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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2008

We have all seen pictures and heard the reports of the devastation caused by hurricanes and tornados. The winds are so strong that they can pick up semi-trucks or houses and throw them through the air like toys. When warning sirens are heard that one of these is headed our way, we seek shelter immediately! We understand how important it is to be in a place that is safe and secure.

Sometimes in life, situations and circumstances come our way like tornados. Satan comes at us with such force and fierceness that only devastation can be the result. What do we do? Sometimes we panic and our minds are bombarded with fears, doubts and all those "what if" thoughts. Sometimes we want to run and try to hide anywhere we can to avoid what is coming. But just like in a real tornado, just any shelter will not be strong enough to protect us.

It is important for us that are born again believers, to remember who we are and what our choices are. We are the children of almighty God! Remember, He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. All nature obeys His will. Jesus spoke and the storm and sea were still. He has all control over all things!

The verse that has become my strength in the middle of one of these "tornados" is Psalms 57:1

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be Merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past."

"In the shadow of thy wings", carries a beautiful picture and a wonderful promise. The Hebrew words used here mean defense and protection. God is our defense. He will show Himself strong on behalf of His children. He is our shield and protection. Psalm 59:9 says, "Because of His strength will I wait upon thee; for God is my defense."

If you will read the following verses, you will see what an amazing place of safety, security, defense and protection we have, under the wings of our heavenly Father.

"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."
Psalms 36:7
"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."
Psalms 57:1
"I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah."
Psalms61:4
"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."
Psalms 63:7

When you see a tornado of circumstance coming in your life, let me encourage you to not panic! Turn to your Father, run into His arms and take refuge under His wings. Don't allow your mind to begin to question and doubt. Our God is true and faithful. He can not lie! Put His word into your heart and mind and discipline your thoughts. You do have a choice! The amazing thing is that under His protection we are not only safe, but can have joy and will experience His loving kindness.

And beware, only one shelter can protect you from the attacks of our enemy-----the Lord Himself. Don't turn to reason or your own understanding, definitely not to feelings. These are all unstable, weak places of shelter that will crumble around you and provide no protection.

The "tornados" will come, but don't be afraid, they too are under His all seeing eye and control. They too are meant for our good and not for our hurt.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:28-29
They have a purpose.

If you are in a storm or sense one brewing, then take shelter and let Him take care of you.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:1-2,4

- Sandy Hastings
February 12, 2008
If you wish to contact me personally, e-mail me at sandy.hastings@gmx.de