This morning a song came on that I hadn’t heard in a long time. I was immediately reminded of a time when it ministered to me.
I was on my way to school one morning feeling completely stressed out and full of anxiety. I was twenty-one and attending the local junior college. I was so burnt out on school. I was just so done. At that time my oldest son was nine months old and I just wanted to focus on him and being a good wife. Even though I wanted to earn my degree I just felt like completely giving up that morning. My biggest struggle was my math class, which was a hybrid online and in person class. I did great in the online part but didn’t do well on the tests. I had been getting tutoring but still struggling. So, after checking my grade online that morning, I decided to go to school early and try to see one of the academic counselors before my math class that day.
On my way to school I was praying and asking for favor to get to talk to a counselor because without an appointment it would mean a long wait or having to go back another day. As I was praying the song “I’ll Praise You In The Storm” by Casting Crowns came on. I’d heard the song several times but this time I actually listened to the lyrics (see below). As I did, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to just praise God. As I did, the tears began to fall as I felt God’s supernatural peace fall on me.
I got to school and went to the counseling office. I was surprised to see a counselor right away. I walked into her office and as I sat down I noticed a little poster with a Bible verse on it and a calendar hanging on the wall with scripture. She asked me how she could help me and as I began telling her tears of stress just started pouring out of my eyes. She listened, got up, walked to the door and closed it. Then she sat down and said, “I’m not supposed to do this but can I pray for you right now?” (I still get emotional when I think about that moment.) I, of course, said yes. So, she took my hands in hers and prayed. Then, she looked at my records for a minute and said, “Joni. You have an A.A. in Behavioral and Social Science. You can graduate next month!” Then the happy tears came! Not just mine but hers too. I couldn’t believe it! I had gone to a counselor every quarter to make sure I was on track, taking the right classes, and checked my credits. None of the other counselors told me I had earned a degree!
The most amazing part of this story, though, is that God gave me a divine appointment. He put me with a counselor that loved Him and took a risk and prayed with me. He put me with the exact person I needed to be with that morning. Finding out I was ready to graduate was the icing on the cake! This is one of the first memories of having this kind of experience with God – where I knew He had everything planned out for my prayer to be answered.
He does work all things together for our good. He does give His children favor. He does give us divine appointments, setting us up with the right person at the right time. And He does open doors and close doors for us. If you’re believing for something or feeling some warfare, keep believing, keep worshiping, keep praising. It will happen!
Remember, you are loved. ❤️
PRAISE YOU IN THE STORM
… I was sure by now God, You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say, “Amen” and it’s still raining … Well, as the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain “I’m with you” And as Your mercy falls I’ll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away … And I’ll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm … I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You And raised me up again But my strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can’t find You? … But as the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain “I’m with you” And as Your mercy falls I’ll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away … And I’ll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm … I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The maker of Heaven and Earth … I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The maker of Heaven and Earth … I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? … And I’ll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am Every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm … And though my heart is torn (though my heart is torn) I’ll praise You in this storm (praise You in this storm) Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Bernie Herms / John Mark Hall Praise You In This Storm lyrics © Sony/atv Tree Publishing, Banahama Tunes, My Refuge Music, Word Music, Llc