SLEEPING THROUGH THE STORM
Jana Ailes
Key Scripture: Jonah 1:4-6
About a month after our fourth daughter was born, our 17-month-old niece came to live with us. One could say the transition to three kids under 2, with a 5- and 7-year-old was a difficult season in my life. One Sunday morning, my husband and I got all 5 girls to Sunday school and nursery (we were almost on time) and sat down in church.
As I sat listening to the sermon, I looked down at my feet and suddenly realized I had two completely different shoes on. They were not even close to being the same! Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I lack fashion sense, but this was an all-new low. I was so exhausted and stuck in survival mode.
Exhaustion is the action or state of using something up or of being used up completely. Can you just imagine how exhausted Jonah must have been to go below deck and fall asleep during the middle of the storm?
Have you ever been in the middle of a storm in your own life that has left you with this kind of exhaustion? Attempting to do life through our own strength results in exhaustion. Assuming that we have all the answers and know what is best for ourselves and those around us results in exhaustion. Running away from the will of God results in exhaustion.
In my own life, I have allowed the demands and busyness of life to take precedence over spending time with God. This ultimately left me exhausted, worn out and generally feeling beat up.
Time was a precious commodity with five little ones in my home, so I started placing verses in the kitchen, my car, above the diaper changing station and in my laundry room to fuel my soul. I prayed while rocking my little ones or in the shower! These seemingly small acts of obedience refreshed my soul and gave me the sort of endurance and energy that can only come from God.
Having the constant reminder and knowing that the Creator of the Universe is in control is reassuring and can help us release the control we cling to—no matter what season of life we find ourselves in. And yet, even though God is totally in control, capable of handling everything on His own, he invites us to join Him in the journey and teach us valuable lessons along the way. We are not alone to navigate this life, he gave us the option to focus and rely on him for our strength.
Steps of Faith: Lord, you are the God who sees each of us. When we are weary, your word tells us to come to you and you will give us the rest we so desperately need. No matter what season we find ourselves in, help us find ways to dedicate time in our day in your word. Thank you for being our source of strength; our oasis to rest in and be replenished. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Deeper Walk Scripture: Matthew 11:28 MSG , Isaiah 40:27-31, Isaiah 58:11
