Pondering: Storms come fast               

Last week I mowed my lawn, weedeated, picked up all the branches and had it looking good.  I stood for a few minutes and admired my handy work.  It was the best the lawn had looked this season. After absorbing the beauty of God’s creation and my grooming of it, I proceeded into the house to shower and cool off.  When I went downstairs to shower the weather looked great, with a few clouds here and there but no sign of things to come.  After the shower I ambled my way up the stairs for a glass of water and to relax.  I got my water and sat down in the recliner.  All of a sudden I heard a loud roaring noise.  I spun my head to the window and the trees were swaying back and forth like a ship on the high seas.  Thunder and lightning were booming right on cue with the trees.  The rain started plummeting from the sky with a vengeance, followed quickly by hail. Small limbs started falling from the trees and covering my newly manicured yard.  As I looked at the mess, I began to ponder how quickly things can change.  God never promised things would always be wonderful for Christians.  He did in fact say that trials and hardships were to follow.  In (Acts 14:22,  strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.”).  Many times in life we are going to be hit with a storm.  Everything seems nice and beautiful then BAM, it hits out of nowhere. When these times happen it is easy to get down and discouraged with our circumstances, but we need to remember who is in control and that in (James 1:2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,).  Paul over and over in his epistles says that we must die to self and live for Christ.  When Jesus was on this earth He did not live a glamorous life.  It was filled with trials and temptations just as is ours as believers.  If things in your life are going grand and good be on the lookout for the evil one for in (1st Peter 5:8, Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.).  Your yard may be manicured and looking good but be on guard because the devil would love to see your world turned upside down and you lose sight of the beauty that lies beyond.  James said count it all joy because of the inheritance that is ready for you when you draw your last breath.  Let me encourage you today to be on guard for the storm and be ready to meet it knowing God is with you.  (Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”)