Last weekend, we attended our first football game at our daughter’s university. We figured it was about time considering it’s her senior year.

We left early on Saturday morning. Everyone was dressed in school colors. Music and banter filled the car ride for 3 hours. We couldn’t have been happier to finally see our girl and have lunch at one of her favorite spots. 

Then, off we went to the campus. Parking had been a breeze since we bought a pass weeks prior. Once we started walking towards the stadium with the masses, all one could see was a sea of maroon and white.

School spirit was in the air and it was just exhilarating. We found our seats and we were amazed by the view. We were pumped and ready, to say the least. 

However, one couldn’t help but notice that the sky looked gray and the clouds were thick. But it didn’t bother us because we brought ponchos just in case. 

Then, an announcement was made that bad weather was nearby so the game would be delayed for a few minutes. A few people began leaving their seats. We stayed put and just put on our ponchos. However, thoughts began running through my head: “We waited for over 3 years to do this. We planned for weeks. We traveled for hours. Is this going to get canceled?” 

When I looked at my family, they were all eager to remain in their seats. So I kept a smile on my face and didn’t say anything aloud to them. 

Rain began to fall. An announcement was made that the game was being delayed indefinitely. Masses of people left their seats to find a spot in a covered area. One had the option to leave entirely at that point. The thoughts were racing now: “Should we leave? Is this dangerous? I don’t want anyone in my family to get sick.”

My husband calmly directed us to just walk down to a lower level. There wasn’t any space in the covered areas so we stood there in our ponchos … for an hour while rain fell. The thoughts were all over the place now: “What are we doing here? We should just leave. This isn’t going to let up.” But my sweet little family all just stood there. 

To my relief, an announcement was made that the worrisome weather had passed and the game would begin shortly. Everyone cheered and we returned to our seats. My husband looked at me and said we just had to wait and let the storm pass. 

His comment made me reflect on the many storms we all face in life whether it’s a health crisis, job loss, or troubled relationship.

I began to think about the many times the response to those storms has been filled with worry and fear. We ask questions and wonder if the Lord sees our troubles just as the disciples did in Matthew 8 and Mark 4. 

I was reminded of this declaration from the song Still by Hillsong:
“Father, You are King over the flood
And I will be still, know You are God”

What a promise of God found in Isaiah 43:2 ESV: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Dear Friend, may your trust be anchored in the Lord through the storms you face. He is with you and He loves you.
~Joyce