Faith that Outrides the Waves
Well now, would you look at that, friend? This ol’ front porch feels a whole lotn friendlier now that you’ve stopped by here. So, come right on up here on and set yourself down. I’ve been waitin’ on you like a watchful ol’ barn owl that spots a familiar face comin’ up the trail. It surely is a pleasure to have you stop by. Today we are steppin’ right on out into a stormy tale, so grab that ol’ rocker over there that squeaks plum louder than a cranky ol’ goat that got nudged off a stump. Nahum 1:7 tells us, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.” That there verse fits these storm stories tighter than a lid on Granny’s ol’ biscuit jar.
Jonah 1:4 says, “There was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up.” (Jonah 1:4) And Acts 27:20 says, “All hope that we would be saved was finally given up.” (Acts 27:20) Friend, those storms weren’t no polite little breezes. They were the kind that toss a ship around like a lil’ ol’ squirrel that got caught in a wind gust. Jonah’s storm came from disobedience. Paul’s storm came from circumstances plum beyond his control. Yet in both cases, God used the waves to shape their hearts, steady their faith, and remind ‘em both that He never loses track of His children.
Paul stood up in the middle of that chaos and declared, “Take heart… for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (Acts 27:22‑25) That there’s faith that sho’-nuff’ stands firm like a stubborn ol’ mule that plum refuses to budge. And friend, Psalm 93:4 says, “The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters.” That there means every storm, every fear, every unknown is still under His command. No wave has ever risen higher than His authority.
Not every storm comes because we messed up. Some storms come because life is life. But every storm can be used by God to grow us, strengthen us, and pull us closer to Him. We learn things in the storm that sunshine never teaches. We discover His nearness, His steadiness, and His voice that cuts through the noise like a whip‑poor‑will calling across a quiet valley.
Father, thank you for being stronger than every storm. Thank you for meeting us in the middle of the waves and teaching us to trust you. Shape our hearts, steady our steps, and help us grow in every trial. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well now, there it is, friend, and I reckon it’s sho’-nuff’ about time for you to go steppin’ off into the rest of your doin’s, carryin’ this here ol’ truth the way a determined lil’ ol’ chipmunk carries an acorn twice its size. Remember that God’s strength holds firmer than a fence post sunk deep in deep soil. Walk forward with the calm confidence of an ol’ barn cat that knows exactly where the dry spot is during a rainy downpour. And keep your eyes wide open, friend, because the Lord’s work in your storms will show itself clearer than a mountain stream after a big ol’ spring rain.
With joy,
Gwen
