Shaken
The other day I came across a Christmas ornament for sale. It was made out of clay with 4 painted faces wearing masks with a roll of toilet paper streaming across that read 2020. That ornament really brought a perspective that allowed me to laugh as I looked back at all of the unimaginable things that had already happened this year.
Looking back now, as we are almost at the tail end of this year, many of us can testify to the hardships and unknowns it has brought. So many of us have been shaken by everything that has surfaced during this time, from riots, raging political wars, school shut downs, mask debates, closing businesses, fires, churches being forced to limit or close their doors, losses and the division it has all caused… It seems our opinions hold more value than our friendships these days.Â
People are killing one another in rage and taking their own lives due to loss of hope. Everyone responds differently to hardships and I’ve witnessed examples from shear panic to boldness and strength, both within and outside the church. It has caused me to reevaluate the parts in my life that are aligned with Jesus and those that aren’t.Â
Prepared
When this pandemic started and schools were beginning to shut down and we all began to enter into quarantine, I had a friend at work tell me, “It’s like you were on the boat already.” This comment was offered in a positive light, as if she was saying “With all of the quarantine changes, you were prepared. This isn’t a new place for you”.
Her comment lingered in my mind for some time and I thought about how Noah must have felt the day it began to rain. All those years being mocked for building a massive ship in a place where rain is scarce. He was ridiculed for his choice to finish and see through his labor. When the rain came and the water rose he must have felt a sense of peace knowing he was safe and secure aboard the massive vessel he had just completed. But I’m sure he felt a huge sense of sorrow for all those left behind. The doors were closed and there was no second chance for those not aboard.Â
All Aboard
In my quiet time with the Lord, as I was reflecting over our nation’s current situation, I saw a boat traveling upstream. The boat was effortlessly moving through the strong current which was flowing through all of America. The waters were rising past sea level and covering our nation. I saw even the highest mountains start to be covered in water. The only mountains left were God’s Holy Mountains, which for me represented His forever-standing Government.
The boat I was on was JESUS.
The doors had not been shut and all were welcome.
I saw people from every state waiting along the banks to get picked up. Some of those had once been on the boat and had decided to get off, but there was no judgment, no condemnation.
All doors were open and forgiveness was immeasurable and given freely to those who desired it.Â
The Time is now!
This is an invitation to come into the safe place. You don’t have to ride the waves alone not knowing your direction or position.
In Jesus you are safe, you are known and you are forgiven.
All of life’s struggles can fall to the bottom of the seas and we can ride this out together in Him and through Him. The Lord is calling with arms wide open offering a safe haven in which you can rest. You can find rest from the unknown and trust that His ways bring us to where we are called to be. His Government will stand for eternity and He is calling us to trust Him. Will you?Â
The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation”. – Psalms 91:14-16 NLT
Freedom Blessings,
Erika
Let’s Stay Connected. Sign up below to receive our weekly blog.
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Click below if you’d like to learn more about how you can begin to Rewrite Your Story or schedule a Freedom Session to begin your own freedom journey.