Oceans in the Desert

Kathi Pelton

As most of my readers know, our family is in the ten-day countdown for yet another cross country move and transition— bridging east and west. The process was going so smoothly for the first few weeks and it appeared as though we’d just sail on smooth waters to the other side of our nation. Then…without warning, the wind picked up, the waves picked up and the storm hit. Unusual circumstances and situations began to come one after another like hail, wind and thunder. We recognized the warfare against what we are doing and because we have gone through these “trials” many times before— we knew that peace is our rudder and confident assurance in God’s victory is our hope. We we breathe in and rest in him. If you are facing storms— this word is for you.

We already know that in this life we will face tribulations and trials that feel like storms raging against our souls; but there is a truth that we can lay hold of that calms every storm and turns our tribulations into triumphs. This truth is found in Colossians 1:20,

“…and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” Colossians‬ ‭1:20‬

Peace has been provided for everything you’ll ever face; every trial, every circumstance, and every storm. The blood that was shed on the cross provides peace and reconciliation in all things. Though you cannot control the world around you, there is a peace that has been provided through Christ and His shed blood that becomes the rudder stabilizing you and guiding you through rough waters. ‭It is accessible for all who know Him and call upon His name.

The enemy seeks to stir up strife and create storms so that you might “drift away” from the truth that brought you into salvation and the peace that has been provided for you through the blood of the Lamb. We must hold fast to His truth that provides peace and victory to all who have allowed the blood of Jesus to reconcile them to God.

“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News…” Colossians‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭

You can have assurance of the victory of Christ in everything you will ever face. You can be at peace even now, because He is your confident assurance (faith) of things unseen and your hope that all things will work together for your good.

One of the verses that I pray almost everyday is found in Philippians 4:7,

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”‭

This verse has become like a rudder for my soul. It is His peace that guards my soul (my heart and my mind). Where there is peace, warfare ceases! Though you may be in a storm or even in a battle, peace provides a confident assurance of the victory that belongs to the Lord because of the blood that was shed for you. Peace allows you to refocus your gaze and fix your eyes on things that are “worthy of praise.”

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭

Focusing on the storm around you will merely cause you to sink, but as you fix your eyes on the excellent and praiseworthy things (especially, upon Jesus) then you will begin to walk on the waves with peace and assurance.

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians‬ ‭1:22-23‬ ‭

Your storm is under His feet, and as you enter into peace and oneness with Christ, then it is under your feet as well. He is the head over all and everything is subject to His rule; even the winds and waves.

Ask for His peace to guard you and fix your eyes on Him and upon all that is praiseworthy. As you align with peace and truth you allow Christ to be the head over all the storms that you are facing. The storm in your soul will cease and the circumstantial storms that surround you will become subject to His authority and rule. The Lord takes great pleasure in us as we posture our lives in alignment with truth and oneness with Him. His pleasure releases great victories!

“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:7‬

Fix your eyes upon Jesus! ‭

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We are still raising funds for the first phase of setting up our East and West ministry and home bases. Our most recent “storms” were financially costly. We know God will provide for and cover for every need. If you would like to sow into our “peace in the storms” countdown to help make up for what was drained, go to: https://www.inscribeministries.com/

You can also mail a US check or USD money order to our ministry at:

Inscribe Ministries 12400 Regiment Lane Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407

AFTER JULY 7th SEND TO:

Inscribe Ministries 149 NE Ocean Loop Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

~ Thank you all for your prayers, love and continued support. We pray unprecedented favor and return upon each of you! ~