Caught In A Storm

    As I write this, I’m sitting in a house that is only lit by candle light. Like many of you, the recent ice storm has left our family without electricity. We all prepare the best we can, hope for the best, and yet feel in control of so little. Sudden storms often push us out of our comfort zone and force us to adjust our plans. There are so many things a storm teaches us all. Here are some lessons I hope we never forget.

#1: We Are Not In Charge. Deep down we know this, but often it takes a storm bigger than us to pound home this fact. It’s in the storm that we recognize more than ever our humanity and really start praying. Until matched with something way bigger than ourselves, we sometimes think we can do what we want when we want. May we never forget that there is a God, but we are not Him.

#2: We Can’t Predict The Future. When caught in the eye of a storm we often pray it passes soon. Unfortunately, we don’t decide that either. All we can do is prepare our best and trust God with the rest. Often we make our plans only to have them interrupted by what we never saw coming. We’re all guilty of making fun of the weather man, but the truth is none of know the forecast ahead. Instead of trying to predict what might occur we need to seek to be prepared for whatever could come our way.

#3: We Are Never Alone. A storm demands our attention and forces us to slow down. As we slow down surrounded by so much chaos we find comfort in knowing God is always with us. High or low tide, mild or strong winds, small or large storms, God is with us. God promises to never leave, nor forsake us. The greatest promise outside of eternal life is the assurance that no matter what we face in this life God is near. If we can’t carry on, He will carry us. No matter the storm or the valley with God’s help we can make it through.

     There is no telling what type of storm you might be going through as you read these words. It could be a sudden disaster, the loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, a wayward child or friend. I really don’t know, but God does my friend. And as a lady once told me who endured the loss of two young children. “You may never get over it, but God will take you through it.” May the God of all mercy, peace, power, and understanding carry you through the storms of this life.

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,” – Proverbs 3:25

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” – Hebrews 6:19