Storms

Devotion from the Garden
“Storms”
Yesterday I was mid-plow (and yes, plow… I hand-plow, because I hate the sound of the tiller), when the storms started rolling in. By the third lightening warning on my phone, I thought it might be time to put the giant metal plow up. I was disappointed, because I had hoped to finish it all yesterday. 
Isn’t this how life works, you get motivated, create a plan, get started and then… the storms of life happen and stop you in mid-step. God allows our plans to be interrupted, not because He desires to throw wrenches in our plans, but because He desires plans that grow our Spirit rather than plans that shrink our list, expand our pocketbook, or increase our comfort. (Sorry for such a lengthy sentence!) His plans create perseverance, faith, hope, joy, patience… need I go on quoting Galatians? So to say it simply, His plans are eternal, our plans are temporary. My garden still isn’t tilled, but this message is being written instead. 
The child I have been praying for still isn’t healed, but I have grown more in my prayer life with a slew of others because of our cries for healing. My relationships aren’t perfect yet, but in the waiting, I am learning to love them like Christ did. My body isn’t completely healed, but through my disease, I have learned to trust Him and make decisions that He has given us, not man. We have had money, we have went without, but God taught us in the waiting to rely on His provision. Storms happen, sometimes with warning and sometimes when you least expect them, but instead of being frustrated, allow your spirit to grow through them as you wait. He is faithful and desires what is best for you. Trust Him and lean not on your own understanding. Enjoy the rain today! 
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalms 37:7
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of those who prosper in their way, because of those who make wicked schemes.”