Prepare or Despair
By Karen D’Amore
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven…”
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 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.
