The Power of Words

By Karen D’Amore

“The tongue has the power of life and death…”

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV, emphasis added)

Stunned, I sat motionless. My heart welled within my throat and battled the impulse to vomit. Tears choked in a struggle with suppression…but eventually gave way to sobbing. Rendered speechless, I recoiled, silently retreating to a protective place of isolation. As that childhood jingle harmonized in my head, I became incensed by its falsehood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” SO WRONG!!!

Expended like fiery darts, those harsh, cutting words pierced my heart. It’s been years since those powerful words crushed my spirit. Yet when brought to remembrance, those old wounds become fresh. Though the power of forgiveness has loosed me from the paralyzing effects of those hurtful words, in moments of vulnerability, those crushing words rise to the surface and re-play themselves in my mind.

Sadly, even after experiencing the heart-altering effects of wounding words, I’m no more faultless at spewing thoughtless, hurtful words myself. Though the pain I’ve experienced heightens my awareness and consciousness in controlling my tongue, emotions have been known to over-power me. When guided by anger, frustration or emotions, words are likely to be spewed…and spewed words are rarely kind or sweet.

A popular contemporary Christian song by Hawk Nelson, serves as a powerful reminder:

“Words can build you up…words can break you down. Start a fire in your heart or put it out.  Let my words be life. Let my words be truth. I don’t wanna say a word…Unless it points the world back to You.” [Jesus] [1]

Words…are loaded with power! They have the ability to bring laughter and joy, teaching and instruction, encouragement and comfort. When used appropriately, words have life-giving power. Yet when used to mock, belittle, embarrass, deceive and tear down, words hold the power to destroy. Because words have the power to change lives (some for the better and others for worse), it’s imperative we THINK before we speak. Better yet, when in delicate situations, we - - as believers - -  should pray before we speak!

As Christ-followers, we must choose our words carefully, remembering our number one priority should be to build up the Kingdom of God...not tear it down. Being mindful of the power of the tongue, may we pause before we speak and ask ourselves truths that I recently saw on a mug:

                        T – is it True?

                        H – is it Helpful?

                        I –  is it Inspiring?

                        N – is it Necessary?

                        K – is it Kind?

And most importantly…may we choose life-giving words that point others to Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have your careless words wounded another? Seek forgiveness and be reconciled.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 59:7, 19:14; James 1:19; Matthew 12:36-37

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. 

[1] http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hawknelson/words.html

More Than You Can Handle

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Surely God is my help;

The Lord is the one who sustains me.”

Psalm 54:4 (NIV)

There is a saying that goes, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

It’s a lie.

How do I know this?  Because, at times, I have been given plenty more than I can handle…on my own.  You see, the saying needs to be changed to, “God won’t give you more than HE can handle.”

As Christ-followers, we are not shielded from the consequences of living in a fallen, imperfect world.  Accidents still happen, disasters still strike, disease still occurs. 

And we can’t handle it…without Him.  In fact, I believe there have been times when I was given more than I can handle for the express purpose of turning my wholehearted attention to the Savior who loves me.

Because I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.

So while God doesn’t promise that He won’t give us more than we can handle, He does promise many other provisions when life falls apart, and we surrender to His working in our lives.  Here are just a few:

His Courage:  “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

His Guidance:  “I will counsel you and watch over you,” says the Lord.  Psalm 32:8

His Peace:  “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”  John 14:27

His Presence:  “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

His Caring:  “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

His Forgiveness:  “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8

His Help:  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

His Love:  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you been trying to handle circumstances on your own, only to find yourself buckling under the weight? 
2. Which of God’s provisions do you especially need today?

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

Part Two: Inactive Outrage

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

Yesterday, I shared about my sister’s recent trip and how an overbooked flight benefited her versus the negative incidents of overbooking a few years ago. It reminded me that despite all the outrage, nothing really changed the policy of airlines selling more tickets than seats on the plane.

In addition to being a culture of short-lived outrage, we are also a society that often prefers inactive outrage: ranting instead of solutions. We already saw yesterday that outrage over the right things is biblical. Jesus was righteously angry in Matthew 21 when He saw God’s House being used for profit instead of worship. But Jesus goes beyond just being outraged. He then clears the temple; He actively does something with His outrage. So how do we move away from short-lived, nonactive outrage and pursue righteous action?

Outrage without action is just ranting and passivity...even if that outrage is over something valid and biblical. Our outrage for the right things needs to be “long-term active.” We desperately need to move beyond posting and ranting our outrage on social media and instead move into actively doing something. While we might not “clear the temple” like Jesus did in Matthew 21, we can get involved by either giving financially or serving with our time for organizations that promote godly justice. We can realign our calendar to make disciplemaking and spiritual relationships a priority in how we rear and build our families. We can recommit to a life of prayer, actively praying that His Spirit would convict us for where we can do our part…that God would then open doors.

