Senior Pastor’s Devotional
13 July 2020 | Recovery Movement Control Order – “Strategic Psalm 91 Watch”

The ancient people of the nation of Axum (located on the Red Sea in modern Ethiopia) discovered that the stormy winds of the monsoon season could be harnessed by sail for speedy navigation. Rather than dreading the high winds and rains, they learned how to navigate their way through the storm. Over the centuries, we have of course seen how men harnessed swift rivers or waterfalls to produce power or electricity.

Psalm 107 provides a wonderful word picture of how God allows storms to come our way, and then provides help for us to navigate through them. “He commands and raises the stormy wind, . . . and He brings them out of their distresses” (Ps. 107:25,28). He also uses them to shape or strengthen us.

Trusting God for guidance in troubled times is a discipline. Hebrews 11 lists many exercises their faith during their challenges and as a result experienced God’s grace, provision, and deliverance: “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong” (Hebrews 11:33-34)

Stormy circumstances are inevitable. Although our first reaction may be to run from the problem. We may ask, “why” or “what”. Whatever it may be, let us hold fast when the storm seems to be raging at times.

“Calm seas do not make skilled sailors.”(African Proverb)

“Better to go through the storm with Christ than to have smooth sailing without Him.”

May the Lord turn your trial into triumph.

Pr Lawrence Yap.