“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

The weather has changed for the better and a few days of sunshine does brighten the moods of everyone. Like the weather, we go through spiritual seasons in our walk with God. Times of difficulty can feel like harsh winters with constant snowstorms, icy roads and slippery conditions. People in the Caribbean can relate to hurricanes and storms with winds battering trees and houses. Other natural disasters include tsunamis, tornados, earthquakes and flooding. Most of us can definitely relate to seasons that feel like a catastrophic weather event.

The disciples can relate to being in a storm on a boat while Jesus was asleep in the stern. I am sure that Jesus knew that there was a storm. Either way he was not perturbed by the storm. Not when he knew that he had the power to command the wind to be still. “And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]” (Mark 4:39).

I remember experiencing hurricanes as an adult in Jamaica. We prepared and remained indoors until it was safe to venture outside. Eventually the rains would end and we were sure to have the sunshine again. The end of the hurricane season meant better days were ahead. The ensuing months were some of the coolest and meant that we were approaching Christmas. These were days to celebrate and enjoy spending time with family.

The storms are ending and there is sunshine up ahead. Raise your level of expectation and declare your better days. “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalms 30:5).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

Published