Jesus’ ministry looked at both the spiritual and physical needs of others. How different would our society’s opinion of Christians be if believers started collectively and actively living that way? What kind of advancements for the Kingdom would we see if believers started using their outrage and their passions for social justice and promoting the gospel by taking prayerful, small steps of action?

The outrage over airlines’ overbooking flights has since died down. May our outrage over injustice and our active pursuit in disciplemaking not.

Going Deeper:

1. Take time to listen to Matthew West’s song, “Do Something.” Click HERE to listen to it. What could you do?

Further Reading:

Matthew 21:12-17; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

Part One: Short-Lived Outrage

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

On a recent trip home, my sister and her husband had their airplane seats unexpectedly switched to first class due to the flight being oversold. I was excited for her, but it reminded me of several negative incidents involving the overbooking of flights a few years ago. It was a public relations nightmare; people were outraged. And while overbooking definitely benefited my sister and brother-in-law, I realized that all that outrage back then didn’t actually change anything.

It’s because we are a culture of short-lived outrage. Our attention spans only last until the new controversy comes to consume the news and social media. And yet outrage, in general, isn't unbiblical. Jesus showed extreme anger when He saw those taking advantage of God's House, using it for profit instead of worship. [1] But Jesus’ outrage was over the right things and long-lasting.

Jesus' outrage came when He saw God's people dishonoring God and making it about their own achievement and status…instead of lifting up God's name. His righteous anger was consistent with what has outraged God since Adam and Eve first sinned. Scripture shows countless examples of God's wrath with the Israelites when they dishonored God’s name.

Like Jesus, our outrage needs to be long-lived over the right things. Micah 6:8 gives some guidance over what those right things are. What does the Lord require of us? "To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Jesus carried that command over to the New Testament when He gave the Great Commission to "…go and make disciples." [2]

We should be outraged about barriers that get in the way of justice and mercy. We should be angry when “idols” are put above our relationship with God. We should be mad about the things that prevent us from “going and making disciples.” Our hearts should break over the things that break God’s heart.

What would happen if I took some of my “poorly placed, short-lived outrage” and applied it towards injustice and the promoting of the gospel long-term? What would happen if I focused less on the media frenzy of the moment, and instead learned more about how I can advocate for the oppressed and share God’s redeeming truth?

The outrage over airlines’ overbooking flights has since died down. May our outrage over injustice not.

Going Deeper:

1. What currently outrages you? How does it align with righteous, biblical outrage?
2. Take time to listen to Casting Crown’s song “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” at some point today. Click HERE to listen to it.

Further Reading:

Matthew 21: 12-17; Isaiah 1:17

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Matthew 21:12-17

[2] Matthew 28:18-20  

Surrender
By Peggy Kleckner

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

A while back, I woke up one morning pondering surrender. The picture I thought of is putting up the white flag and coming out with your palms in the air. What a vulnerable, trusting position! We have all seen that picture played out in the movies, but those people were surrendering to their enemies. Imagine trusting your enemies enough to lay down your weapons and turn yourself over to their will. What a frightening picture! It is no wonder this is done only as a final choice, when no hope is left and it seems to be the only option to save your life.

As Christians, we are called to surrender. However, we are called to surrender our lives to the lover of our souls! Why do we struggle so? Why is it so difficult to come out from our burdens, lay down all of our masks and surrender to the One who created us, knows us best, has good plans for us and has such a tender heart toward us? Is it a lack of faith? Faith is defined as unquestioning belief, complete trust or confidence. Do we trust ourselves more than we do our Lord? Oh Lord, help our unbelief, our lack of true faith! Do we think God is not big enough to rescue us from our sinful nature? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to rescue us from the hold of our enemy? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to change our attitudes and renew our minds? Help our unbelief! Is God not able to do above and beyond all that we can think, hope or dream? Help our unbelief!

Let’s take a few minutes and picture ourselves coming out of hiding with an air of "everything is fine,” out past our self-built walls of protection and throw our empty palms in the air. He is waiting for us and we will find rest in Him.

Lord, we do believe, but help our unbelief!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you still struggling to trust God? Can you hear Him calling you to surrender it?
2. Ask Him to help you with any unbelief, doubt or lack of trust.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 118:8, Matthew 11:28, Proverbs 3:5

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

Enjoy Yourself

By Lisa Boyer

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered.”

Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

Have you ever had to go to something that you just didn’t want to attend, but you felt obligated to be there? From social engagements to family gatherings, it’s probably happened to all of us, but it had become a pattern for me. While I’d continued to attend those types of events and even wore a smile, negativity bubbled just under the surface.

