Thursday, July 6, 2017

Prepare or Despair
By Karen D’Amore

“There is a time for everything, 
and a season for every activity under heaven…”

A few years ago, the weatherman chuckled as he conveyed the contradictory forecast, “expect a mix of warm and cool air, sunny with scattered clouds and a chance of rain, sleet, hail and snow.” Though the date on the calendar professed spring, the weather forecast mimicked a “state of confusion.” Growing accustomed to the schizophrenic weather patterns in the Midwest, I prepared for the “unpredictable prediction”… by loading the car with sunscreen, an umbrella, a lightweight jacket and a snow scraper! Throughout the day, the weather phenomenon emerged with every aspect of the forecast cycling through the day…repeatedly!

After relocating from Southern California to the Midwest, it took several years to acclimate to the unpredictability of the seasons and the propensity for severe weather changes…daily. Temperature swings of 45 degrees are normal and packing away “seasonal” clothes or equipment is not advisable!

Vacillating between umbrella to snow scraper…the erratic weather drew me to consider deeper parallels with the seasons of life. They, too, can change unpredictably and without warning. I was drawn to reflect on my young client “Lisa,” who weeks after giving birth to her daughter, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She suddenly went from a season of birthing new life to a season of contemplating her own death.

Another friend had tragically lost her teenage son in a skiing accident during their family vacation. Her season of laughter and joy suddenly converted to a season of mourning.

Another time, days after celebrating her thirtieth wedding anniversary, a co-worker discovered her husband’s infidelity. Her season of marital bliss suddenly ended in a season of divorce.

Each of these friends suddenly and unexpectedly transitioned from seasons of thriving to seasons of broken-heartedly surviving.

Scripture reveals, “In this world we will have trouble. But take heart I [Jesus] have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4a). The storms of life will come, making spiritual preparedness imperative. Time spent in daily worship, prayer and The Word…equips us with the oil of His Spirit…empowering us to withstand those unexpected trials. As Scripture exhorts us to be prepared and expect the unexpected, it also comforts us with the assurance that God will walk through the unexpected   with us.

God’s Word portrays storms of sickness, disappointment, adversity and sorrow…and how we can preparedly withstand these storms through unwavering, persistent faith.

Have you “weather-proofed” your faith? Are you standing under Hisumbrella of protection? The storms are coming!  Don’t despair!  Prepare!!

GOING DEEPER:
1.  Is your faith “storm-proof?” Where is the leak?

FURTHER READING:


Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.