The Church Mouse: Do Not Be Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

This past weekend as I listening to the radio while driving around, doing errands, all the talk was about this gigantic snow storm that was heading towards us. Which by the way snow storms, like hurricanes now get names. We just don’t have ordinary snow storms anymore. They now have become named events. This storm was named Izzy. I don’t know how we have progressed to the I’s already, I guess I must have not been paying attention when those eight other storms were passing thru the area.

Anyway, it seemed like every time the weatherman talked about the storm it was bigger than it was three hours before. Then I also realized that the weather service was predicting this storm almost before it formed off the west coast. Modern science has come along way. But I’m not so sure that is a good thing. At one time during the predictions for storm Izzy the weatherman was saying that we could be getting upwards of four feet or more of sleet, ice and snow.

I thought, Oh My Goodness! What will people do? Then I calmed down as I remembered that God already had the situation under control long before the weatherman start thinking about this storm. You see sometime we humans think we are smarter than God. And we just don’t depend on God to get us through tough situations, cause after all God was way back there in Bible times and he is just not modern enough.

As I drove in my car, I thought to myself about what all I needed to do to prepare for this coming storm. I made a list in my head, something like this: gas up the car, get batteries for the flashlight, check the propane tanks, pull out gloves, boots and snow gear, find the snow shovel and the salt, get some extra groceries, bottled water and some snacks.

Then suddenly I had an epiphany! I was worrying about this storm and being prepared and the very first thing I should be doing was, praying for God’s guidance and protection. See I’m human and I sometimes I forget to put God first in all the things happening in my life. Just like everyone else I was leaving God behind and trying to get things done on my own. Big mistake!

When I arrived home before getting out of my car. I sat there and prayed. I ask God to show me what to do to get ready for this storm. Remember God had Noah build a boat before it ever rain one, single drop of rain. So it ok to prepare and even more ok to ask God to guide you.

I came into my house with a since of peace and calm. I checked to make sure I had all things I mentioned, but I was not frantically worrying about it. I had this sense of peace that God would protect me and my family.

The storm arrived and I and my family survived just fine. In fact it seemed like any other previous ordinary snowstorm. It turned out the storm Izzy was not as bad as they had predicted. Oh the weatherman had all sorts or reasons for their predictions not being exactly right. But I know in my heart that God is in control and not man. Man can make all kinds of predictions but God, thankfully is control of the out come of all things.

Prayer-
Our Father in heaven we thank you for our many blessings and for your protection. Help us to remember that you are with us through each situation that we are faced with. Help us remain calm and therefore showing others that we are your children. We ask for your guidance in all we say and do. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

the Church Mouse
Work hard; pray harder.