photo: Zacarias Pereira da Mata

This morning, I was reminded of the last correspondence sent to me by my beloved mother-in-law. She passed away young and unexpectedly from a massive heart attack. While many have strained relationships with their in-laws, I was blessed with her unconditional love and friendship. It is difficult to hold back the tears as I remember and miss her presence.

She was the rock of the family and with much love, the one who kept the crew together. Her death was a devastating shock and for us all. Life without her has not been the same. Though years have passed it is still so hard to believe she is gone.

She sent the story below to me through email. Though not viewed until the evening of that fateful day, the timing was perfect. We were faced with the trial of extreme grief and caught in one of life’s raging storms. Her message reminded me that we can take on anything this life throws at us, when we are truly prepared and walk with the One who can calm the sea. Yes, we may be tossed on the waves of distress, but our faith will keep us from going under. When we trust the Lord in our suffering, we will be guided safely to the shore of peace.

Whatever trials you may be facing today, I hope this story will give insight and encourage you to press on as you rely on the Lord. I pray that tonight in persecution, suffering, or the deepest heartache, that you can sleep when the wind blows. He will give you peace and the strength to overcome. You are not alone.

Sleep When The Wind Blows

A farmer on the Atlantic seacoast constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic because of the awful storms that wreaked havoc on the buildings and crops. One applicant for the job was a short, thin man, well past middle age.

“Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well and kept busy from dawn to dusk. The farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!”

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. He hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

When you’re prepared for storms, spiritually, mentally, and practically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by soaking ourselves with the Word of God, being obedient to it and then placing our faith and trust in God’s goodness. We don’t need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the midst of our storms. -Author Unknown

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

written by Lois Kanalos, for Voice of the Persecuted (January 7, 2014)

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