Something unexpected happened two weeks ago.
We were hovering and praying in our pantry with the weather reports playing in the background. The blankets and pillows kept us comfortable as we kept a close eye on the weatherman’s radar. The formation of a tornado seemed to be inching closer to us, but by God’s grace went right past us.
It had been bright and sunny just hours before, so this tornado warning came….completely unexpectedly.
The next morning, we woke up to white snowflakes dancing to the ground. The kids squealed and were playing in the snow before we knew it.
Beautiful white snow after a tornado watch….completely unexpected.
Later that afternoon, there was no hint of snow OR a tornado, so under the warmth of the sun, we took a trip to a farm.
A tornado, a snowy morning, and a sunny afternoon….all within hours. This sudden change in the weather made me think of how quickly seasons change…seasons in our life.
One minute we are heading off to college and the next…we are waving goodbye to our children as they settle into their dorm rooms.
Going to college, getting married, raising kids, retiring, old age. How quickly our life moves.
The author of Ecclesiastes also talks about seasons:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;…
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4 KJV
This past weekend, we were surprised to hear about the unexpected death of a sports legend. And while I’m not savvy on rosters and statistics, what I have learned is that he was not only a champion on a basketball court, but he was hailed as one in his own home.
It is hard to hear news like this because we realize the significant impact certain people have made over the years.
Unexpected news, unexpected sorrow.
God has given us a time to weep and mourn. It is normal to feel sorrow, especially when you are caught off guard by devastation.
So, then, what can we EXPECT when we are hit with such news?
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
No matter what you are facing, whether it is the loss of a hero, a sudden job change, or a wayward child, you can EXPECT that: #1 God is with you and #2 God is your peace.
Life may push us off guard, but God has promised us given us His comfort and we can rest assured that a new season will follow this one.
~Betsy
