By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

In just 13 days in September 2008, Hurricane Ike went through Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. causing 195 deaths and damage estimated at $10 billion ( R100 billion). Some of the communities along the Texas coast were completely destroyed by the winds and water.

The damages was shocking. However two of the pictures taken afterwards stood out to me. One was in Gilchrist, Texas. All the houses along the coastline were flattened, except one. The house strangely stood upright as if the wind and water were commanded to move around the house but not destroy it. The other interesting picture was of a house in Winnie, Texas. Again the water pushed up to the farmhouse leaving everything under water except for the house that remained untouched.

In our lives, we too sometimes experience storms – in our marriages, families, finances, health or in the workplace. It is easy to feel as if these storms will engulf us. The disciples also once experienced this. They were on a boat caught up in a storm, convinced that they were going to die. In panic they awoken Jesus, who slept through everything. He calmly stood up and commanded the storm to quiet down. In instantly did.

God can do the same to your storm – and He can give you peace as it will be your strength in your battle. In Isaiah 43:1-3 God says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God . . .” And in Philippians 4:6-7 we read: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  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"

The best way to maintain perspective amidst a stormy situation, is to turn our eyes to God. The moment we remind ourselves of who He is and what He can, peace will fill our hearts. Knowing that God protects us and that He ultimately is in control of every situation brings peace that surpasses all understanding. Let's make peace our goal and thank God at all times. God bless.

Father God, thank You for Your protection amidst all storms in my life. Please give me peace that surpasses all understanding to be in control of my life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See pictures of Hurricane Ike: http://benescke.co.za/blog/2014/05/19/dag-12-dankbaar-vir-vrede/

• MONTH THEME: Let’s live thankful. Are you thankful that God forgave you or that He helped you forgive someone that harmed you? Share your thoughts with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.