A friend sent me the following from David Wilkerson. Its a good thing to read if you or someone you know is in the midst of a great storm.
From: DAVID WILKERSON TODAY
Date: March 2, 2012 3:02:03 AM EST
To: devotions-en@lists.worldchallenge.org
Subject: SWAMPED BY A STORM
Reply-To: devotions@davidwilkerson.org
David Wilkerson Today
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012
SWAMPED BY A STORM
by David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011]
Are you facing trouble in your business or career? As you read the following verses, be reminded that career people and businessmen here are likened to seamen in ships. The great waters signify the big world of competition, an ocean of activity.
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. . . . They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end” (Psalm 107:23-27).
These people are God’s beloved saints. They are in awe of His greatness and power, but a storm breaks out that is beyond their control. It is not judgment for sin, yet suddenly waves are swamping them, swallowing up their boat. They are staggered by problems on all sides, and it looks as if their ship is going down. Suddenly they are confused and perplexed: “Their soul is melted because of trouble” (verse 26).
Many career people have told me, “It looks bad. I don’t know what happened, but suddenly I’m in a mess.” They were able to solve their own problems in the past, and to escape one crisis after another. With this trial, however, there seems to be no way of escape. They are mentally and physically exhausted.
How easily we forget that our loving heavenly Father is our partner in our work, regardless of our career or calling. Indeed, nothing happens to us without His involvement. He has power over all our difficulties and He has a reason and purpose behind them all.
What can you do when your business partner has no advice and consultants cannot help you? Where do you turn when your spouse, your pastor, your best friend has nothing to say to you? I am not a businessman but I can point you to the seamen in Psalm 107:
“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30).
Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/17156?src=devo-email
It reminds me of Jeremiah 18 where the clay is marred in the potter’s hands so He forms it into something new. I don’t think that refers just to salvation but to our walk with Christ.
Clay, being inanimate, has no sense of touch. I wonder if when we are being pressed and kneaded and remade we sense the Master’s wise and loving hands around us. More likely we blame ourselves, others or circumstances and give little credit to the One doing a good work in us and through us.
Praise God that He is completely trustworthy!