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Listen while you read: "A Shelter In The Time Of Storm"1
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Joshua 4:20-22 – And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.'" (NIV)
One of the ways I cope in difficult situations is to remind myself Who God is and how He has shown up for me in the past. These are three of my treasured touchstone memories.
Anointing: As I trudged to work one morning feeling overwhelmed by what was waiting for me at the office, I had a sensation of oil being poured over the top of my head. I tried to wipe away the drips but there was nothing there. I assumed my mind was playing tricks on me. But then, it happened again the next morning, and this time, the sensation was unmistakable. It felt like God was anointing me — assuring me of His presence and encouraging me.
Healing: Someone stood up at church one Sunday and said they felt the need to pray for someone dealing with a neck and shoulder issue. I knew it was me because I had a very painful pinched nerve in my neck. The pastor and a couple of other people gathered around me and prayed for healing. I was healed immediately — completely and supernaturally. I was in awe and so grateful.
Direction: I felt I needed to retire from a job I found miserable but was worried about finances and unsure whether I could afford to. I woke up suddenly one morning with the same severe pain in my ankle that I had had from a bad sprain a couple of months previously. It had mysteriously returned. I couldn't walk and had to stay home from work. God spoke to me that day and made clear His will for me to retire. He brought to mind the story of Jacob and how he wrestled with God and his hip was wrenched. My ankle was like Jacob's hip. That Sunday, I was looking for confirmation, and sure enough, the sermon was about Jacob, and we sang the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness". The words "All I have needed Thy hands have provided" jumped out at me. I put in my notice immediately, and on the third day of my retirement, I was blessed with an offer of lucrative part-time contract work which suited me perfectly. God had made a better path.
Looking back, many of us see the hand of God at work in our lives. In the same way that Joshua collected twelve stones as a memorial to the parting of the river Jordan, we collect our own touchstones. They assure us that God sees us, that He cares for us, and that He is faithful. Whatever we are facing right now, we know that He's got this.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank You for our powerful touchstone memories. Bring them to mind in times of trouble so that we are reminded of Your love and faithfulness. Amen.
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About the author:
Helen Morrison <hmorriso@gmail.com>
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Thank you for that wonderful devotional.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Yes, God helps us make the best decisions when change is necessary.
Hi
Thank you so much for sharing your personal stories of God’s provision.
A very nice one, so much truth in it.
Thanks for sharing.
(Ontario)
Thank you, Helen, for this day’s wonderful devotion.
God bless you for the days to come!
(Québec)
Thank you, Helen, for your very heartwarming devotional today. We are so fortunate to have God ever watching over us and giving us so much love and care throughout each day. I liked the way you related these occurrences in life as “touchstones”. Blessings for preparing this writing.
Thank you so much for your testimonies—last Sunday on All Saints Sunday a piano-cello trio played this for their last number–“Crown Him With Many Crowns” and “Jesus Loves Me.” One of the ladies celebrated her 99th birthday during the week and is an inspiration and we were gathered in our special chapel which was given by two ladies that I knew when I was a part-time chaplain at that time. Blessings.
Thank you for your encouraging words, Helen. You have given such powerful examples of God’s grace and presence in your life, and I feel refreshed and at peace with the reminders of His powerful presence in our lives too. You gave us readers the reassurance and proof of His unfailing love for us.
Bless you and keep up your writing.
(ON.)
Dear Helen,
I really appreciate when others share from their own experience in very detailed ways, because it helps me to think about how God has been there for me in the past. I know how important that is in my faith to feel God’s guidance throughout my life. I like the use of the word “touchstone”. Sometimes when I am going through a difficult time, it is hard to remember those times. Prayer helps me to think about them and when I am quieted, I can feel God’s presence and comfort. This is a very powerful devotional which I am sure will resonant with many of the readers and give hope. Blessings.
Good morning!
This is so encouraging to read how God moves and reminds us of His faithfulness especially when we need it.
One example on guidance…my husband and I were not happy at the church we’d been going to for a few years, new leadership, some left but we stayed and prayed. I would ask God where He wanted us to go, finally I was led to the Presb. Church, I drove behind and parked my car. As I say looking at the back wall of the church, I asked God if this where were you come. Gently I heard the word, home.
Ok, I believe but You please tell Matthew. I never said a word and as the Sunday was coming out of nowhere Matthew said, do you want to check out that church here? Yes, l do!! The first couple of songs we sang had home in them. I am proud to say I am a member at this Presb. Church and thankful they stand on the Word. I am a widow now for over 2 years but my God is faithful.
God bless you!
Your message will resonate with many who have experienced “healing” through prayer.
Seven years ago I was hospitalized for 5 days as a result of a stroke. Following my release and a subsequent visit with my neurosurgeon he showed me an x-ray image of a blood clot the size of a quarter (25cents). His comment based on 30 years of medical practice suggested that the outcome would have been a permanent physical disability or death.
I shared with him that friends of mine in our community spoke of 3 prayer groups who included me in their prayers.
The neurosurgeon who I found out later is a Muslim agreed with me when I spoke of my belief in healing prayer.
BTW it took a year to regain the ability to deal with numbers (write a cheque) and get back to enjoying reading without having to reread what I had read.
Blessings to you and yours.
This is a very powerful devotional!
So personal, and yet with a message for all, bless you!
(BC)