STORMS AND TRUSTING IN GOD

We all understand the fragility of life, the uncertainty of every moment and the speed at which things can change. 

We see it all around us in tragic accidents, natural disasters and unexpected circumstances. 

We might prepare ourselves as best as we can, but really, there is only so much we can do.  So very much is out of our control and beyond our ability to anticipate or handle.  

We see the sudden destructive forces of nature in storms, flash flooding, fires, hurricanes, tornados, volcanoes, mudslides, etc.  What has taken years to develop, build or grow, is gone or changed in an instant.  Lives are turned upside down, landscapes are transformed, jobs are washed away, and security becomes an illusion. 

We recently experienced this on a small scale.  A severe storm system moved through our area, and when repeated tornado warnings blared on our phones, and the wind, rain and hail grew wilder, we headed downstairs.  It passed quickly, followed by an eerie stillness, but left a trail of fractured or flattened trees and gardens, tossed yard furniture, twisted metal, and downed power poles.  We went outside to survey the damage, and the landscape was different.  Trees that had towered above our backyard for over 30 years were driven into the ground, branches strewn everywhere.  Our firepit chairs were overturned and flung about.  The rink boards were blown down and the back wall of the tin woodshed was pushed out.  All in all, nothing life shattering, which we are so grateful for, but a mess to clean up in any case.  And, yet, so minor in comparison to what many others are facing.  

The sheer power of the wind was evidenced by the destruction it left behind.  Just a few moments of time had elapsed, but years of growth were wiped out.  A demonstration of our inability to stop the storm and prevent sudden changes. 

But, we had prayed.  We had asked God for His protection, and we had gone to the One who CAN control what we cannot.  I fully recognize that He allows things that we do not understand or want, and that there is so much heartache and pain that can result.  BUT, He is able to keep us THROUGH those storms.  He is the refuge we can turn to ALWAYS, the fortress we can run into, the shelter where we are held and secure.  I know there could have been a different outcome.  But I also know God would have been there.  He does not abandon His children.  

It was just a vivid reminder of why we need to live each moment in the light of our utter dependence on God.  To live holding the things of this world loosely, because they can be gone in an instant.  To live knowing what will endure for eternity, and to make choices each day to reflect that.  To be grateful for our loved ones and all the blessings He pours over us. To determine that we will honour Him with every moment we are given, and store up treasure that can never be destroyed. 

We never know what a day might bring, so we value what will endure forever, and keep our trust and confidence firmly in the One who is from Everlasting to Everlasting!