coming storm

There is a major storm coming...a serious hurricane is expected to hit this area within the next few days! The wild animals seem to sense it coming as there were no signs of heron, or other large birds, on the pond this morning. Modern forecasting tools can provide estimates of the hurricane's track and intensity and people are scavenging milk, water, batteries and bread from local stores. There is a sense of anticipation and concern. Past experience with these storms has ranged from little more than a rainstorm to full blown gales and massive damage from wind and tree falls. We know the storm is coming...but we don't know the specific outcome until we experience it. Some will leave the area but most will batten down the hatches and ride through. There is another storm coming. At a point in the future there will be a cataclysmic clash between the forces of Heaven and Hell in a place called Armageddon. Good will triumph ultimately over evil and the Creation will rejoice after the cries and the groaning cease. There is yet another storm coming, and some are in its midst now...it's called "the trials of life". Life today is full of tests and discouragements...of disease and disappointment, of uncertainty and the unknown. Some try to escape this storm in drugs and alcohol. Others are beaten into depression or some of the other "D" words: divorce, disgust, distraction, delusion. The storms capture our attention and they require a response. A storm brings energy and force that is greater than our personal strength and we need shelter, endurance and hope. As we shop for the essentials to see us through this hurricane, let us replenish our supply of trust and reliance on God. He rides above the storms. He walks through the the midst of storms. He stands with us as the storm assaults us. He greets us on the far side of the storm. There is no storm that can overshadow His presence, or out-muscle His might. We will bow before the storm, but only after we bow before the Lord.

Job 38:¹ Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

² "Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
³ Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.

⁴ "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.