The Storm

We had made it to Lubbock.  A long anticipated trip of spending time with family, meeting a new addition, loving on cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and starting to relax after a busy few months of activities we had chosen to participate in for the kids.

A family outing—going to the drive in with everyone to see Toy Story 4–a movie I know my kids were excited about. The skies were blue, the wind wasn’t really blowing, and we arrived early to give time for a little bit of energy to be exerted out on the playground.  After time there and several boxes of popcorn purchased to munch on, it was minutes before the feature started.

But…

A storm had brewed a couple of towns away and you could see the dark sky in the distance—Part of the beauty that I miss of the flat landscape God designed on the South Plains.  In what seemed as seconds though, our blue skies were drifting away with a cloud of dirt that had formed from the outflow of the thunderstorm miles from where we were.   Collecting the chairs, popcorn, and kids, we dashed to the cars to find protection from the brown that invaded the air.  The nice clear night would now be hindered by the dust that settled on us for the evening while we watched the movie.

Our journey here on earth can somewhat be described just like what we faced the other night at the drive-in.  Blue skies and then out of the “blue”—a storm can enter.

As a matter of fact, storms are promised to us.  “Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into various trials..”—James 1:2.

In a lesson on Sunday evening, a statement was made in a lesson titled “Living Under God’s Redeeming Failure”.  I have been chewing on it this week.

He never promised fair, easy, success, perfect children, perfect marriages, or rescue from pain or confusion here on earth.  He promised there to be with us.

We are going to face dark times.  Some of the storms we face may be self-inflicted.  Some may happen due to the choices of others around us.  Some may be revolved around health issues or things out of our control.

No matter what we face—He will be with us.  He is our safe haven.  He is “Our refuge and strength in a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.  We must “Pour out our hearts before Him—He is a refuge for you.”-Psalm 62:8.

Make sure you are anchored down to Him.  We see playscapes moved in the midst of a strong storm, so what about us as people?  We never know when a storm will hit, so the time to prepare is NOW!  (Matthew 13:3-9)

One thing for sure—What you face can be used for His Glory.  Maybe it is to help comfort others after He has comforted us (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) or show His healing power.  Maybe it is to show how His people can bear one another’s burdens.

Paul wrote:

..a thorn in the flesh was given to me.  A messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord THREE times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Our storm may never pass, it may be brief, or it may be long.  One thing we can be sure of—He will be there in the midst of it.  His strength is made perfect in any weakness we face.  Let’s rely on Him through our trials.

Anchored in Him,

Leigh Ann