Weather the Storm
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I went for a walk a couple of days ago. I love looking at the trees in the Spring whether they are just budding or they are in complete bloom. It’s a visual reminder that circumstances don’t have the last word. The dormancy of winter doesn’t kill the tree even though for a while it may appear so. On the other hand a young tree that has not yet established a strong root system and foundation is definitely more vulnerable to injury or death during a long, harsh, cold winter.
On my walk in an effort to get more exercise I ran up a hill toward a cluster of large mature trees. I noticed the immense root system and the strength and durability of the roots. These trees would not be easily taken down. Right now our entire world is experiencing unprecedented circumstances (at least for most of us). There is so much uncertainty and confusion. If you’re like me, I’ve experienced days of hope and peace, days of denial, and days of fear and worry.
All of us have and will face pain, tragedy, and loss in life individually as well as corporately. The strength of our foundation makes a remarkable difference in how well we weather the storm. I have witnessed loved ones pass from this life into eternity and some went peacefully, and some did not. I believe what made the difference was that those who went peacefully had built a relationship with Jesus throughout life. They learned to run to Him with their worry, fear, and sorrow and over the years experienced His faithfulness. They really knew Him and his character of love, mercy, and grace. They knew they were loved unconditionally even though they were imperfect in their efforts and failed over & over again.
This does not necessarily mean those who struggled did not enter into eternity with Jesus. It simply means that they didn’t have the foundation of a close intimate relationship with Him that takes time and experiences together to build. Because they chose to run to and rely on other things and relationships to get through the storms, they missed opportunities to see God work, to hear God speak comfort, to watch him answer them, and to experience his goodness and faithfulness. They believed in Him but they didn’t fully know his amazing grace for them and his perfect love. Without an intimate relationship there is more apprehension and fear of leaving this world.
We cannot control the circumstances of life just as a farmer cannot control the weather conditions. We can however take action to prepare for the storm. As a farmer prepares the ground and fertilizes the soil, covers plants in anticipation of frost and waters plants, we too can take precautionary actions. Whether you’ve only experienced a toxic kind of faith, haven’t experienced any faith, or have allowed yourself to get distracted, God is still there waiting for you. Hoping you will allow Him to comfort you and reassure you. To hold you when you’re terrified, lonely, and unsure. Believe me when I tell you he is good. He knows you entirely. He knows if, when, and how you’ve been hurt and abused. He knows how it affected you physiologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Bring your questions, disillusionment, tears, anger...He understands. He knows our thoughts whether we process it all with him or not. Why not work through it with the King of kings who loved YOU enough to die in your place? He’s not like us as people. His love is perfect, without condition, and there is nowhere he won’t go to find you and to rescue you. Open yourself up to this kind of God and experience peace that surpasses understanding, hope in what you cannot see, and love that you cannot be separated from.
You don’t have to be “good enough” or get yourself together first. Jesus himself said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those you think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” That’s me, that’s you, that’s every single one of us. I know who I am without Him and it is not righteous let me tell you. I’ve experienced his amazing grace and blessings above and beyond all I could ask or imagine. And I do not deserve it. But it’s not about me, it’s about HIM and he loves to give good gifts to his children.
Start or maintain building and strengthening that foundation now. For your own well being. It makes all the difference in the world.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Love,
Jesus