The storms of economic turmoil have been raging for a while now. We have seen the uprooting of business giants collapsing under the pressure from the winds of insecurity. You don’t have to be without a job or in the throngs of foreclosure to understand that times are tough and people are struggling daily to provide the basics—food, shelter, and clothing. Know this, storms—financial, relational, spiritual, or whatever you are facing—are a part of life. Yet you can be reassured that God knows about the storms brewing in our lives. He knows just where you are.
The Word of God is filled with hope, love, peace, and strength. Withstanding the Winds is an encouraging devotional journal that pieces together Scripture with true-to-life examples of triumph and trial, offering hope to those fighting in the trenches, strength for those whose hearts have fainted, and peace to those who feel downtrodden.
The book is divided into 5 sections: Fear & Unrest, Frustration & Disappointment, Despair & Defeat, Doubt & Insecurity, Worry & Anxiety. It gives the reader a choice of whatever area they may be dealing with daily. It is a journal so the option is provided for the reader to make notes and have a personal time of reflection.
Excerpt
There is a song I love to sing in part that goes, “I know the Peace Speaker, and I know Him by name.” In times of difficulty and confusion, I sing it, and it helps to calm my fears and bring me to a place of surety—a place where I can feel “solidness” under my feet even though I may be sailing through the rough waters of life.
The song reminds me of an account recorded by the Apostle Mark’s Gospel, chapter 4:35-41, about Jesus and His disciples sailing across the sea in a boat when a windstorm arose. Mark tells us that Jesus was asleep at the time when the winds were raging, and the disciples were struggling to keep the boat safe in the turbulent waters. Someone woke Jesus up and pretty much asked Him (paraphrased): “What’s up with that? What kind of behavior is this you are showing, sleeping while we are fighting to stay alive?”
Can you just picture the scene? Jesus is asleep on a pillow, his demeanor restful, and his clothes still dry and in order while his disciples (his followers) are all exhausted, in disarray, stricken with fear, wet clothes clinging to them. Whew! Then Jesus does the unimaginable thing:
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39-40 KJV).
He spoke to his followers: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Jesus is still speaking these same words. I don’t know about you, but I find that in my moment of greatest need, Jesus always seems not to be there. Like He is asleep while I am getting frustrated, discouraged, and tired. It is at this my weakest point, when all my energy is depleted, that I remember: I know the peace speaker. I know Him by name. What a relief!
Word of Encouragement:
There is no need to be fearful about the storms of life. They will blow over. They will try to scare and shake you up. To be honest, sometimes for a moment it will seem like they have succeeded. As if any minute now everything will be lost. Take your eyes off the storm and go below (on your knees) and find Jesus. He is on board; and yes, He is not perturbed by the present situation. He is in control.
Be blessed always.
Professional Reviews
Withstanding the Winds
Withstanding the Winds, a devotional book by author Charmain Griffiths, is a book written from the heart. Charmain shares from her life experiences what she has learned and is learning in her faith walk. If you are looking for an honest look at life and how one’s faith affects it, you will benefit from reading, Withstanding the Winds. Charmain uses a conversational style in her writing. She shares what the Spirit reveals to her heart. While not everyone is going to agree with everything that is said, the reader will find many treasures here. Sometimes the deepest truths are discovered through the hard knocks of life.
