Adversity

Tornado Lessons

DrJayCook Adversity , , , , ,

Where were you on Monday evening (November 20, 2023)?

I was driving on Highway 16 and reached the Farmhaven community a little after 6:00 p.m.  It was raining.  Then the winds picked up and hail began to fall.  Suddenly, the interior of my truck was filled with the sound of something like a loud whistle.  I later discovered that what I thought was happening WAS happening: a tornado was very close.

I grabbed the steering wheel tightly with both hands.  I became hyper-alert as limbs began to fall.  I wished for the 18-wheeler ahead of me to speed up.  I prayed.

Since I am writing this article, you probably gathered that I came out of the situation unscathed.  However, it did make me think about the trials we face in life.  Perhaps we all can learn a thing or two from the storms.

I grabbed the steering wheel tightly because I knew that I had to be careful; trials make us realize that we must be careful to not do things we should not do out of fear.  I became very alert because I knew that I must be focused; trials drop lots of “limbs” around us that must be navigated around.  I wished to go faster because I wanted to get out of the area as soon as possible; trials lead us to look for solutions to get out of the trials quickly.  I prayed because I knew that I must; trials help us realize that we really do need God’s help in the trials and in between the trials.

You probably knew those things.  I did, but I was reminded of the importance of them Monday night.

It is moments like that that make certain verses stand out to me.  What came to my mind was Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

We cannot avoid the “tornadoes” of life, but we can trust the One who loves us.  God knows.  God sees.  God cares.  And He will help you through the storms when you place your faith in Him.

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What Is Strength?

DrJayCook Change, Strength , , , , , , ,

I can say whatever I want, regardless of whom it hurts.  I can force my way on others.  I can use brute force when it feels right.  I do not listen to anyone.

Is that it?  Or is that a façade of strength when it is actually foolishness?

I do not believe that anyone wants to lack strength, but it often is elusive.

Billions of people live under cruel and oppressive governments – they have no control.  Millions of people live as refugees because their former lives were unbearable – they have no control.  Millions of people took the wrong path and became addicts – they now have no control.  Countless people are constantly bullied (and with social media, it is relentless) – they have no control.  People live with the effects of lies and deception by cruel people – they have no control.  Health issues arise – and there seems to be no control.

Where is the strength we need?

Do our circumstances dictate our strength?  Or is there an anchor that can give us the needed strength?

The Apostle Paul discovered that no matter what he faced (and he faced a lot), God is greater.  He stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “The Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’  Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”

That is not an easy concept to grasp.  We do not want to admit weakness.

However, that may be our problem.  We tend to pretend to be who we are not.  Instead, we should be honest about our reality and our needs.

I love how the prophet Isaiah put it in Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless.  Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”

God never promised to take away our troubles.  He did promise to help us through them.  And when He does, we find the strength we need.

On top of that, He designed His church to be a place to find support and strength from others who share our journey.

Please do not fake strength.  Please do not seek strength in yourself.  Find true strength in the One who IS strength.

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