After the Storm...

I wrote my last blog post before the storm that hit the East coast, and the morning after it became very apparent that it was a devastating storm for many. It will take months to get back to normal and in some cases people will have a new kind of normal in their lives. 

This morning after the election I have to admit I'm feeling a bit devastated, some surprised and a bit apprehensive.  The storms of life can kick us to the ground, but it is in the storm that God can speak to us and we are willing to listen. 
I came across this scripture this morning: 

" Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
Praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the Word, 
so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 
that I may make clear in the way I ought to speak. 
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of opportunity. 
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know
how you should respond to each person."  

I think in times like these it is important to remember what God tells us here: 
He does not just say pray, no He says :DEVOTE yourself ,KEEP ALERT in , with ATTITUDE of THANKSGIVING to prayer. 
This is quite a command to prayer if we  apply it the way He is telling us too. Not an easy task, but instead a life style of continuous prayer with an attitude of humbleness.   

Paul is asking for a prayer for an open door for the gospel to be preached
That he would have clarity on how to speak truth...

Often in times like this God  will give us the opportunity to speak the truth of the gospel to others.
We need to be aware, open and willing to speak with clarity and wisdom in order to lead others to God's Word to seek His truth in these times. 

And then he commands us not only to CONDUCT with wisdom,or 
MAKE THE MOST of opportunity, 
but show GRACE in our speech toward others as we do these things. 

How are we doing it? Are we speaking to others 
with dignity, grace and respect? 

In times like these it is important to remember that we may not know what is 
happening or why, but God is still on the throne, and
He is sovereign and in control...