I was out and about recently and didn’t realize rain was in the forecast, but it wasn’t a big deal. I had working wipers on my vehicle, and it was more of a drizzle than a downpour, so I didn’t get soaked. They say there isn’t bad weather, just bad clothing choices, when you are not dressed appropriately. Even so, when the weather doesn’t cooperate with our plans it can turn a figuratively sunny day into a gloomy one, like when our outdoor work plans, a wedding, or fun with kids has to change. Just coming out of the Winter weather season, we sometimes have to adjust travel plans when the road conditions are not fit to drive. They also stay complaining about things, even the weather, doesn’t do us any good, but it happens quite a bit in my experience. Even if we don’t gripe about things out loud, how often do we complain quietly in our hearts and minds? How often do you complain about things and people throughout the day?
Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Philippians 2:14
A couple days ago, I had to drive about 25 miles to a work meeting and when I was about 4 miles from my destination, my car lurched a little and I then noticed some dash lights and my power steering was gone. I kept going and got to my destination, and after the meeting told a couple co-workers I may be calling them if things didn’t go well. I had to jump my car, but it was running, so I said some prayers as I headed back home and things started to gradually fail along the way. I made it back to town when the car started to die and I was able to pull off onto a side street, next to a retired co-worker’s house. My wife was willing to come pick me up, but I got a ride and then checked around into getting an alternator repaired. This was only the second time in over 20 years that I have broken down while working, and I consider that a blessing as much driving as I do. In all honesty, a sidelined vehicle is definitely an inconvenience, but not that major compared to other disruptions to our lives. Sometimes ti takes these little reminders and road bumps to bring us to an awareness of how fortunate and blessed we are most of the time. The stock market rises and falls and so do our emotions as we face challenges and joys through the days and seasons of life. What challenges have you faced that made you more resilient and have been influential in your faith?
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall. Isaiah 25:4
They also say when it rains, it pours, and it might seem like difficulties come in bunches at times, but in reality we may just be more aware of them. When we do face challenges in life, whether related to our careers, relationships, health issues, our faith, or any other difficulty, what has helped you endure these storms? When we encounter these unplanned or unwanted events, it often brings about an awareness of our humanity and how much more fragile we can be than we think. It doesn’t take much to derail us at times. It can also force us to rely on the help of others when we realize we can’t do it all alone, and this should bring us to a place of humility and thankfulness. We also seem to turn toward God more often when we face challenges than when things go our way. When saying grace each day, I try to thank Him for the little things we take for granted as much as the big things in life. Any reminders to bring our hearts and minds back to a place of appreciation and gratitude is a good thing. May you praise him throughout the joys and storms in life as you go through each day.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7
Yours in Christ,
Clark
