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In the Midst of Storms

Posted on by Tangie T. Woods

“Pray for a perspective that sees everything through God first.” – Shatavia Woodie.

I first saw Shatavia on August 24, 2019, at Central Church of Christ Ladies Day Program in Chiefland, Florida; we were both guest speakers. We did not greet one another due to her leaving immediately after speaking to catch a flight. However, we were surprise to reconnect approximately four months ago when a sister-in-Christ put us in contact with one another. Our reconnection was divine as we have very similar spiritual visions and missions, and are eagerly looking forward to upcoming collaboration on future spiritual endeavors such as authoring spiritual materials and speaking at upcoming ladies day programs Lord willing. Click here to visit Shatavia’s website.

I pondered on her thought to see everything through God first and totally agree with her. Easier said, right? Even though God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and we could never be on His spiritual intellectual level, we should diligently allow God into every aspect of our lives to view things from His perspective and His values written in the Bible. “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 1:18-20)

I know from personal experiences that faith steadfastness is not easy in midst of storms. However, it is necessary to endure during storms affecting the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am sure we all have not been steadfast in every storm of our lives. However, my assumption could be wrong saying “all.” If so, please forgive me. Now, I ask, have you  always been steadfast in faith during midst of storms that crossed your path?

storm 3 image

Perhaps you have been personally affected by COVID-19, and are experiencing depression, loneliness or some other emotion due to health and financial hardship, or perhaps suffering from a broken heart due to a divorce, separation or death of a loved one. Have you been betrayed and feel lonely and humiliated? Do you use asperity when communicating with others?

What about being a single unemployed mother who is not appropriately able to care for her children? Whatever life throws our way, we must wear the whole armor of God with courage, faith and perseverance to shield our soul’s destiny. Despite popular belief, Christians are not free from trials and tribulations, but the outcome depends on who we trust during storms. Therefore, we must be sure iniquities are not blocking God from hearing us. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)

In my blog Red Sea Experience, I shared my testimony how God turned my trials into triumphs after years of suffering. Despite chronic pain and approximately fifteen surgeries since 2009, and numerous pain relief injections, I still count it as joy, praising Him daily and remaining steadfast in the faith. Why? I could have died, but God had plans for His daughter. I had to rise above me to see things in God’s perspective to stop my mind from going to selfish poor pitiful Tangie conventions.

Storm 2 image

In November 2018, I had the opportunity to speak at the Eleventh Annual Ladies Day Program at Woodland Place Church of Christ in Ocala, Florida. The theme was “A Christian Woman Through the Ages–Trials & Triumphs at Every Age.” Speaking from a middle age woman’s perspective from Proverbs 11:16a, I admitted Christianity is not always an easy journey, but as disciples of Jesus we should maintain our connection to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Trials and triumphs should be testimonies to encourage and edify others who are going through similar storms; this is why I started blogging on June 29, 2019. I needed another outlet to encourage others and to be encouraged during my health and chronic pain storms.

In closing, let us look at Job. He lived a godly life and suffered severely. He lost his children, his health and his wealth. However, he maintained a righteous attitude and worshipped God in the midst of his suffering according to Job 1:20-22. Job had an amazing attitude despite his wife sounding like a foolish woman saying ‘Curse God and die.” I can imagine her difficulty watching her husband suffer in such harsh conditions. However, we must still believe God is in control in midst of storms and not allow Satan a foothold making us victims of circumstance. The result of remaining steadfast in the faith is in Job 42:12, “So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…”

The following quote means to patiently wait for your calmness. “The same ocean that brings a tsunami can sail a ship on calm water” — Felton D. Woods.

Author:

Christian Blogger, minister's wife, mother of three adult children and grandmother of one granddaughter

45 thoughts on “In the Midst of Storms”

  1. Pingback: Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award – Thea Thoolika

  3. Thank you so much for your comments. The main reason I started blogging was to encourage others through my storms as well as being encouraged by fellow bloggers. Everyone has far exceeded my expectation and I am overjoyed with our blogging community.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments. The main reason I started blogging was to encourage others through my storms as well as being encouraged by fellow bloggers. Everyone has far exceeded my expectation and I am overjoyed with our blogging community.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yes, one of the biblical five acts of worship is singing without musical instruments.

      We diligently try staying within the Christian dispensation authority (Revelations 22:18-19).

      The Old Testament was not written for us to obey but was recorded for our learning (Romans 15:4); even those living under that law had instructions not to take away/ or add to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6)

      Our five acts of worship are:

      1) preaching (men only from I Timothy 2:12-14); women can teach children classes.

      2) Singing without instruments (Ephesian 5:19, Colossians 3:16);

      3) Prayer (Acts 12:5);

      4) Offering, not tithes (I Corinthians 16:1-2);

      5) Communion (Acts 20:7)

      “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

      NOTE: Our preachers / ministers do not have titles (Matthew 23:8-12); they called by their names or Brother (last names); and wives are not called ‘First Lady’ it is not biblical. We are all one in the sight of God not to be elevated among other members with titles.

      I wrote more than you asked but I wanted to share why our worship to God is different.

      Thank you for asking…

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  9. I agree, the Christian lifestyle is not easy at all, especially when we aim to be totally committed to Christ. I’m thankful He strengthens us for the journey and teaches us all we need to know. I’m also thankful He is always with us and gives us His peace in a world of chaos. We just have to choose to obey Him daily. Thanks Tangie for this encouragement. Have a blessed day!

    Liked by 3 people

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  10. Supertul thoughts are itself transformative to transform us to next level. Our overall personality is shaped by the environment we live in but it is the knowledge and supertul support system leads man to his success in this life and hereafter also.

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Thank you for reading and sharing comments. You are definitely right about our environment and having a support team, especially with spiritual guidance and encouragement. Have an awesome day and be safe.

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  16. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… He leadeth me beside still waters, for His Name sake.

    Thanks for sharing this, may God help everyone weather their storms whether it’s addiction, fear, financial distress or depression.

    God bless.

    Liked by 4 people

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