That's Alarming

 

  Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a few days visiting with my sister. One night my sister made dinner reservations at a beautiful restaurant along the river. We had been checking the radar all day because there had been a forty percent chance of rain later in the evening. However, the sun was shining when we were seated at our outdoor table, and we took our time ordering to enjoy the beautiful evening. We had just finished our salads when everyone's phones simultaneously raised a blaring alarm. My sister looked down at her phone. "You've got to be kidding! A tornado was spotted about 30 minutes away. A severe thunderstorm and tornado warning are now in effect!"

 We looked around. It had become cloudier, but still, there was no rain. Just as our entrees were served, so was the rain. Fortunately, the wait staff could make room for us inside the restaurant. The storm blew through as we finished our meal, clearing the city streets.

 Often life's storms can completely blindside us. A financial or health crisis, loss of a loved one, or a betrayal can knock us off our feet. Our perspective may be very cloudy while the storm rages around us. Unfortunately, no phone alarms warn us to take cover and move to safety as life unravels. So how can we protect ourselves? We can't. Pain, in some form or another, is a part of everyone's life. It can't be avoided, but there is something you can do today to ease the storms in your life. Take the time to build up your relationship with God today. Prayer guides us along God's path. We may have to walk through some dark stretches, but we will walk with God. Having an active prayer life doesn't take away the pain of the storm. Still, it teaches us to call out to God amid our sufferings and trust Him to direct our steps, whether it lasts days, weeks, or even years. God will never abandon us.

 We were fortunate that the tornado changed its course that night. We didn't, however, avoid the thunderstorm. The rain pelted us as we ran the ten blocks back to my sister's place. We were dripping wet when we finally arrived, but we were safe. That storm was only a minor inconvenience. It wasn't life-altering. But what has been life-altering for me is my prayer life. It has gotten me through some very dark times. I know it will do the same for you.

-Susan