As I sat watching my children play with their Daddy, I asked God to help me live in complete peace and to teach me how to not be a worry wart. I am a worrier (I openly admit it) and it causes me to literally be physically sick. Sometimes I don't even realize I am worrying or stressed until I start to not feel good. God surrounded me this morning with his power and showed me why I should not worry and have faith in Him.
We are on vacation in Tybee Island, GA this week. This place is so awesome! It's laid back, beach bum atmosphere is just perfect for a relaxing getaway. Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Andrea decided she needed to visit here this week as well.
We arrived on Wednesday. Thursday it started raining about lunch time and poured the rain most of the day. That evening the wind arrived and whipped through this quaint, peaceful island.
Today was a beautiful day, with dark rain clouds mixed with pure white, fluffy ones. The wind decided to stick around and it would literally take your breath away on the beach if you were walking right into it. As I sat on the beach deep in conversation with God, the wind picked up and loose sand glided across the beach. It was so majestic as sand and wind blew all around me. My whole left side was sand covered in minutes as the wind whipped through my hair. I was immediately reminded of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. It was described in verse 2 as a "mighty rushing wind" as it swept in and filled the apostles. God reminded me in that moment that the Holy Spirit dwells within me. I am never alone and I have nothing to fear. He is with me always and He controls everything.
The wind died down enough to allow the loose sand to rest on the beach but it remained constant. As I leaned back, I was captivated by how beautiful the sky was. Just yesterday it was rainy and muggy, yet today it was picture perfect and worth stopping and enjoying. A few storm clouds remained and at times they would block the sun. But every chance the sun got it would shine through a cloud and warm my skin....reminding me that it was still there.
It made me think of trials that we go through in life. It is hard, depressing, and not much fun while we are in the middle of a storm but the aftermath can be worth it all. The beauty shines through the darkness and God is continuing to shape us into the image of Christ and preparing us for what he has ahead.
For now I leave you with this scripture......
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
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