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Have you faced storms in your life? I think that I could safely ask who of us has not! Now the question is, do we react like a turkey or an eagle?
- A turkey and an eagle react differently to the threat of a storm. A turkey reacts by running under the barn, hoping the storm won't come near. On the other hand, an eagle leaves the security of its nest and spreads its wings to ride the air currents of the approaching storm, knowing they will carry it higher in the sky than it could soar on its own. Based on your reaction to the storms of life, which are you? A turkey or an eagle? – Anne Graham Lotz
Almost four years ago, when my husband, Bob, died of a sudden heart attack as the cruise ship on which we were sailing was entering the first port stop of San Juan, Puerto Rico, I had never faced a storm like it! Burying my head or hiding out from the experience were not options for me. Of course, there is the certain brain fog that descends on one who has just experienced such a trauma. But through it all, the texts, online messages, and important FaceTime sessions with family back in Canada certainly helped me to experience God's tangible love. Even strangers were answers to prayers offered on my behalf! They all helped me to spread my wings to ride the air currents higher than I could have possibly soared on my own.
I thank God for bringing me this far in my journey. Even though tears still flow sometimes, waves of grief have lessened, and they are not like a tsunami threatening to knock me down. I am stronger than before this experience, as I have reached out to God regularly in prayer. I find that I call out to Him whenever and wherever, because I know that He hears and He cares. I know that He's with me at all times and in all places! Thanks be to God for His steadfast love!
I urge you to join me in depending on Him throughout our life experiences, even when storms threaten.
A chorus, based on Isaiah 40:31, has such meaning to me!
- They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary.
They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord, teach me, Lord, to wait!
– Arthur B. Whiting, 1903
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love, Your closeness, and Your strength that help us, especially when we face the storms of life. You are a great God and greatly to be praised! In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen!
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Prayer for Pastor Kristen: "Update December 2, 2024: Kirsten is not doing well. She will probably need to go on disability. She..." 
Thank you, Mary Lou!
Thanks for sharing your story and the inspiration.
Thank you!! I too have experienced grief and know of God’s support. And you message expressed it well.
Thank you, Mary Lou, for sharing your experience of God’s wind beneath your outstretched wings! Blessings.
Thank you for reminding us of the hope that is always there if we just wait as you said. In God’s strength only can we find help and hope.
Thank you, Mary Lou, for sharing your story. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been, but it sounds like you’re definitely an eagle!
Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking experience and how your faith helped you through it. An important message for us all. Many thanks!
Dear Mary Lou:
Thanks for this. I have just received a diagnosis and I see the Oncologist next week. I plan to be an eagle.
So sorry for your experience losing your husband but out of it has come a very inspiring piece of writing. Such a word picture …turkey or eagle. Thank you for sharing … really something to remember.
Thank you for your excellent words today! Words I really needed to see today for sure! So again thanks for your encouragement!
Blessings and stay well!
(Ont)
Thanks for your encouragement. My son was promoted to glory a few weeks ago.
I am sometimes a turkey and other times an eagle. Family and friends carry us through.
Shalom.
Thank you for your testimony and how you have also overcome by the grace of God. I just read a devotional which got me to the special message from Psalm 69 and 71. Thank you for that favorite passage from Isaiah and keep on singing and writing.
What a precious Daily Devotional! I am experiencing something of the same right now but find the up-current of God’s strength in His word, and other inspirations like yours.
Bless you for these comforting words,
(BC)
Mary-Lou, so sorry for your loss.
We are blessed to be believers. God brings us through the biggest storms of life.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
(QC, CANADA)
Thank you for this morning’s devotional, Mary Lou. A wonderful analogy for your immeasurable loss. Please accept my condolences and prayers for your ongoing healing in this journey we know as grief.
May you continue to have the love and support of friends and your strong faith and may God Bless and be with you always.
Hello Mary Lou
Wow, can I identify with this message, as I lost my husband 10 months ago. That unexpected phone call when you are believing God for a miracle. But His plans are higher than mine and the support God gives along with ones He puts on our paths, it is amazing!
God bless you as you travel along, or should I say as you soar like the eagle!
Thank you for your devotional today. Yes, you have had a storm in your life.
I’m so glad you had faith to pull you through. I only wish that so many in the world had a faith as strong as yours. I am in a Bible group and we are studying the Book of Acts. Paul had a very strong faith and knew how to share it with so many. Thank you for expressing your thoughts on faith. Love that hymn.
Blessings.
Thank you, Mary Lou, for your very interesting and meaningful devotional today. The comparison of eagles and turkeys reaction to a stormy situation was something to learn about as I hadn’t given it any thought before. We are so fortunate to have the loving care of our Saviour ready to assist us through whatever storm we face. We get so much reassurance in reading and abiding by His word. Blessings for your writing and may you feel comforted and strengthened each day as you go forward.
Good morning, Mary Lou,
Thank you for your wonderful words this morning, I really like the passage from Isaiah 40 which you included in your devotional. Thank you so much.
All the best to you Mary Lou and blessings.
Dear Mary Lou,
Thanks so much for your devotional today.
I love that song you quoted… it’s been a favourite of mine for many years. But that last line…. teach me Lord to wait. Written in 1903!!! I thought it was one of the Scripture songs that were written in the 70’s.
Thanks so much for the info.
How will we learn if it’s always smooth sailing? God allows tests and trials to come our way for purposes we don’t always understand. Thanks so very much for sharing how God has brought you through such an unforgettable experience.
May God bless you.
Mary Lou,
I am sorry for your loss and appreciate that you shared this powerful story with us. Sometimes when the storms of life hit us, we blame God for this happening and turn away because we don’t understand. You were the eagle and soared with God’s love and comfort. We all need to hear these encouraging words and to remember that God is always there for us. The comparison of the turkey and eagle help to cement the idea in our heads so if we are going through a tough time, we reach out to God so we can soar like an eagle.
Thank you for sharing and may you keep soaring with God’s help. Blessings.
Good morning, everyone,
Well I had no idea what an eagle did in a storm. Interesting.
Mary Lou shares a little of her story of how God is in her life no matter what happens and the strength that this gives her. Very encouraging for all of us to hear her experience and be hopeful. A good reminder of when the storms of life come, to reach out to God because He will always be there. She was all alone in a different country on the ocean when this experience happened. However, she was not alone. Her faith was with her.
May we always feel God walking with us in the storms and in the good times. May we share this with others as Mary Lou shared with us. Blessings.
I wondered if you had to stay on the ship for the rest of the cruise or how did you handle things? We cruise each year but with Covid of course we haven’t been on one for 3 years but we are booked for next month and we are so ready. I honestly cannot imagine my life without my husband! Wonderful that you have a strong faith!
COVID has been a storm – ongoing — not a hurricane that begins and ends. We have been physically isolated from family, friends, church but linked by God’s word and prayer.