April 1, 2008
Hang On for Dear Life
By Lynn Tolbert, She Speaks! Graduate
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1(NIV)
Devotion:
One of my favorite movies is Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. At the end of the movie, there is a scene where the two stars are running for their lives from a huge tornado. It’s pulling cows in the air, tearing up fences, and lifting houses off the ground. Searching for something to hide in or hold onto, they found some pipes deeply rooted into the ground. They strapped themselves onto the pipe and held on for dear life. The pipe kept them secure as the fierce winds sucked their legs into the air.
What a great picture of our own search for something to hold onto in the storms of our lives. The worst storm clouds I’ve ever faced began swirling the day I learned that my husband’s heart had left our marriage.
In the midst of our divorce the winds grew stronger, pounding so hard I felt like they were going to sweep me up and drop me down. I remember sitting at the top of my stairs looking out of my second story windows into the trees while I cried out to God. I didn’t think I could take any more of the battering winds, yet I couldn’t escape.
Hanging on to God for dear life and trusting that He was going to protect me was the only way I could survive the storm. I’d remind myself of today’s key verse constantly. Sometimes I would scream out loud, just to be sure God could hear me.
My hands are calloused from gripping the pipe so tightly. God truly has been and continues to be my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in trouble. As the dust from the battering winds begins to settle, I raise my head and notice the most amazing sunshine breaking through the clouds.
Where would I have landed if I had not made God the pipe to which I clung to during the most horrific storm in my life? He is the reason that I wake every morning and look forward to a new day. He is the reason that I have the strength to manage everything that a single mom is responsible for…which is everything.
Do you feel the winds picking up? Is there a storm raging in your life? Run to God and hold on for dear life! He is waiting for you. He promises to be your refuge.
Dear Lord, when the winds of the storms begin to pick up remind me that You are my only source of protection. Help me to never forget that Your strength never tires. Give me Your Holy Spirit to endure the challenges in life, not if, but when they come. Help me to be ready. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
i am not but I know I AM, by Louie Giglio
Let It Rain, Worship CD by Gwen Smith
Fear-Less, Thank-full Message on CD by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
Find scriptures that address your specific needs. Write those scriptures on index cards and memorize them. Refer to them when you feel the winds picking up.
Reflections:
What is the pipe you are clinging to right now? Is it God and His Word?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:2-3, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, They will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, You will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (NIV)
Psalm: 9:9-10, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Tuesday, 01 April 2008.
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