“We’re as prepared physically as we can be. Stocked up and supplies are good. But I know what’s coming. The winds howl and rains pound nonstop. And when it’s over, nothing will look the same.”
She spoke bravely during the interview, this young woman with blonde hair slightly blowing across her face as the first feeder bands of Hurricane Florence were coming ashore. But I could hear something different in her voice.
Anxiety and fear. And uncertainty.
Trying to put on a brave face while knowing a storm beyond her control was headed her way.
Many of us along the Gulf Coast have faced down our share of hurricanes. We know that feeling all too well. Impending disaster, though, is not isolated to weather occurrences.
Storms of life can come unannounced, tearing a swath of pain and heartache through our hearts.
Sometimes, though, we are given a distant glimpse of what is on the horizon. The impending threat gradually approaching, creeping into our comfortable and (somewhat) controlled lives.
When you sit in the waiting room, wondering what the results of medical tests will be.
When a marriage ends.
When your company restructures and your job will likely be lost.
When someone you love makes life altering choices.
Each day you pray for God to turn the whirlwind out to sea, send it off into waters where no one will suffer and everything can stay as it is.
But the storm, with all its destructive force, is gathering strength and landfall is imminent. And all you can do is brace for the coming impact.
Can you relate, my friend, to that gut wrenching feeling? I sure can.
Storms are inevitable in this life. I’ve experienced several, one most recently this summer, that challenged my trust and resolve in God to the maximum extent. In spite of days when my faith wavered and doubt tempted me to stay in darkness, God never stopped being faithful and true and protective.
Why? Because he cannot fail. He is not a stronger, more faithful version of his creation.
He. IS. GOD.
Depression caused me to disappear into isolation. He was my light that led me through to the other side. And he remained my stronghold when my strength would fade (Psalm 27:1).
Trouble overwhelmed me. He was present (Psalm 46:1).
Grief touched every part of my life. He comforted me in ways I could have never expected and gave me hope to encourage others (2 Corinthians 1 – the whole chapter. Everything).
Indecision confused my mind, I could not focus a thought and I had no idea what to pray. He still heard my feeble words because he is faithful and righteous (Psalm 143:1).
Frustrated and wanted to quit. He reminded me it is HE who sustains and gives the power to not fall away (Jude 24).
Past pains were stuffed down because I believed that was easier to manage than to walk forward in new hope. He did exactly what he promised: if I took the steps to go “through”, he would not let me consumed, giving a testimony of his protection and care (Isaiah 43:2).
Storms have a way of transforming the landscape, tearing down the familiar to build new, stronger foundations of faith. But I can say boldly and without exception, each trial that has come my way has made me more dependent upon the One who will never fail is working exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
I don’t know how strong your storm will be when it makes landfall, how long it will blow, or what your surroundings will look like when it’s passed.
But I know that I know that I know…God is ever by your side. Each step forward is a word to a broken world of his faithfulness. You will have days of exhaustion and discouragement and (if anything like me) need forgiveness on a moment by moment basis. But keep holding onto His promises.
I’m praying for this young woman and others facing the unknown today. God will not leave or forsake you.
And the sun will come out again.
Hearts Unfold 