Put Out The Fires and Calm The Storms



As a  woman in leadership, I found that my life could have many moving parts in one day. This included solving many people's problems.  I was once asked, how did I survive such a busy schedule with children, spouse, executive leadership for large and mid-size companies, university adjunct professor,  and an Associate Pastor at a local church?   I have always been in a "non-typical" woman's role. In 1978, I went to Houston,Texas. I became a computer scientist working on the Space Shuttle computers at NASA. In 1988, I became a minister and an associate pastor in a mainstream denomination church while still keeping my regular secular jobs (bi-vocational). There were many problems to solve and many fires to put out. 

The fires were one thing, but the storms of life were an entirely different situation to handle. The storms came fiercely with no warning.  I was having my 15 to 30 minutes of prayer time as suggested when you have a busy schedule. However, honestly I did all the talking and very little listening to God.  Thankful for his patience with me. It was hard to calm the storms in my life without my complete dependence on God.  Finally, I realized that I needed strength to handle both! Psalm 34 17-18 (CJB) says, " The righteous cried out, and ADONAI (LORD) heard, and he saved them from all their troubles. ADONAI is near those with broken hearts; he save those whose spirit is crushed."  I had to change the belief that I needed to solve everyone's problem when they asked. I can't fix everyone's problems.  I realized that the LORD will help saved them from all their troubles. Some people need to put out their own fires so they can grow. I was in great need to reserve energy, time, and money to weather the storms in my own life! 

I took examples and guidelines from Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel. She judge Israel for 40 years from 1107BC until her death in 1067 BC! She delegated certain duties. She used wisdom to give the right people, the right job that needed to be done, instead of her doing everything herself. The old adage, " if you want something done right, do it yourself." is not very healthy or biblical. She also gave clear directions on what needed to be done. She had discernment, wisdom, and nothing shook her confidence. She also was very organized and listened more than she spoke.  She gave God more of her time than people. She worship the LORD and wrote a song just to praise Him!  And, she went to war for her people! She was  chosen to lead by God. She fulfilled God's plan for her life. She did not believe in the 15 minutes prayer time formula and she was able to do great things because of that.  My main weapon against the storm is to put my face down in prayer and keep my ears and heart open to the LORD. That my friend takes longer than 15 minutes, but it is so worth it! I find time early in the morning when everyone in the house is sleep. I am now calm during the storms. 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, 
Give me strength to get through the storms in my life. I know that only you can help me get through them. Let me seek you on a daily basis, because I don't know what day will be the day that a storm comes. Give me the strength to be still and wait patiently to hear from you. Let me not be upset when the storms in my life are raging. Bring peace to my mind and soul. Teach me your ways that I may learn of you. I know that your plan for my life is good. Thank you for the fires that help me get ready for the storms. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
 

Blessings,
Patricia 


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