Friday, July 17, 2015

Of Promises and Storms


A promise from God is a promise kept. These are His promises and His unbreakable commitment to keep them. Sheila Walsh

The lemonade stand is simply adorable -- crafted from scrap lumber by their daddy. Their momma designed and printed out the adorable swag sign. The kids…even the tiny boy…meticulously cut each piece. The oldest made cookies; the girl lettered with chalk. They all painted. The yard sale was set up and they were ready for business. Then there were rumblings in the heavens and drops of rain -- everything had to be covered. Ugh -- Ethan, Landon, Morgan and Camron took cover until the rain stopped.



This was a small storm, but bigger storms are on the way to interrupt their lives -- and I'll want the rain to stop, the thunder to cease. Storms like grief, disappointment, physical pain and lost hope. I can't prevent it, their Pawpaw can't, and neither can their parents.



But I know One who can -- Jesus can make sure the sun shines all the time. Even though He knows in advance that the storm is on its way, He will not necessarily replace it with the sunshine.

Dr. David Jeremiah said, "When Jesus and the disciples shoved off from the shore that day, He knew the storm was coming, yet He didn't prevent it. Why? First He knew He would be with them. Second, He knew that a life without turmoil has no real meaning, no real faith."


We will face storms all our lives. Children and teenagers will face different storms from those of their parents and grandparents, but they will be just as real and unsettling to them. Many times they aren't exterior storms, but inner storms of stress, shame, unhealthy relationships, eating disorders or peer pressure. Here are six promises for your children and teens to carry when life seems to darken and Satan’s unsettling storms surround them.



1. Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34:17

2. Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

3. Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5:7

4. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. Romans 8:18

5. Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

6. If your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return. 1 Peter 1:6-7



12 comments:

Godly Homemaker (Andrea) said...

God is SO much greater than anything that we could be going through at any given time....

J said...

I initially came here to admire that charming lemonade stand, but am leaving with a heart full of comforting wisdom! Thank you for the specific bible verses to reference when they become needed!
Those grandchildren are adorable and look so proud of their enterprise! very classy!

Mindy said...

Thank you for this encouragement today!

Anonymous said...

First of all, the lemonade stand is superb and having all the children doing the work is such a best part!!
Such encouraging reminders of just how wonderful God is and always will be no matter if the day is sun-filled, rain-filled, or lemon-filled. I have been blessed her today.

Denise said...

enjoyed this.

Unknown said...

These are wonderful reminders! #2 is one of our family's favorite. It's a good reminder of God's promise to help us at all times and lead victorious lives. Even in the storms of life, God is good.

Unknown said...

All of these are great verse for kids and adults to learn. 1 Peter 5:7 and Joshua 1:9 are so powerful!

Jelli said...

That lemonade stand looks great! As a kid, I'd have loved this. What's even better is that you take the time to teach God's truths to those little ones, even the hard ones, while they're young.

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the lemon stand and how you weaved in an important life lesson!! Way to go Mom! :-) Perfectly put and such a great reminder!
Cathy

April said...

What wonderful promises to remember! Thanks for sharing-I'm saving this.

Unknown said...

Great reminders for adults, as well as youth. I know I need reminding from time to time that God is with me.

Naomi said...

Pamela...How awesome to know that God is faithful to stand with us during times of struggle. How often we need to reiterate this to our children as well as ourselves. Romans 8:18 is an excellent verse to ponder when storms hit us. Thank you for sharing at Monday's Musings.