"a strong, driving wind" (acts 2:2)
"The Lord swept the sea with a strong east wind throughout the night and so turned it into dry land." —Exodus 14:21
God's will can be compared to a hurricane. In the eye of a hurricane, there is a remarkable stillness despite the turmoil only a few miles away. Likewise, in the center of God's will is complete calm and peace passing all understanding despite the chaotic circumstances that swirl around us (see Phil 4:7).
The Israelites were surrounded with severe problems: a hostile army behind and the impenetrable sea ahead. God sent a strong rushing wind which parted the water. The Israelites walked to safety, only feet from drowning, just barely ahead of the destroying armies. The trick is to stay exactly in the center of God's will. Therein lies safety and peace.
The Egyptians, however, were not centered in God's will. They experienced the will of God as a tumultuous, destructive force. To them, the Lord was a "warrior" (Ex 15:3). St. Paul was once outside God's will. The Lord warned him that resisting His will was like kicking against the goad (Acts 26:14), an act which causes sharp pain to the kicker, but doesn't harm the Lord.
If you're not living according to God's will for your life, repent! Ask for the "strong, driving wind" of the Holy Spirit to blow you out of disaster and into the center of His will (Acts 2:2). Let the wind of the Spirit blow where it will (Jn 3:8). Be swept into a new Pentecost.
Prayer: Father, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10).
Promise: "Whoever does the will of My heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to Me." —Mt 12:50
Praise: St. Bridget worked tirelessly for the spread of the faith. She wrote letters to cardinals, popes, and secular leaders, leading them to repentance.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013
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