Prepare or Despair
By
Karen D’Amore
“There
is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes
3:1 (NIV)
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 His umbrella 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. She also serves on the Oakwood
Women’s Ministry Special Events team.
