When God Prepares You Before the Storm
One of my children is in a dire situation in a foreign country. I’ve had to navigate overwhelming logistics, and yesterday one of them was miraculously resolved. But there is still so much we can’t do from here. At some point, we simply have to pray and trust the Lord. I’m so grateful for friends who are praying with us.
The Power of Gratitude to Shift Our Perceptions
In the night I woke up thinking of the situation, feeling grateful and thanking God for the miracles I’d seen during the day. I felt a question posed in my mind asking what I really wanted for this child.
A vision began to unfold—detailed, hopeful, and miraculous. I started to feel the feelings I’d experience when it happened. It felt SO good! So much better than letting my worries create worst case scenarios to solve ahead of time. Since then when the worries want to rear up, I’m saying a little prayer, “Thank you that I get to witness and be part of this miracle you’re unfolding!”
That statement of gratitude shifts me from panic to peace.
My husband offered a really good prayer this morning for all of our children. His words gave me so much peace. After the prayer, I drove him to catch a shuttle. On the way, I shared the vision that I received in the night. He was very moved by it and is also holding faith for the vision.
We had another prayer together in the car and both felt the Spirit SO strongly. I could hardly form the words of the prayer through the tears because I felt such gratitude and such a strong confirmation that what we wanted for this child, God wanted too.
The Song God Had Already Given Me
On the way home after dropping off my husband, I listened to the playlist of Christian songs I’ve written this year. “Here I Stand” and “Trust in the Lord” had me in tears… so spot on what I need right now.
When “Trust in the Lord” came on I was literally driving down the road bawling:
“The vision waits its time.
Though it tarries, I will trust.
I will wait, for it will come
As I follow step by step,
As I follow step by step
Trust in the Lord,
He will make the way.
Trust in the Lord,
He will lead the way.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him…
and He shall direct thy paths.”
(Based on Proverbs 3:5-6)
I felt an overwhelming gratitude and love sweep over me. The Lord told me a while back that these songs I’ve been writing are for me. As I listened to this song today, a sure knowledge flowed into me that the Lord gave me these songs for THIS challenge… what’s happening NOW…To get me through and to let me know that He knows me and loves me. And He has this.
When I shared with a friend about the song being given to me ahead of time, she sent me this verse.
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24
Looking back now, I realize God wasn’t just preparing an answer to my prayer. He was preparing me to receive it.
Fear has a way of painting detailed pictures of everything that could go wrong. But last night I realized I have another choice. I can hold onto the vision God gave me instead. Every time fear tries to reclaim the canvas, I quietly pray, “Thank You that I get to witness the miracle You’re unfolding.” And peace returns.
“And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God. And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.”
Ether 12: 18
Watch “Trust In the Lord”
As you pursue your own creative work—or simply seek to walk more closely with God—remember that sometimes He inspires us today because He knows what we’ll need tomorrow.
If you’re longing for greater clarity, peace, and confidence in hearing God’s guidance, I’d love to encourage you. My Flow & Grow sessions are gentle, Spirit-led conversations where we create space to listen, notice, and discern what God is already doing in your life.
I’d love to gift you a free 20-minute Flow & Grow session. You can learn more and schedule one here.
