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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