When Waves of Life Seem to Overtake You
On November 15, 2020, during prayer God warned me that there was a wave coming. I never imagined that less than two weeks later I would have a child who is already autoimmune compromised be diagnosed with COVID-19 and moments after returning from the Emergency Room with her, I would receive a phone call that my father who had been in the hospital days prior passed away. Talking about a wave! Just like that I felt fear grip me, my peace was overtaken, my joy was significantly suppressed, my heart was broken and my spirit grieved.
Through it all God was faithful. He showered grace and mercy. He covered me with His love. He held true to who He is; Healer, Provider, Comforter, Way Maker, Promise Keeper, Prince of Peace, Strong Tower, Wonderful Counselor, Friend to the friendless, Father to the fatherless.
Though my daughter’s body was attacked, the blood of Jesus prevailed. The doctors weren’t hopeful. They told me to prepare for a rough road due to her diagnosis and to prepare for her to develop acute chest syndrome which is common in children with sickle cell. But God, she was asymptomatic and had no symptoms or set backs the entire time. It wasn’t luck it was the grace of God and the precious blood of Jesus that healed her.
Though the loss of my father hurt me to my core, God allowed me the opportunity to pray with him one last time, to hear his voice, to say and to hear “I love you” one last time. Though the pain of not being able to see or to hear from him is now my reality, I have an overwhelming peace and hope for a better tomorrow. He’s no longer struggling, no longer in pain or having to deal with the cares of this world.
Those moments that I thought I couldn’t take another moment, God wrapped His loving arms around me and collected every tear. When I struggled to take my next breath, He was the air in my lungs. When human words couldn’t suffice, His promises penetrated and satisfied the insatiable.
Though the weapons formed, they did not prosper. (Isaiah 54:27)
As I was in prayer in the midst of it all, God constantly reminded me of Isaiah 43:2 which says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
God’s word reminds us that in this world we will have tribulation; but to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) In that same verse He tells us that He has told us these things so that in Him we may have peace. Our peace is not found in our circumstances. Our hope is not found in this world but in Christ alone. Though it is easy to be overcome with the emotion that comes with loss and various tribulations, God encourages us to accept the gift of His peace. His peace is not anything that this world can comprehend. It defies the very essence of human understanding. It is this peace that keeps us when the enemy is working hard to steal, to kill and to destroy. (John 10:10)
When the storm comes remember Psalm 107:29, “He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.” The storm still had it’s course and the waves raged, but for a time.
In times when the waves of life seem like they will overtake you, remember:
God is with you and the waters will not overflow you. (Isaiah 43:2) Even though it feels that you’re drowning in the deepest of your despair or disappointment; God’s grace is a life vest keeping you from going under. Allow His peace to comfort you and to lead you beside still waters. (Psalm 23:2)
Though the weapon has formed, it will not prosper against you. (Isaiah 54:27) don’t become overwhelmed or distracted at the fact that it formed, put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:11)
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re the only one. That some how you are the target. God reminds us that ALL will have trouble. (John 16:33) One of the greatest tactics of the enemy is to make us believe that we are alone in our afflictions which can drive us deeper into despair. God’s peace through the storm is also available to ALL who will accept it. It’s not reserved for a chosen group but free to all who will receive it.