Revised

Proverbs 46:1-3, Proverbs 30:4
Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:19
Psalm 119:105

This past September brought several hurricanes in our path. The one which was threatening was Irma, and it was headed our way. After the devastation in Houston, we all recalled images of the flooding and the warning for residents to evacuate, so it seemed logical, if there was any threat of a storm surge, we should do the same.

Prior to when hurricane Irma was predicted to hit our coast, the Lord assured me of His protection as images of flooded homes and people wading in the streets kept invading my mind. Therefore, I prayed for the Lord to move the storm out to sea in an easterly direction. But as the storm moved steadily, its direction was towards us.

The Lord always gives direction through His Word and it was His Word He was giving direction. His Word repeated in my grand – daughter’s and my devotionals:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”  Psalm 46:1-3

It was like a Noah’s Ark experience as we made ready our home against the wind, the flood and the rain.  And when our doors and windows were sealed with shudders, four friends, three animals evacuating, entered  our home to stay.

Along with the storm reaching landfall, came an immediate challenge to our faith.  The storm was at a category 5 and with that strength there was no doubt to the capability of homes flooding and the wind’s destruction. So we prayed for the Lord to weaken the storm.

As we continued to pray, trusting the Lord for His direction, it was His Word that encouraged us to stay. His Word appeared on my grand- daughter’s iPhone again that last day:

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10

The biggest challenge to our faith was when a patrol car drove down our street, in front of our home, with an official’s megaphone, blasting- “This area is a flood zone,  you need to evacuate this day!

I will not lie, I became double-minded, wondering, whether I was somehow mistaken. And in the midst of it all, our guests were discussing whether to go or stay for we were all receiving messages from concerned relatives to leave right away. My grand- daughter gave her testimony of God’s deliverance and grace, and my husband stood firm believing we were safe.

Then, as I encouraged myself in the Lord, remembering what “He had to say”, I found myself  exclaiming, “It’s according to God’s Word, and according to God’s Word we’re to stay and went to my room and prayed.

I was glad  when my husband joined me, and together we began to pray, seeking God’s Peace and assurance on whether to go or stay.    So I prayed, if this is your “Word”, please let my husband know.  Suddenly, my husband said, “I have a Peace” and left.  As he was telling the others, I was praying for their peace, as well, and as it happened we all received it, enough to let it go.

As we settled together in one room, the storm raged, and the winds blew nosily against the aluminum shudders. At times, I would again pray, but distanced myself from the noise making me afraid.  I had asked the Lord to open our eyes to His provision whenever we would doubt and fear ( 2 Kings 6:17).
He answered that prayer directly, by keeping the lights shining and the the football game going until it was time for bed.

God made wonderful provisions early on in so many ways. Our son and his family dropped off their water, food and ice when they decided not to stay. And our grand-daughter’s husband came with electrical cables, a generator and  a light. We had exactly what was needed to bunker down for days and especially through “That night”.

Then the reason for the storm became “visible” when the power finally went off as the opportunity was given to share our faith in God’s only provision, His Son, Jesus Christ.

Surely,  the Lord’s light shone brightly in all our hearts that night.

As we laid waiting, family and friends began to encourage us in spiritual and practical ways. Sending us scripture and letting us know they prayed.

By the time the storm reached us it had weakened from a 5 to 2, and the chances of a storm surge near us with flooding, did not ring true.

The Lord was true to His Word to answer all our prayers by keeping our properties and families and friends safe both far and near.
This was the Word received and shared by my grand-daughter on the day of the storm: 

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!”
Proverbs 30:4

Though the storm was ramping and raging, our Lord was true to His Word, it was up to us to believe Him as we knew He was faithful to do.

So, whether the Lord’s Word tells us to flee or to stay, we are assured of His protection when we listen to Him only.

It’s what
“He has to say”

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

Thanking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all our friends and family who encouraged us and prayed!