Don’t Look at the Clouds
by Kim Potter
The other day Breanne and Brandon wanted to go out on the lake in the boat. They had asked me to watch Brailee for a bit. I agreed. When they dropped her off they appeared frustrated. They said it was raining, there were storm clouds all around and they had planned on having some relaxing time on the lake. They were disappointed. I said ‘maybe it will pass on by, go on and see how it goes.’ I watched as they drove back home. Of course, Brailee stayed with me.
A few minutes later, I was in the living room and saw them drive back by my house with the boat behind them, heading toward the lake. I looked outside and sure enough, the clouds were gone and the sun was back. I thought about that several times that day. I thought about how things will appear to be a problem and if we perceive it as a problem, we may miss something. We may miss a fun, peaceful or relaxing day.
I have a friend who planned an event and something happened she wasn’t expecting at the very beginning of the event and she allowed it to ruin the entire night. She was miserable and I am sure the others involved were miserable as well.
I have another friend who was experiencing some trouble in their marriage, nothing major, just a disagreement. This person remained in peace and didn’t argue or see it as a huge deal, within days it was smoothed over and peace remained intact.
Two different situations, two different perspectives…two different outcomes.
What am I saying? If you see what appears to be a storm cloud in your life, don’t give it any power. Don’t allow it to even hinder your day, instead trust in God who calms the storm and speaks to the winds. Certainly, don’t allow it to steal your peace, or your joy. Hold on to your peace and joy, knowing it will see you through until the sun shines bright again.
Frankly, you have the same power that Jesus has, if you see a storm cloud coming, speak to it, command peace to return to your situation. You have the power and authority to do just that. I think we do this a lot, we experience a little thing, a little distraction or disappointment and instead of staying in peace, we allow it to ruin our day or our life – that’s not God. Don’t let the little foxes spoil your vine – instead stay in peace and command them to go.
My great-grandmother used to say ‘don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.’ In other words, don’t make something big out of something small.
2 Cor. 4:18 says; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. We have to look past what we are seeing or experiencing, knowing it is temporary…we are faith people, we look to the eternal and that is what God says about the situation. We speak the word of God into the situation and watch it change for our benefit. AMEN?
I am so glad that they looked past the clouds and enjoyed their day. I know Brailee and I enjoyed our day. I hope you can do the same; see the clouds as opportunities to see the faithfulness of your unfailing God. Speak to the storms, tell them to go. Command peace to come back and enjoy your life. After all, God has called us to peace.
