I used to travel often and have had my share of delays due to weather. I have sat at the gate during flight delays and watched while storms pounded the tarmac with sheets of unyielding rain. I’ve also flown through more than my fair share of turbulence because of storms. Sometimes it is uncomfortable, and maybe a bit harrowing, but I have always seemed to make it through, no worse for the wear.
Storms are often violent and destructive. Sometimes they spawn tornadoes that destroy entire communities. Severe thunderstorms may bring with them straight line wind gusts that topple trees and cars. Hurricanes can leave thousands of people homeless. When storms are approaching they are dark and ominous. And even though we take the time to prepare for their onslaught, nothing we do can adequately prepare us for the ride they will take us on. So we prepare, and hold on tight.
Storms Pass!
There is very little beauty in storms. They are devastating, destructive, massive and seemingly unyielding in their anger. Storms are ugly and fearsome but are sublime demonstrations of God’s awesome power. And after they pass, they illustrate God’s best work.
Because you might have noticed that while the canvass of an oncoming storm is illustrated with grays and darkness, that same canvass magically transpires into a work of art after the storm has passed. The sky is lit with beautiful hues of red, yellow and orange. Things are peaceful and calm. There may even be a rainbow. This beauty is a sign from God that it is now safe to go outside.
And so while God does his best work after a storm, he inspires within us a desire to do our best work as well. When we weather the storm the ride becomes smoother, the skies clearer and what seemed to trouble us isn’t so troubling anymore. Then we know, that it is time for us to do our best work.
