As I was finishing last night’s post, we were under a tornado warning.
Yes. A tornado warning. Can we get a break with this severe weather??
I find it all a bit comical now. Here I was, writing about trusting God, and instead of “practicing what I was preaching,” I became filled with fear.
Friend, I do not like storms.
Maybe it’s because I’ve experienced so many. Movies like Twister, and seeing funnel clouds with my own eyes haven’t helped the matter. Reading articles and watching videos of storm chasers intrigue me, yet freak me out.
My first recollection of being afraid of storms was when I was ten years old. Sitting with my family in our basement during a tornado warning, hearing my dad’s strong voice turn shaky after he watched the gigantic tree in our back yard fall on our vehicles and our camper. That was the one and only time I ever heard his voice sound fearful.
Last night’s warning projected our little town was likely going to be in the path of this storm. To say I was covered in goosebumps from head to toe is an understatement. Seriously.
I did the only thing I knew to do.
I prayed.
You can probably guess what happened next. The goosebumps disappeared. The fear left. And I wondered,
“Why didn’t I do that in the first place??”
You may very well be filled with fear today. You may be uneasy and uncertain. Maybe you’re discouraged or disappointed. Whatever you’re walking through, may I remind you, God is bigger–even if it may not seem like it. He can handle your situation.
As I talked to God in those brief moments, I wasn’t praying for God’s sake. I was praying for mine. I needed to get a grip. I needed to change my focus.
Whatever we focus on, magnifies.
If I focused on the storm, my fear would magnify (obviously!!). If I focused on God, He would be magnified.
Friend, where is your focus today? What are you magnifying, making bigger? Your fear or your faith? Your circumstances or the One Who can handle them?
Talking to God brings Him into focus. When we tell him how we’re feeling, when we ask Him to help, when we give to Him whatever we’re going through, He becomes bigger and our circumstances become smaller.
Bring Him into focus and watch what happens.
Your circumstances many not change immediately, but how you react to them will.
I’m thankful to report the tornado lifted and ran out of steam before it made its way to us. I may never learn to like storms, but I have learned Who I need to focus on through them!
I pray God blesses you as you keep your focus on Him!
Julie
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What wonderful words of truth! These are words of encouragement that I needed to hear, and I know many others do as well. Julie, I love your graphics. They are simple, beautiful, and memorable. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sabra, God has been encouraging me…I can’t stop sharing what He’s teaching me. 🙂 I’m glad they are encouraging to you too. My graphics are usually taken by my camera phone. Thank you for your words and for swinging by this morning. I appreciate your friendship, even if it’s across hundreds of miles! God bless you, friend!
Julie, I loved this post! We were under a tornado watch last night as well which was weird for us living in MA. But it was crazy weather.
It is so true –> whatever we focus on, magnifies.
I can remember as a kid how we would take a piece of newspaper &our magnifying glass to a sunny spot. It didn’t take long before we could get the paper to ignite. So it not only magnifies, it can also do damage. May we get hold of our thoughts quickly & focus on Him.
Grateful to have stopped here from Testimony Tues. Have a blessed day!
Joanne, as a child I remember doing that with a magnifying glass too! I never thought of that for this post, but it’s so true! Thank you for bring a new perspective on this. God is continually teaching me on where to keep my focus. So glad you stopped by. Have a blessed week!
I did the same thing just a week ago, Julie. My husband told me of the hurricane forming in the Atlantic, and I remembered all the fallen trees on our property a couple of years ago when Sandy came. Thank you for this reminder! He needs to be our continual focus.
Yes, Abby. He does need to be our continual focus. So often I let my focus stray. I had no idea you received damage from Sandy. Storms can be scary, that’s for sure. I just need to remember Who is bigger than them all! Thank you for sharing. Hugs to you today, friend!
Love love love this!! Such a challenge to alter my thinking and focus each day. Thank you for the encouragement and example to do just that, Julie. Appreciate you linking up for Testimony Tuesday.
Hi Holly! I just love Testimony Tuesday. Thank you for all you do to keep that link running each week. Your place is such a home of encouragement! Thank you for stopping in today! God bless you, friend!