Storms that Define Us

Have you ever watched a storm approach? I remember the intrigue of watching storms approach after observing lightning and then being able to see the rain fall in the distance until it reached where I was standing on the porch or inside. These were usually summer pop ups that brought more rain and muggy temperatures on an afternoon than a life changing event. I have observed the aftermath of tornadoes and hurricanes and those have a completely different outcome. These literal storms change the trajectory of where kids attend school, families live, and the possessions that define a family’s legacy and history through several generations. I have helped with storm recovery over the years in ministry by doing hands on clean-up and rebuild as well as counseling people through the crisis. I have delivered food, clothes, and hygiene items to people enduring catastrophic loss.

These storms I can handle! I can replace items and possessions and rebuild my life around a community and a place to live. This fall I have been reminded of two powerful storms in life that define us. The first is my experience with Katrina. We evacuated for a weekend get-away that changed the course we had set through God’s leading in our ministry. My journey began to shift, and now I see a ten-year plan that God knew and is amazing. I am reminded of churches and people God has brought into my life from the places I never knew I would even live. The possessions require a bigger moving truck because two kids know 8 and 3 have their stuff. So my family of two became a family of four in less than ten years. Degrees have been finished in delivery methods not imagined to obtain before the storm. A powerful storm that changed my approach to life and understanding God’s plan for my journey has been an incredible blessing that began with incredible pain.

The second powerful kind of storm is that of overcoming temptation. In my network of relationships, this year has been a challenge as I see people around me lose the battle to temptation. God is teaching me to continue to put my faith in Him because He is truly where the help comes. Some days in the midst of the storms I forget He is my help. I forget that He can deliver me through any type of storm the enemy can manipulate to cause pain.  In my life I have always enjoyed the verse recorded in Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” My prayer for you and myself is that we will not forget in the storms that God is still with us and has not changed course. He is faithful and may we strive to be more faithful in our journey.