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Before the Winds, the Word Was Working
We often feel the weight of loneliness when times of trouble descend upon us. The storms of life—whether they come in the form of unexpected loss, broken relationships, financial hardship, or overwhelming uncertainty—can make us feel abandoned, as though we are navigating the chaos on our own. But, beloved, let me remind you of this truth: before the trouble, God was. Before the storm gathered strength, God was already there.
Before the heartbreak came, God was preparing your healing. Before the challenges arose, God was working on your deliverance. And before fear whispered lies into your heart, God’s Word had already spoken peace. The same God who created the heavens and the earth, who delivered His people through the Red Sea, who calmed the raging waters, and who gave His only Son for our redemption—this God was already working on your behalf long before the storm ever appeared.
Today, we will look to God’s Word, to His eternal presence and faithfulness, and be reminded that no matter what you face, you are never alone. God was before, God is now, and God will always be
Before Creation and Time
- Before the stars shone in the heavens, God was. (Genesis 1:1)
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” - Before the oceans formed and mountains rose, God was. (Psalm 90:2)
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” - Before humanity’s first breath, God was. (Genesis 2:7)
“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Before Your Journey Began
- Before the storm, God was peace. (Mark 4:39)
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” - Before the night, God was light. (John 8:12)
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” - Before your tears, God was comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” - Before your prayers, God was the answer. (Isaiah 65:24)
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” - Before your strength failed, God was your strength. (Psalm 46:1)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” - Before sin entered, God was Redeemer. (Revelation 13:8)
“The Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” - Before joy, God was the Giver. (James 1:17)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” - Before trials, God was Victor. (John 16:33)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - Before your story, God was the Author. (Hebrews 12:2)
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” - Before the brokenness, God was the Healer. (Psalm 147:3)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God’s Eternal Word
- Before fear found words, God’s Word was peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Before heartache began, God’s Word was healing. (Psalm 107:20)
“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” - Before purpose was known, God’s Word was your guide. (Psalm 119:105)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” - Before time began, God’s Word was eternal. (John 1:1-2)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
God’s Promises in Life’s Trials
- Before rejection, God’s Word called you chosen. (1 Peter 2:9)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” - Before brokenness, God’s Word promised restoration. (Joel 2:25-26)
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten… You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you.” - Before loneliness, God’s Word assured His presence. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Before anxiety, God’s Word offered peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Before betrayal, God’s Word reminded you of faithfulness. (2 Timothy 2:13)
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” - Before sickness, God’s Word declared healing. (Isaiah 53:5)
“By his wounds we are healed.” - Before doubt, God’s Word spoke truth. (John 17:17)
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” - Before loss, God’s Word promised comfort. (Matthew 5:4)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Before fear, God’s Word said, ‘Do not be afraid.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Before failure, God’s Word proclaimed victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Before uncertainty, God’s Word lit the way. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The Story of Joseph-From the Pit to the Palace
Joseph’s journey is a powerful testament to the truth that before…God was. Before Joseph was thrown into the pit by his jealous brothers, God’s Word had already given him a dream of future greatness (Genesis 37:5). This dream, though seemingly impossible at the time, was a glimpse of God’s plan to use Joseph mightily. Before Joseph was sold into slavery, God’s Word was already working for his deliverance. Though betrayed and sold to the Ishmaelites, God’s hand guided Joseph to Egypt for a greater purpose (Genesis 37:28).
When Joseph faced the temptation of Potiphar’s wife, God’s Word had prepared him to stand firm. Joseph relied on his integrity and faith, choosing righteousness over sin, even at great personal cost (Genesis 39:7-12). Before Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned, God’s Word was his vindication. Though wrongfully accused, God was with him, granting him favor even in prison (Genesis 39:20-23).
Before Pharaoh summoned Joseph to interpret his dreams, God’s Word had already given him wisdom. God enabled Joseph to discern the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams, which paved the way for his rise to power (Genesis 41:14-16). Before the famine struck, God’s Word had positioned Joseph as a savior, granting him the insight to prepare Egypt and ensure survival for many (Genesis 41:47-49).
