again, we pray

"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.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:2-3

Relentless rain -- best describes the weather of late.  For what seems like endless weeks, we've experienced some type of storm... anything from drenching monsoons, to a fine mist, to frozen precipitation, to a soft drizzle. Our only question has been which form of liquid will permeate our path.  

But the past few days, we've been caught off guard by an unexpected, painfully massive storm. A flood of tears has rained through the halls of our local schools as we struggle with the sudden, devastating loss of a beloved student and a coach in our community. Yet, even as the waters and hurt engulf us, they will not overtake us, because God, who is faithful, will continue to carry and lift us... even with the grief of these heartbreaking, unfathomable losses. 

No matter what category of storm we face, our safest and best protection is God. Our relationship with Him enables us to rest under His Shield of faithfulness and in His Arms of unconditional love.  Being a believer doesn't stop the storms, but provides us with the power, guidance and strength to go through them -- with Him. 

Thank You, Father.  We desperately need You for the storm today and the ones to come.  I trust You will see us through... i have to, for You and Your promises are sometimes, and many times our only hope.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal