Hurricane Season?

Have you ever tried to tame a hurricane? How about just talking into one? Does your voice carry very far?

The other night was my turn to teach the kids at church. I love these kids greatly—each and every one of them. But the other night was a test of my love. Their behavior was horrible. They wouldn’t listen for more than five second intervals, and I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time communicating in five second bleeps. By the time I left class, I was exhausted and emotionally drained.

I tried complaining to God about it, but He didn’t seem too impressed. I reminded Him of how I had planned for the class, how I had put a lot of thought into the lesson. I was so excited about it because it was such a good lesson—a lesson that could really help them. But they were too busy whispering and talking and wiggling around. They were too busy trying to draw attention to themselves.

God’s reply to me seemed to saying, ‘Have you looked at yourself lately?’

What a sucker punch. I may be 30 years older than those kids, but my behavior is just like theirs. I’m too busy whispering and talking and running around to listen to God’s voice. And when I look at what He did to prepare for me–His supreme sacrifice on the cross—I’m ashamed. Ashamed of how little I listen to Him. And yet He still loves me.

Sometimes God will use drastic measures to get my attention, like a teacher who suddenly slams a book on the desk to shock the students into silence. Sometimes God just stays silent and waits for me to realize He’s no longer talking and to quiet down, giving Him a chance to speak. Sometimes He whispers, knowing that I’ll draw closer to hear what He’s saying. And sometimes He lifts His hands—His nail scarred hands—and says ‘Peace. Be Still.’

But the LORD is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth be silent before Him.
~Habakkuk 2:20 NAS

Whatever hurricane I’m in today, I need to listen to His voice. I need to be still so I can hear Him and what He has to say to me. It’s a choice I must make. A choice to be still.

Be still and know that I am God; ~Psalm 46:10 NAS

Heavenly Father, help to remember that the hands You raise to calm me and my storms are scarred by the nails that You allowed out of love for me. In the midst of my busyness, let me draw close to You so I can hear Your voice and learn what it is You’ve prepared for me. Thank You for Your love and patience with me. Thank You for Your living Word.

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold;
I shall not be shaken.
~Psalm 62:5-6 NAS

Patty Wysong

Patty Wysong, a home executive with over 20 years of experience, homeschools two of her five children, but don't let that fool you. She spends much of her time working on what God has placed in her hand: her keyboard. From the corner of her living room she writes inspirational fiction, devotionals, blog posts, and teaches online blogging workshops. You'll also find her drinking kool aid from her china cup, preparing for the ladies Bible study she leads, and helping at their church. Through her writing, Patty has found the extraordinary God in her ordinary life.

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