Introduction

We all face ‘storms’, they are inevitable to life. What matters is how we prepare ourselves beforehand in order to live through them and emerge on the other side.

In each challenging situation we face, the test for us is the same: how will we stand? Only a full assurance of who our God is and who He has called us to be through Jesus’ blood will enable us to stand strong in Him as well as reach out an arm offering the certain hope of the gospel to others who are floundering.

These storms and challenges offer us real opportunities to shine the Light of Life we carry in our hearts. But it will not shine if our foundation is unstable and we do not know the nature, promises, character and faithfulness of our covenant-keeping God. These things are the true hope of the gospel the people around us need too.

Some years ago, I found a photograph of a lighthouse standing strong in the midst of an angry swirling sea. The waves were so high they reached half-way up the side of the building.When I looked more closely, I could see the lighthouse keeper standing in the doorway with his arms folded and every appearance of calm and peace. This image really spoke to me and since then I have been taken on a journey with God which I now share with you in Walking with God Through the Storm.

Please have a Bible or Bible app, and a notebook and pen, handy as you go through this devotional.

Sarah Winbow

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Arise And Shine

Read Isaiah 32:1-8; 60:1-3; Matthew 5:14-16.

God never meant His Church to be an organisation that would restrict the ability of His Body to truly function in the fullness and flexibility of its giftings and ministries.

During the Coronavirus lockdown the Church was suddenly catapulted out of its buildings and back into homes. Fellowship, community and our personal relationship with God became more important than ritual and religious exercises.

Fellowship, community and our personal relationship with God became more important than ritual and religious exercises.

What the Lord was doing in this reshaping was to remove our dependency on our buildings and even the good things we do for Him; He was refocusing our priority simply onto Him. He wants us - wholeheartedly, completely and unreservedly. When this is true of us then we will also understand what it means to have Him in all His fullness.

When we have learned to find our rest in Him and draw our strength from His presence, then we will be able to overcome in our spirits ANY storm that is thrown at us - those from our past, from our inward fears and insecurities, in our homes, families, businesses or from the state. Daniel writes concerning these times:

“…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

Essentially, all of the previous readings and teaching has been setting the scene, for it is entirely possible we are experiencing the birth-pains the Bible says will precede Jesus’ return.

our end goal is to live secure in Him as fearless overcomers and to so burn with the Spirit of God that the Light He has placed within us becomes obvious to those around us.

In regard to the British Isles, I personally believe that a significant ‘covering’ associated with Queen Elizabeth II, her personal faith and dedication to the vows she made before God, was lifted from us with her death, with the result that we have seen the start of an avalanche of wickedness, depravity and darkness released upon us through multiple medias.

These things are only set to increase as the days go forward, and will eventually bring real levels of hardship and persecution upon the Body of Christ. That’s the bad news.

Jesus declared Himself to be the Light of the World , but today’s reading shows how He passed that responsibility onto us. This is the good news; God is at work renewing His Bride and preparing and strengthening us to live secure in Him as fearless overcomers and to so burn with the Spirit of God that the Light He has placed within us becomes obvious to those around us.

When they look at us, they no longer see anything of our humanity, but rather, Him. When we say “Jesus Christ is our living hope” they can see it to be true from our face and demeanour.

That type of light is a very powerful witness and is attractive to draw others to the Light without even trying.

That type of light is a very powerful witness and is attractive to draw others to the Light without even trying. It emits the warning of authenticity that terrifies the enemy who operates in the darkness. It illuminates Jesus and clearly points those who are seeking to find the living Way, Truth and Life for themselves.

Additional reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-25.

Prayer Time:

This is the life I know I need to live in this season.

• How about you?
• Are you ready to follow the steps to allow God to build His Lighthouse in you?

Write down your thoughts, concerns and feelings and turn them into your prayer of dedication.

Other devotionals in this series can be accessed here.