Navigating Life’s Storms with Faith

I’m trying urgently to reach Pastor Ron by phone, but my mentor in the ministry doesn’t answer.

A few seconds later, another phone lying on the desk, begins to vibrate. Somehow, I know it’s Ron. He’s trying to call me back!

But it’s locked, and I don’t know the passcode.

So it rings and rings…📳

I wake up. It’s all a dream.


In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord…

Isaiah 6:1a (NKJV)

Like Isaiah, I lost my trusted advisor (two years ago this past summer). Yet, unlike the prophet, I haven’t “seen the Lord” in a while.

I’m desperate to talk with a wiser follower of Christ—someone who has more faith to navigate the twists and turns of God’s providence.

I log on to Word Press and begin to read the blogs I follow. I notice my friend Bruce posted one of his “Bruce the Sheep” stories. These are my favorites!  

In this installment, he talks about enjoying his recent total retirement, while coping with the frailties and uncertainties of life. Yet Bruce says the awareness of God’s total providence and protection–that he and his wife enjoy–is as real as ever. He doesn’t necessarily dread the unexpected, as he trusts a loving God will see it through.

It dawns on me that, while I can’t reach Pastor Ron, Bruce the Sheep is still very much alive! Furthermore, he is apparently in possession of the godly wisdom I seek.

I comment how I know (in my heart) that God will see me through difficult circumstances. Yet, when trouble comes, my brain sometimes doesn’t get the message. I ask Bruce how he manages to keep the faith during such times.

My comment gets lost in cyberspace for a few anxious hours, but then his answer comes:

I remind myself how often this has happened before and how God hasn’t failed us yet. Our timings might disagree, and the outcome might differ from what I was looking for, but not once has God’s guidance and response not been the right one.

Bruce Cooper, October 20, 2024

Later, I sit down to write. As I begin to type, I realize what just happened: God substituted one mentor for another. I can’t talk to Pastor Ron anymore, so the Lord sent word through Brother Bruce!

If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.

Isaiah 7:9b (ESV)

Thank you, Heavenly Father, and thank you, Bruce the Sheep. This younger ram, who has weathered fewer storms, appreciates you!

🙏❤️ prayers and love.


And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)


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22 responses to “Navigating Life’s Storms with Faith”

  1. seekingdivineperspective Avatar

    Lol, you should see me at church after we’ve been gone all summer, trying to remember a couple hundred names.. 🙄

    Liked by 1 person

  2. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Sorry, Ann. I recognize your handle, but forgot your name. 😔

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Darryl!

    Like

  4. seekingdivineperspective Avatar

    It’s Ann or Annie, or “Nana,” “Mom,” … no big deal. 😉

    Like

  5. Darryl B Avatar

    Beautiful post 😎❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  6. davidsdailydose Avatar

    “When we seek encouragement from one another, we are really seeking it from God, and He will come through for us, though often not through the people we expect.”

    This is exactly what I discovered and wanted to convey when I wrote this post!

    Thank you for reading and commenting, Barb. (I hope I got that right)😊

    Liked by 1 person

  7. seekingdivineperspective Avatar

    Great truth here, David. When we seek encouragement from one another, we are really seeking it from God, and He will come through for us, though often not through the people we expect.

    Personal example: When I had chronic laryngitis in college, I could only write down what I wanted to say, and often my friends were too busy to sit and wait for me to write everything out. It was during that time that I “discovered” some kind, patient people who befriended me and gave me the encouragement I needed just by taking the time to be there. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  8. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Isn’t that the truth, brother! I didn’t realize what God had done until he up and did it!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. jesusluvsall Avatar

    SO glad you connected with him. Jesus always comes through at times in ways we did not anticipate.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. davidsdailydose Avatar

    It is one of the Lord’s most precious gifts— encouragement from another believer! This time the package 📦 arrived, but I didn’t realize it was a gift. 🎁
    Thank you for reading and commenting, Bridget. 🙏continue for you and yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Bridget Avatar

    Oh wow, this post illustrates how much our Good Shepherd cares about us, and sends exactly what we need. What a gift!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, brother. God Bless! 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Alan Kearns Avatar

    What an amazing testimony of Father God’s provision for each member of His flock – hallelujah! I know that God leads us to new mentors – over the years I have been blessed by those God sent me to, or them to me…either way it is Divine appointment. I am so happy for you David, Bruce is a top guy for the Lord. May our Father God continue to guide and bless you and Nancy today 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  14. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’ve summarized what I wanted to say, but with far fewer words.🤗
    Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    I love the way God always provides. We look to the people who have come through for us in the past. However, God is really the one providing for us … with whatever it is we need at that moment. I can almost imagine Him smiling when He subtly reminds of this by answering our need – but through someone else He has chosen to use 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You are a great DJ, Majik! I listened and watched the whole video. I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing. I plan to catch up with my blog reading this weekend. Blessings, brother!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Majik Avatar

    Some men count sheep to fall asleep, David. You talk to them through the internet and then write about what they taught you. Praise the LORD!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Bruce Cooper Avatar

    Amazing and beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I will pray for your friend, Joy. Yes, it’s wonderful when God sends us others to encourage us in our faith.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes! All the glory goes to our gracious Heavenly Father, Bruce. He knows what we need—before we do!
    Ron would have been 80 this November. He was a graduate of the U. S. Air Force Academy, and served two tours in Vietnam, as a second-seater in an F4 Phantom. He was one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever known, and also one of the most committed disciples of Christ.
    It’s amazing how God uses fellow believers to encourage each other.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. joynealkidney Avatar

    How true! My Favorite Guy just started oral chemo for a blood cancer. He already has Parkinson’s (Vietnam vet). We’re so thankful for the mentors God sends our way!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Bruce Cooper Avatar

    David, you made my eyes well up. The caring of our Shepherd is beyond our comprehension. Praise God for His love and grace. Blessings, brother!

    Liked by 4 people

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