Last week was Easter Sunday and it was great to see so many family members and guests at our worship service. This past week we were fortunate to not be harmed by the storms that came through. Not everyone was so fortunate. While some may say I am afraid of these types of storms with their embedded tornadoes, straight-line winds, and dramatic flashes of lightning, I like to consider myself simply very weather aware. When the weathermen call for the possibility of stronger storms, I tend to plan my day so that I am not caught off guard when they arrive. Typically, on the day of the storms, I go around the outside of my home and make sure things like the patio furniture and basketball goal are weighed down so that they do not blow away. In many ways, I suppose I tend to try to maintain this same level of preparedness when it comes to my life. I keep a planner and make the effort to try to be the best version of myself each day. All of this is done in an attempt to be as prepared in my personal life as I am when dealing with those thunderstorms. Of course, I understand there will always be events in life that will catch me off guard. James 1:2-8 tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
It may sound hard to believe, but the struggles we face in this life could be considered a blessing in that they often help anchor us to our faith in God. When the winds begin to gain strength and we are hit with wave after wave of trouble, remember to tie yourself to your faith and ask God for His wisdom. Should your prayers not be answered right away, understand that sometimes the gift of patience may be the true lesson being taught by the storm.