A Little More Sense(s)

I love weather. Growing up on a farm definitely ingrained in me an understanding of how it impacts our lives in a multitude of ways. I’m always paying attention.

God gave us five senses. Any time I use more than one of them to see God at work, it sticks with me much longer. What I gain is deeper and less likely to fade from my memory.

This particular trip to Belize happened during a system that continually moved storms over us. They would pass and the sun would shine. We sat in the sun soaking up the warmth of it and enjoying walks on the beach. Always looking on the horizon it was obvious the break was not going to last long as another storm was inevitably headed our way.

A few times we just got back to the house before the skies released their heavy loads of rain. The wind blew so hard it rained sideways a few times. We hurriedly sought shelter.

Storms awaken my five senses. I know the storm is coming by seeing it visibly or by the great app I have on my phone that shows hi-def radar. I can feel the rain and the wind and the warmth of the sun between the storms. I can hear the sound of the rain on the trees, porches and the roof. The smell of the rain coming off the ocean is delightful to me. Sometimes I can even taste the salt in the air as the rain moves on land. Storms make me feel alive.

Storms have a deep connection to my life as I grow older. I have learned to watch the horizon, to watch for signs of inevitable times when I need to be ready to seek shelter. God is my shelter. He is always prepared with a place for me to rest in the storms.

Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

I am always wary though for the potential tornado to drop out of the storm and reek serious damage. Unpredictable. Just like life.

As we moved away from the dock that morning, heading into the storm with no way to avoid it, I felt alive with anticipation of experiencing God’s powerful presence in it. I didn’t know how strong the winds would be or how high the waves. I didn’t know the ability of the driver of the boat or how the boat would withstand the storm.

I did know my survival did not depend on me. Just like the storms of life though, I did not go into the storm unprepared. The driver assured me he had been through many such storms. I knew right where the life jacket was under my seat. I trusted – in God and in the driver I was praying for. I knew he would do his best and he and his brother would get us safely to our destination.

God assures me I will never have to go through the storms of life alone. He is my pilot – my lifeline – my assurance through every storm.

An hour passed. The waves were the kind that the boat crashed down into the bottom of the one in front of it. My bones were jarred and my poor back was complaining. Several were pretty significant. I tried to take some pics but it was tough.

Then I realized the ride was getting a little smoother. The rain didn’t sound like stones hitting the windshield any more. The wind wasn’t blowing as much water in on us. The movement of the boat wasn’t quite so jerky. Things seemed to be leveling out a little. I looked at the driver still standing strong at the helm. He wasn’t squinting quite so hard. The tenseness in his body seemed to be easing.

Looking around, I could see we had entered a channel between some barrier islands. As we continued, the protection of the islands became more evident – then a little more and then… the water became like glass. I looked at the lady sitting next to me and told her I felt like Peter wanting to get up and walk across it. I chuckled and assured her I would sink right to the bottom like he did too. She laughed, understanding.

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matthew 14:22-33 KJV)

My faith can be shaken. Believe me. And yet, like Peter, when I look up, Jesus is there with His hand out to me. I never, ever, doubt how much He loves me – Janet.

When I stepped off the water taxi onto land, I breathed a prayer of gratitude to God for safe passage through the storm. I texted my son and let him know I was safe. He said, “I know, Mom, I was following you on your phone”. He can track my phone and watched as we passed through the storm.

His comment made me wonder how many times people are watching us as we pass through our storms. Prayer warriors for sure because we communicate with them. Our family often knows whats going on. Our community is cheering us on. Another gift God has given us.

Yet, I can’t help but believe others observe as well. Even though it is my storm, how I maneuver through it can be an encouragement to those around me. I can become a lifeline to them – leading them to the One who has become my lifeline through all things.

God promises He is always there through the storms. We were getting ready to head towards the house as another storm was approaching. I looked at the sun and the position of the clouds and said to my friend, “There has to be a rainbow somewhere. The conditions are perfect”. And, there it was. In all its glory. God’s reminder to me of His faithfulness in all things – it means ALL THINGS!

Below is my way of preparing for the next storm – even the tornadoes that come upon me without warning. Filling myself with God’s word and His promises becomes my armor of preparation and protection. To God my Father, may all things be to His glory and honor.

Proverbs 2:1-8, 10-11 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding — indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.