Bracing for the Storm

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).

Talking to a friend yesterday, we reminisced about how much more fun snowstorms were as a kid, and without all the predictive technology we have today. The days when you’d go to bed prepared to get a “dusting” in the morning, but woke up to over a foot of snow, a la the 1994 Kentucky snowstorm that brought up to 25 inches to some areas of our state.

As we await the arrival of the first snowflakes tomorrow, I am prayerful for so many people in the path of the storm. Though I haven’t worked out details of how I plan to spend this weekend, I am incredibly aware of how blessed I am as we brace for this storm.

I have a structurally sound home with working heat.

I have an AWD vehicle with money to keep the gas tank full.

I have ample clothing, and blankets to keep warm if we lose power. 

I have many friends who could, and would, rescue me if I needed help.

I have kind, friendly neighbors that I can call on at any moment.

Many others aren’t so fortunate. I follow Chris Bailey pretty closely for weather predictions, and one of the things I appreciate most is his compassion for the people of Kentucky. Say what you want about meteorologists, but truly, their ability to give advanced notice about an impending storm can be the difference between life and death. 

We’re all bracing for the storm this weekend by stocking the pantry, filling the gas tank, charging the devices, and checking on loved ones. But maybe a more important question:

How do you prepare and brace yourself for the storms of life? 

We’re all preparing for the same snowstorm this weekend, but many of us are walking through different types of storms in our lives right now. A recent diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, an unexpected job change, a prodigal son or daughter, a bout with depression. 

While I don’t know what you’re facing, I know the one who does, and His name is Jesus.  

Predicting weather can be a lot like trying to predict life. I think Chris would agree that even with the most advanced technologies out there, it’s still all a bit of a guessing game as Mother Nature is a beast, and God always has the final say. Life is like that, too. 

Even when we think we know what lies ahead, there is only one way to be adequately prepared for the storms of life, and that’s to cling to the truth found in Isaiah 41:10:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

May the Lord be your strength this weekend, and everyday, as you face the storms of life head on. Though we may not always like what’s headed our way, if we cling to Jesus, He will uphold us, and see us through to the other side.