Evanescent Storms

Anyone who has ever been to Texas knows that the weather fluctuates quite a bit. As a native of Texas, I have become accustomed to the drastic changes of temperature that are produced by the weather and I have learned to adjust on the fly. A perfect example of such a radical change of temperature happened this past week when the temperature went from mid 80's to below freezing overnight. I had quite a bit of work to do that day and I had decided that a little weather wasn't going to stop me from getting it done. After finishing at work, and being told that the offices were going to be closed because of the bad weather, I got in my car and drove home carefully navigating over icy bridges and around numerous wrecks. After driving what seemed double the normal amount of time, one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen took place. As I pulled into my neighborhood, the clouds parted and the late afternoon sun streamed through as if it was reclaiming it's rightful territory.

When you think about it, all storms fade away. Although they may not always be easy to deal with and they may come at inconvenient times, they don't last forever. In a letter written to Jewish Christians who were going through a "storm" of suffering, Peter explains that trials are only temporary and a faith that endures is a genuine one:

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Although a personal relationship with Christ is an extraordinary thing and provides us with eternal security, Jesus doesn't promise that we won't suffer here on earth. In fact, He tells us that the world will hate us because we love Him (John 15:18-19). However, we can know that everything we go through, whether good or bad, is under God's sovereignty and is ultimately a part of His plan for us.

When you are going through a hard time, do you blame God for not being there? Or do you make an effort to allow God to strengthen you through it? We can be sure that we will go through "storms" of trial and suffering, it's just a fact of life, but we can also be sure that these "storms" are evanescent (temporary) and that, no matter what, God is always there. For just like the sun is always right behind the clouds, so too the Son is always with us and His glory will shine through to redeem those whom rightfully belong to Him.