July 6, 2021 – Click here to listen
We’ve had a hurricane/tropical storm watch and warning here in the keys for the last few days. In fact, the hurricane passed through Cuba last night and moved north into the Gulf of Mexico downgraded to a tropical storm. It is to the west of us, but outer bands passed through the Florida Keys. Currently, we are still under a tropical storm warning as it is passing by us at this very moment. But it will be a thing of the past in a few hours and by and large, we dodged the first bullet fired at us this hurricane season. I pray that God will continue to bless us for the rest of the season.
The weather channel is working overtime to sensationalize what turned out to be a big “Nothing-Burger” here. Too many folks work themselves into a frenzy over the approaching storms of this life only to discover that when they emerge it wasn’t nearly as bad as they feared.
I spare myself the worry, do what I need to do, and face whatever’s coming my way. When the all-clear whistle blows, life goes on. We are safe now and I’m going fishing tomorrow and hoping the fish are hungry.
I’ve experienced several tropical storms and got hammered by two devastating Cat 5 hurricanes, Katrina, and Camille. It is an unforgettable experience to witness a major hurricane firsthand. While frightening to most, I find it exhilarating and it makes me feel alive.
I don’t think God would approve of me taking an unnecessary risk to ride out another major hurricane just so I could receive an adrenalin rush, especially after He already spent time rescuing me from the pit. And I know He would not want me putting my wife in harm’s way.
But sometimes storms are inescapable. All of life consists of sunshine embellished with magnificent storms. The storm clouds at this moment are what I call ‘prison gray.’ Every now and then the sky turns inky black and starts spewing lightning with gusty winds howling like a tormented soul as an outer band goes spinning by.
This afternoon there will be rainbows followed by sunshine and bluebird tropical skies. People will emerge from their homes like ants streaming out of an overturned anthill and life will return to normal, only we will be even better than normal because most of the tourists have left, and traffic will be light.
I read a little book one time with a title: You cannot have the rainbow without a little rain. Some agree that a little rain is good, but what about a torrential downpour? It is true that some storms are worse, but remember two things about a life storm:
- You must be surrounded with darkness to see the stars
- If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.
Remember Isaiah 43:2? When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Lose the stress today – No matter how bad you perceive your situation; God has this today and tomorrow and forevermore.
Matthew 8:24
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”