Guest Post by Adriana Morales Spokane
“… Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Mark 4: 37-41 (NASB)
In the midst of a storm, or should I say a tsunami, do not forget to look up to Jesus first.
God challenged and refined me for almost four years although he did not give me more than I could handle at the time.
Have you ever been choked or paralyzed by a life storm? Have you ever experienced unbelief? I sure did several years ago, yet I cried out boldly and loudly, ”help me with my unbelief, Lord.”
Some of you may be going through some challenges today. If you are going through a storm, how would you label your storm? I labeled mine, “The Pit of Darkness.” The Lord was ahead of me working out every detail of my dire circumstances.
“Lord, You light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28 HCSB) Let us never forget He is the Light in our journey.
A few months after my dad had passed away, I was promoted to a regional leadership platform. Today, I oversee the quality of clinical services for close to 1,300 children and adolescents. During this time of grief and sorrow, I was asked to make daily clinical decisions on behalf of these needy children. While I successfully provided adequate coverage, I was also intertwined with family affairs and daily decision-making processes on behalf of my dad’s estate.
My “pit of darkness” was steep and intense.
I was out of breath at times and my health was compromised on several occasions. My life circumstances definitely got intense before the circumstances got any better.
His Truth reminds me, “He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (Psalm 18:32 HCSB) The Lord will fight on our behalf, we just need to be still, be quiet, listen and follow His lead (Exodus 14:14).
Every time my eyes were not on Jesus, I was horrified, even paralyzed when facing these stressors. I thanked the Lord for a supportive husband who challenged me to take the next step in the midst of confusion, chaos, loss, and persecution from those who resisted change. Most importantly, I have a great God who clothed me with inner strength and filled my heart with hope (Psalm 18:39). He makes my way perfect (Psalm 18:32).
“The Lord is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15).
I was overwhelmed and frazzled at the beginning of my leadership role. I experienced a panic attack on one of my business trips. At the end of the first year, I literally experienced heart-attack symptoms such as discomfort in my arm, pain in my chest and shortness of breath. In my second year, I experienced severe vertigo signs. On one occasion, the medical doctor ruled out a brain tumor with an MRI!
I thank God for ‘good health’ today!
The season of grief and sorrow, a fast-paced demanding work environment and family distress contributed to the pit of darkness. Slowly but surely, I began to read His Word daily and started to journal as I dealt with these life stressors.
I knew I had to handle these life stressors God’s way! It is the only way, my friend.
Once I was convicted, I prayed for His strength, mercies, and inner peace. I begged the Lord to show me ‘how’ and to give me the strength to persevere through it all.
Three years later, I changed the cultural climate at work, implemented new systems and mobilized community resources for the least restrictive placements, and held strategic, monthly conference calls with the former Commissioner.
At this time, my eyes were on Jesus and no longer on my circumstances. In Christ, there is victory without a doubt!
Out of the pit of darkness, the Bible Reading Journal Series was birthed. There will be seven volumes addressing the core spiritual disciplines that involve life application, confession, repentance, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and prayer.
In the midst of the storm, let us not forget to look up to Jesus, not our circumstances my friend.
In my darkest moments, I felt hatred, unforgiveness, resentment, loneliness, isolation, and depression. These negative emotions took root in my heart temporarily. When I was convicted of the darkness in my life, I knew I had to look up to Jesus immediately for His help, guidance, inner peace and most importantly a new heart!
He was forgiving, compassionate and faithful. As soon as I would inscribe His Word, apply the lesson learned that morning, and submit my prayer requests, I was able to focus on the next task, experience less distress and endure the hardships at work.
His grace and faithfulness carried me one day at a time.
And, when I submit all of my prayer requests at sunrise, my heart and mind are in peace and I am much better prepared for today’s battlefield and the unexpected events.
Today, I not only inscribe those Scriptures that speak to me when I’m reading the Bible, but I read these verses in different translations, apply them to my life, and step out in obedience.
As I go through any of my journals, I have an opportunity to confess to God any sin(s) whether it is unbelief, anger or unforgiveness. I also ask the Lord to help me forgive those who have hurt me throughout the day.
Counting my blessings fills my heart with gratitude.
When I surrender and write out my prayers and praying for others, our Lord comforts me every morning.
I am boldly praising Jesus today!
“Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.” (Exodus 15: 21)
In Christ, there is victory so look up in the midst of a life storm. Do not fix your eyes on the circumstances, my friend.
Join the FB Bible Reading Journal Community today! Bible Reading Journal: Growing Closer to God One Day at a Time.
Adriana
Adriana is a Professional Member of NACJW
Bible Reading Journal Series 2019
Volume 1 & 2 & 3 (Available Now on Amazon)
The Bible Reading Journal: Growing Closer to God One Day at a Time.
Bible Reading Journal: Growing Closer to God One Day at a Time.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1793923728/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_BmWwCbJH8J0HQ
The Bible Reading Journal: Rest and Be Refreshed.
Bible Reading Journal: Rest and Be Refreshed.: “Your Word is a lamp to my fee… https://www.amazon.com/dp/1794685421/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_gnWwCbA0V0NCK
The Bible Reading Journal: Praise and Be Content.
Bible Reading Journal: Praise and Be Content: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet… https://www.amazon.com/dp/1795055677/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_OnWwCbVRW0168
Volume 1 (Spanish Version, Spring 2019)
El Diario de Lectura de la Biblia: Cada vez más cerca de Dios, un día a la vez
Volume 4 & 5 (Summer 2019)
The Bible Reading Journal: Trust and Be Courageous.
The Bible Reading Journal: Mourn and Be Comforted.
Volume 6 & 7 (Fall 2019)
The Bible Reading Journal: Forgive and Be Restored.
The Bible Reading Journal: Love and Be His Light.
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Adriana Morales Spokane,
FB public page: Keynotes In His Presence,
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Email: keynotesinHispresence@gmail.com
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