Joy Comes In The Morning.

22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25 NIV  

Hello friends. It’s been a week. Let me tell you about it.

Spiritual warfare is so real, and when getting ready to go on a trip such as the World Race the warfare seems to multiply daily. Some days I am okay, while other days I feel so overwhelmed with it all that I become teary-eyed. Another prevalent struggle has been the fear of missing out on things back home while I am away. I am good at putting on a smile and facing the world like everything is okay. These are both things I will have to continue working through. 

Whilst facing the world like everything is okay, straws continued to pile up on the camel’s back. This past Tuesday night as I was about to pull into my driveway, my car overheated and shut off. Kah-put. Died. It would not crank. Looking back on the moment, I wish I had a recording of how I got my car out of the road and into the ditch. But in the moment that my car shut down, I did too. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I called my sister and explained the story to her. 

I remember saying, “I am not angry at God, but I don’t understand the full story. There is no way to know the full story. He holds the future and has me here for a reason. I have to remember that He is good, but I need a minute to cry.” 

Sitting in my living room was the tent I was so excited to set up earlier that day. I was excited to feel more prepared for the Race by practicing putting it up. My roommate was out of town, so my adult brain said it was okay to set it up right by the door! When I walked into the house later that night, the tent was the first thing I saw. My first thought was seriously?! I already had my bedding, a lamp, my laptop to continue working on things for the WR, a notebook, and my Bible in the tent. I simply sat in my tent, turned the lamp on, and cried. I texted two of my prayer warriors, “I am ready to give up.” At that moment I felt defeated. I felt like there was no way to win. I felt as if the valley was where I would stay. 

*this is why it is important to have good Godly examples of people around you*

I was immediately told that that was not me talking. I was reminded that the call to follow Christ is not a call to an easy life. They reminded me that when the Lord is a part of something He will provide and prevail. I was reminded to trust the process. I was reminded that I am not strong on my own strength. These ladies spoke truth over me, but I can’t tell you all how much I did not want to hear what they had to say. I just went to sleep.

When I thought I would be more prepared by putting up a tent, the Lord had a different type of preparation in mind. I went back and read the truth in the texts I received the night before. I remembered something I heard years ago. A preacher once said, “worship until.” Worship until you want to worship. The next day, that is exactly what I began to do. I began to sing even though I did not want to. I began listening to the Biblical truths in each worship song. Some I played on repeat. I slowly began to change my perspective. I opened my Bible to Luke 8:22-25. (read at the top of this blog!)

 

Pictured is my Bible open to Luke 8 in the tent

 where I spent many hours this week.

 

I am so quick to judge the disciples for only seeing the storm that they were in. Reading the account, it is easy to just point out the fact that they were in the boat with Jesus Himself. It is easy to see the situation from the outside and judge their lack of faith. Notice how in verse 24 they call Him Master? For the disciples to call Him Master shows the character and authority of Christ even though Christ had not yet revealed all of who He was to His followers. Amidst calling Christ by the name of Master, the disciples were fearful and faithless. Wasn’t I too in their shoes? I see the evidence of God’s character and authority all around me, yet I still allowed myself to forget in the midst of this storm.

All in all, it was not a fun day. There were many-a-tears. I happened to look down at a necklace a friend gave me. The beads represented morse code for, “be brave. Be strong. Be fearless.” Though I did not feel strong, brave, or fearless, I was reminded of who IS all of those things. I realized how much more I needed to rely on God. That first night I was zoomed into the storm. It was all I could see. I can now confidently say that my car breaking down on me has been a blessing in disguise. Being a Christian, I can not live on an island. Community is a necessity of Christianity. Without a car I had to learn to lean on those around me. One-on-one car chats have been the best! The Lord continues to show up in every situation. One day I needed a ride to an event. Searching for ways to arrive, I reached out to a good friend. 

Before the weekend was over, there was a car offered to me to use while looking for something more permanent. There was a guy willing to come look at my car to help me decide what the next best move was. There were multiple friends checking up on me. There was and continues to be a God story that I can share with those around me. While I was crouched down in a ball of tears, the Lord was calming the storm and quieting the waves around me-all I had to do was look up.

The Lord knew the answer to my need before I had a need. He already had everything so divinely planned. Before I even stepped into the boat of faith, the Lord knew there would be times where I was ready to give up. He continues to provide, prevail, and draw me closer to Him through each and every storm. 

Through Christ and Christ alone I can be strong, brave, and fearless. I must remember how faithful He is. I can see that there is evidence of God’s goodness all over my life. Yeah, so I don’t have my car, BUT I do have a God. And He is on my side. If you are going through a storm and want to talk about it or maybe just need someone to pray for you, please reach out! There is a button on the right titled “contact.” I would love to hear from you! 

As always, God is so good! All the time! All the time! God is so good! 

 

Much love, 

Katelyn Powell

Sumrall, MS

P.S. I almost have 30 subscribers! You all are awesome! Thank you for your support! 🙂