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“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory.” I Peter 4:12 (ESV)

Sitting at my desk, I heard a noise and turned to look out my window. Rain was pouring down. The sun was shining bright, but it was like buckets from heaven dumping. No thunder. No lightning. The usual signs of a storm were nowhere to be found. But the downpour was real and the fact my windows were completely down in my car was a reality that sent me running out into the rain. Umbrella in hand, I attempted to get my windows closed as the winds blew against me. While my hands were fumbling with the window button, my Fitbit watch vibrated and a huge smiling sun face appeared on the screen – “You’re doing a great job.” “Keep up the great work.” Just what I wanted to hear right? Evidently, my heart was racing and I’d achieved all my steps for the day; my health watch was happy.

The sun can be shining and all can appear to be at its finest and then life downpours. Without warning, we can find ourselves face to face with a torrential storm. The unexpected, unannounced drenches us from head to toe. Deadlines pop up right before vacation. Financial strain creates havoc in our marriage. The dreaded diagnosis we thought we’d never hear. A heartbreaking from the prospect of a prodigal far from God. Whatever the storm, we can draw strength from God’s presence. He is right there alongside us encouraging us each step of the way.

We may not feel like we’re doing a great job. We may feel beaten, shaken and unstable, but our God is rock solid and ready to come to our rescue – cheering us on with each step we take in courageous faith. Yes, storms challenge us to the core, but they deepen our relationship with God in a way we would have never imagined. And despite the puddles surrounding us, God’s smiling face brings joy to our weary souls. The One who holds the world in the palm of His hands is fully accessible to those who call upon His name.

“Father, how I love the way You encourage us especially when we feel like we are sinking into the deep well of the unexpected. You are our ever present help.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life