Monday, November 10, 2008

Praise you in this storm!

I mentioned that we were starting a new sermon series at church called "Hope and Help for Hard Times".  WOW!  It has blessed me so much already.  This week in particular was pertinent to my life now.  Isn't it the best feeling when you go to church and the message speaks directly to you?  I just love that!!!  Those who know me very well know that I struggle with anxiety and it usually hits me when I'm really stressed out and under pressure.  I don't like this...and unfortunately,  it's an ongoing struggle for me.  God has walked with me through lots of stress and anxiety...HE always wins...HE brings me out of that situation unharmed and so blessed.  When I'm walking through that storm it doesn't feel like that. But...in the end I know God will see me through!  This Sunday we had a video testimony from a woman who was raped and became pregnant at the age of 17.  Sitting next to her in the video was her son who was born from that rape.  She shared how her family and society pressured her to have an abortion, but...she knew that wasn't that answer.  At that time she wasn't a Believer.  Guess who led her to the Lord?  That's right, her son, at the ripe age of 6 led his Mommy (big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes right now) to His Jesus!  WOW!!  Isn't our God good? AND....that son is now an intern at a local church and is going to school to be a Pastor.  God had plans for that life from the beginning....I couldn't help thinking of our baby and how he/she could one day be influential in leading others to Jesus because we will share our Jesus with him/her.  That's what made me cry the most.  God knows who that baby will be....and why it's coming to our family.  As a side note, last Sunday we had a special baptism service...and over 50 people got babptized!!  Praise you Jesus!!  So, this Sunday we sang "Praise you in this Storm" by Casting Crowns and behind the words to the song were pictures of all the people getting baptized....how cool is that?  I cried and could hardly sing the song.  Most of you probably know this song already, but...I wanted to share.  It really ministers to me and touches my heart.....I'm sure we all have had or are currently in a storm.   

Praise you in this Storm

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down 
and wiped our tears away, 
stepped in and saved the day. 
But once again, I say amen 
and it's still raining 
as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away. 

Chorus: 
And I'll praise you in this storm 
and I will lift my hands 
for You are who You are 
no matter where I am 
and every tear I've cried 
You hold in your hand 
You never left my side 
and though my heart is torn 
I will praise You in this storm 

I remember when I stumbled in the wind 
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again 
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on 
if I can't find You 
and as the thunder rolls 
I barely hear You whisper through the rain 
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls 
I raise my hands and praise 
the God who gives and takes away 

Chorus 

I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 
I lift my eyes onto the hills 
where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth 

Chorus 

Edited to Add:  Not sure what's going on with my font here...please ignore it...I know I'm trying to!

1 comment:

Dana Lohrer said...

Great post, April! Love the song too! Love you and we are praying for you guys!