When Joseph’s brothers came seeking help, God’s Word was already working to reconcile them. Joseph recognized his brothers but responded with grace, understanding God’s plan to bring restoration through him (Genesis 45:4-7). Before Joseph’s family reunited in Egypt, God’s Word preserved a remnant, fulfilling His promise to Abraham through Joseph’s role as a provider (Genesis 47:11-12). Finally, before Joseph spoke forgiveness to his brothers, God’s Word had already worked in his heart. Joseph declared, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20), revealing the depth of God’s sovereignty and grace.
The Story of Moses and the Exodus-Deliverance into Destiny
The story of Moses and the Exodus reveals how God’s Word moves ahead of His people. Before Moses was even born, God’s Word had promised deliverance to Abraham, foretelling that his descendants would be enslaved but would ultimately be freed (Genesis 15:13-14). Before Pharaoh issued his decree to kill all Hebrew boys, God’s Word preserved Moses, who was miraculously saved and raised in Pharaoh’s own household (Exodus 2:1-10).
When God called Moses to lead Israel, Moses doubted his abilities, but God’s Word had already declared, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:11-12). Before the Red Sea became a barrier to their escape, God’s Word prepared a way. He commanded Moses to stretch out his hand, parting the waters for His people to cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21). Before Israel cried out in fear, God’s Word was their salvation, fulfilling His promise to deliver them and destroying their enemies (Exodus 14:28-31).
The Story of David and Goliath-Five Smooth Stones
David’s victory over Goliath is another powerful example of God’s Word going before us. Before Goliath challenged Israel, God’s Word had already anointed David as Israel’s future king, preparing him for greatness (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Before David stepped into the valley to face Goliath, God’s Word had strengthened his faith through past victories over the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
Before the battle began, David boldly declared the truth of God’s Word: “The battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47). Before the giant fell, God’s Word empowered a small stone, guiding it with divine precision to bring down the enemy (1 Samuel 17:49). Before Israel shouted in triumph, God’s Word silenced the enemy, turning fear into victory through David’s unwavering faith (1 Samuel 17:50-51).
The Story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath-Flourishing Faith in a Famine
The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrates God’s Word at work during times of scarcity. Before the drought came, God’s Word had already provided for Elijah, directing him to a brook and then to the widow’s home (1 Kings 17:2-9). Before the widow ran out of flour, God’s Word promised abundance. Elijah assured her that her flour and oil would not run dry, a promise fulfilled day by day (1 Kings 17:13-14).
Before the widow obeyed Elijah’s request, God’s Word had already secured her future. Her obedience unlocked God’s provision, sustaining her household through the drought (1 Kings 17:15-16). Before despair overtook her, God’s Word remained her hope, proving that His promises are reliable even in the most challenging circumstances.
Here is our truth-God’s Word always goes before us. Let us find encouragement and strength for the days ahead. Whatever storms may come, whatever trials may arise, know this: You are never alone. His Word has already paved the way for your deliverance, healing, and victory.
Just as God’s Word went before Joseph to prepare a path through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, so it goes before you, turning what was meant for evil for your good. Just as God’s Word parted the Red Sea before Israel and defeated Goliath before David, the Word will open doors and bring triumph to your life. And just as God provided for the widow at Zarephath, His Word will sustain you, even in seasons of lack or despair.
Be encouraged, beloved. God’s Word is not bound by time or circumstance. It is eternal, powerful, and always working before you and ahead of you. Trust in His promises, walk in faith, and rest in the assurance that before the storm, God was. Before the trouble, His Word had already spoken. And as you move forward, remember that His Word will never return void—it will accomplish all that He intends in your life.
So go forth in confidence, knowing that the God who spoke creation into existence and who called you by name is the same God who walks with you and goes before you.
The stories were awesome!!!
I thank God for this journey as I am able to read and reflect on the God and truly understand that “BEFORE” I was born God knew me and my purpose. However, I am walking and learning like those “BEFORE” me to trust in God. Keep my faith strong. Believe in Him who formed me as I am in HIS image and here to be of service.