Since the conversation has moved on and this will be buried in the archives of electronic history … I thought I would just throw out a few additional thoughts to what I shared above about that which Christians call storms, or uncomfortable circumstances that come one’s way. Maybe this small missive will be of help to someone.

Often we see things in terms of absolutes: black/white; right/wrong; day/night. Linear thinking seeks an answer in such terms. If I am at point A, and I don’t like the circumstances at point A, how can I get out of here to point B? The answer seems obvious. How did I get in this mess at point A? Figure that out … and I can get on my way. There is merit to asking and seeking such answers. And, it may just be what God has in mind. However, what do you do when the answer is not obvious?

In terms of storms, when engulfed in one or watching someone else’s struggle from a distance, the thinking usually goes something like this: obedience/disobedience; personal sin/curse; attack/the devil. I have often found myself thinking like this in a storm.

But if there is another source, “deep calling unto deep” (Psalm 47:2), then there may be a dimension of thought that requires courage to consider. That thought is “expectations.” If deep is calling to deep, the purpose of the storm may be to reveal something that normally would go unnoticed in the normal walk of life. It is an attempt by God to bring focus upon something. That area is “expectations.”

An “expectation’ is a mindset that develops around something that God has revealed to us. He shows us something, and then without realizing it, our mind goes into action and we begin to think on how that thing that God showed us will happen. It is kind of subliminal, and it happens below the radar of conscious thought. It is a small consideration here, another quick thought there, and another diminutive musing a little while later. Before you know it, the expectation of what God might do actually becomes part of what He originally revealed … but actually never said. An addition happens to the initial revelation. It happens over the course of time, and since it is subtle – it goes unnoticed.

Thus, a “storm” arises where God is seeking to speak: “deep calling to deep.” He is attempting to reveal the “expectation” that has subtly grown around an authentic revelation. Unfortunately, His intent in the storm is often missed, because we do not see Him walking on the water toward us. Instead, we search for a rescue in a linear path of thinking: attack/the devil; sin/curse; obedience/disobedience, etc. We exert tremendous human strength to find a way out of the storm … but the winds that are “contrary” continue to blow.

I said earlier that it will take courage. It took courage for Peter to step out of the boat in the middle of the storm. It will take courage to step toward Jesus and inquire about “expectations.” Why does it take courage? It takes courage because one may discover an “expectation” wrapped around a true revelation from the Beloved. Such discovery may at first bring discomfort, pain, and even a shaking to what seemed to be a sure foundation. However, if the expectation is exposed, then purpose and destiny can expand in the direction of God’s timing and intent. There awaits a fresh perspective as the Beloved wraps His arms around His child and infuses new life concerning His Person and His Ways.

Graham Cooke had the most helpful reflections on this on two different occasions where he confronted Satanic powers directly. In one case the person called up and spewed curses at him for several minutes, and when he was done Graham Cooke gave him a prophetic word, and blessed him in response to the curse. The man later had a dramatic encounter with Jesus leading to his salvation. The key lesson here was the literal returning of blessing for curses. I believe a place of proactive love towards those who act in cursing roles in our lives is one key to victory. Personally, I think that’s how the apostle Paul got saved–they prayed for those who persecuted them.

I actually think that the Word/Faith movement has something to contribute on this subject too. For its flaws, one thing they did was start to emphasize that we are victors and victorious, and that we don’t need to “wrestle” with the devil as much as we need to occupy a place of faith. Wrestling with him gives him starts from a place of giving him authority he shouldn’t have. Proclaiming victory is more appropriate.

While I’m no Shepherding proponent, I do think that “covering” has a role in this too. Basically that when we are faced with a direct struggle like this, we want someone in authority over who stands above it and can enter into the war on our behalf. We may not all be fortunate enough to have that, but I do think there is something to id.

Lastly, I’d say that the Psalm 91 place is critical. The place of perfect rest in your identity in God, of complete fearless because of is crucial.

Reading your post tonight reminded me that there’s so much more to life than my relationship with my (ex)girlfriend. For what it’s worth, a verse that’s been of great encouragement to me recently is Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” May God bless you this evening, I will be praying for you. Thank you for being an encouragement to me.

The storm will blow you somewhere someone is in need of your gift.

But you ARE right: it’s not funny any more!

Pam and I are praying for you!

God has a plan, even in all this, & he will use these circumstances for his glory. You’ve gone through a lot & may go through more, but God is holding you shielded in the palm of his hand throughout it all.

I noticed that you have linked together certain events. Storms can cause one to do that. The reason I know is because I have done it. It happens because one is desperately trying to figure out how to get out of the mess. The disciples’ boat was battered by the waves and the wind was contrary. Not only that, but the hour was late and they were physically tired – tremendous effort was being expended to stay afloat. And on top of it all, the storm evidently arose when they were far from the security of their normal surroundings – land.

It was a mess. Jesus knew it. His solution was to walk into the middle of it … but not right away. In the midst of the event was an opportunity for a supernatural encounter with Jesus – one which went beyond the normal daily experience of walking with Him. Delay preceded encounter. After His purpose was accomplished, they got into the boat “and the wind stopped” (Matthew 13:32 NAS).

My point.

Based on what you have shared, there appears to be little doubt that the event at the meeting with the woman was of unwholesome supernatural origin. But the issue of lack of finances has been longstanding. A new washer and the payment of association fees wouldn’t even be on the radar right now if the necessary finances were available. Is it possible that the events surrounding the meeting and the longstanding need for financial stability are unrelated? Is it possible that you are experiencing two different storms with different origins?

Ps 42:7 is a favorite verse: “Deep calls unto deep.” I have heard many sermons on that phrase, and they usually center on spiritual revelation being communicated at a level beyond previous experience. But there is a second part to that verse: “…at the noise of thy waterspouts, all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me” (KJV). Notice the point of origin – God. While some versions use the word “waterfalls,” the violent action on the surface is of Divine origin: the waterspout (violent storm) causing waves and wind to crash over the Psalmist are attributed to Divine origin. It is below the surface that “deep calls to deep.” The purpose of the violent action on the surface of life is of Divine origin to redirect or to newly focus in order to receive spiritual revelation which supersedes previous experience. There is a greater revelation of Christ, destiny, or purpose that awaits one due to the storm. There is a planned encounter. In order to participate in the encounter, one must look beyond what appears to be a “ghost” walking on the surface and see the situation for what it truly is: “The Author and Finisher of Your Faith” has arrived.

Concerning the lack of finances. If it chronic … I would first look beyond the ghost. Is deep calling unto deep? To so determine, one must lay aside previous expectations, stabilize the emotional component that comes in a storm, and determine if it is indeed Jesus. If so, a marvelous experience of His person awaits. If it is not Jesus, then go after the ghost. You know my story. I spent too much time going after the ghost when I should have looked for Jesus.

I know this was long … but friends have the right to certain indulgences. I am praying for you.

Ruben

God gave you His Armor

in the Love of God,
your sister in Christ Jesus