Ever English Winter - Weathering the Storms
Being home now in England after my time in America, it didn't take long to pick up the pace in ministry that I left behind. The time in America visiting my grand kids, kids, and friends was such a blessing and refreshment to my soul. But I knew as time drew near, I was ready to set foot once again on British soil.
The ride across the pond was quite turbulent and cold, as I was seated by the exit door, but my heart and soul once became warmed as Bob met me at Heathrow airport. We also drove back to Exeter in my "new to me" small car that I will be able to drive on these narrow roads in England. Getting a posted 80.1 miles per gallon (67 mpg in the US), I now can zip along these highways and byways turning my "American driving" into "British driving" once again.
With lots of pelting rain as we drove home, I could not help overlooking the flooding that had been occurring in the fields as we got closer home. But that was nothing, as the biggest winter storm was about to hit a few days later on the Southwest shoreline in "sunny Devon". As I was sitting in my lounge (living room) that night, I recall the rain and wind was so strong, my windows were rattling. It almost felt like they would break any moment from under such severe pressure. But God gently reminded me in Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give away and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it's waters roar and foam...." Our shoreline from that storm was devastated with rocks and debris everywhere, a major train line left dangling, and many people left homeless because their beach front homes were no longer. As the storm recked havoc that night, not only along the seafront but within, only those things that had a firm foundation stood the test.
How often in our lives there are storms that come and go! Waves that seem to come and completely engulf us, making us feel so helpless. But yet God is faithful to be with us and desiring to be that anchor to our souls. For in Him and Him alone are we able to endure, for in our weakness He is made strong, giving glory to His name. Yes, we may be battered and bruised, but we know that as our life is hid in Christ, he is faithful to keep us safe in Him. Therefore as Psalm 57:1 declares, "I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings, until the disaster passes."
For those of you going through storms right now in your life, God is there! Maybe it's a storm you've never been through- like me, the one from Arizona that has only seen dust storms! He understands the difficulty, the pain. I encourage you as I was encouraged that scary night in another passage to "find rest, O my soul, in God alone, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6.
May we be blessed, and have a thankful heart, as we remember and consider just how great our God is and how much He loves us so!
Prayer Requests:
-Driving lessons and test quickly taken for Bob
-Ongoing discipleship and leadership training
-Large meeting place near the University in Exeter
-Ministering to new families in Calvary Exeter and Wotter Community Church
-Conferences scheduled to attend and teach at, that it would be a great time of encouragement
-Ministering effectively to all the University students coming our way