There was an event coming up, and I considered staying at home. But once again, I felt obligated to attend. I realized that if I offered to be the photographer, I could go without really having to be there. My plan was working great, until someone found out I was going to the event to take pictures but didn’t have a ticket for the meal. So she kindly purchased one for me. Ugh.

But when she told me that she’d bought a ticket for me, she also said, “Go and enjoy myself.” As I heard the instructions, I was taken aback. Honestly, the thought of enjoying myself had never occurred to me. I walked away from the conversation with a new obligation. I was to go and enjoy myself.

Doing that was going to require change. I don’t really know how to describe it, but the transformation felt a lot like what is demonstrated in the music video “Joy”¹ by the group For King and Country. The video begins completely in black and white, and then the emotion of “joy” enters and is represented by color that spreads as the joy spreads. In the end, the entire video is in color as they choose joy.

My favorite part of the song says: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night, Oh, with You by my side, I'm stepping into the light, I choose joy.² That’s what I had done… I set aside all the negative thoughts and dreads that were weighing me down, and I chose joy. 

I went to the event, and I enjoyed myself. A lot. It’s made me wonder how many events I had begrudgingly attended while God had wanted so much more for me.

Why would I choose anything but joy?

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is it time for an attitude check in your life?

2.  Has something in this life stolen your joy? Will you take time with the Lord today, and talk to Him about it? And then will you listen to Him?

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:8-9

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two adult sons. Lisa serves on a Sunday morning Welcoming Team.  

[1] Watch the video for Joy at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7n7TwPDmw

[2] Joy. lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, BMG Rights Management, Capitol Christian Music Group

Swordless Victories

By Elin Henderson

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.”

1 Samuel 17:50 (NKJV, emphasis added)

Only a boy named David and five little stones He took. That day a giant fell and a victory was won. Sometimes God brings victory through “swords.” But many times they are set aside for something far more simple - - so that through our weakness, His strength may be shown perfect. 

           

This was not David’s first swordless victory, and it wouldn’t be his last. If you recall, a bear tried to attack the flock he was shepherding, and he killed it with his bare hands.  Soon after, a lion tried to pull the same trick and ended up with the same fate. Others in Scripture experienced these swordless victories. Men like Gideon and his army of 300. Granted there are many times in Scripture that God saved with swords, but the times that He gives the swordless victories are more amazing. Then it is known, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the victory was from God alone! 

What about us?  What kind of “swords” do we carry that we believe will bring victory? Our wisdom and knowledge, our ability to plan and prepare, our background, degrees and training… We think that surely God will use these  to give us victory in our battles. The world, like King Saul spoke to David, will say, “You want a sure victory? Take this sword and armor!”  Sometimes God does use the “sword,” but often He says “Nope! Not this time.  Sheath that sword and lay it aside. Pick up this sling and five stones. Now let’s go kill us a giant!” 

It wasn’t the sword in David’s hand, but the faith in his heart that brought victory. And so it will be with us. So the next time you feel ready to charge into battle, take the time to ask God what would be His “weapon” of choice (if any).  Who knows if today’s battle will be yet another swordless victory for His kingdom! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Are you facing any giants/battles these days? What kind of “swords” has the world been encouraging you to take up and use? What weapon (if any) might God be wanting you to use instead?

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 44:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corinthians 1:27

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to eighteen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

Fully Alive
By Sarah Walker

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

When we are rejected, maligned or even betrayed, it becomes hard to willingly sign up for such an experience again. Instead, we would rather keep our hearts “safe” and secluded, shaded where no one and nothing can penetrate. But left in such an environment for too long, we begin to shrivel and fade.

Last fall, I planted a few mostly shade perennials in our backyard. The area faces north and is shaded by several trees. I made sure to plant them at the right time of the year and watered them diligently once they were in the ground. This year, however, those plants did not come back. Instead, the shade and rains created the perfect conditions for mold to grow atop the mulch. This was a far cry from the leafy plants that I had hoped to see!

Sometimes, that is the condition of our hearts. A seed is planted and watered, but instead of beauty we get an eyesore. We all need sunlight. We all need to risk being burned again in order to thrive. Otherwise, the seclusion and the intentional separateness create a condition ripe for mold to grow on our hearts.

We were designed to live in community with God and with others. But we can’t fully live the lives God has planned for us if we shrink back in order to be “safe.” Yes, it means we must bravely and humbly take risks that might lead to our rejection. We may end up being incredibly awkward in the process. We might also fall flat on our faces and mess up. But we can get back up, learn from those experiences and try again.

Living in the true light of who God is, watered by His grace, covered and shaded in His protection are absolutely the best growing conditions for our souls…risks, falls, humiliation and all. There is no better place to be than tended by the Master Gardener Himself. Where, even if the process is uncomfortable, mold will not  grow on our hearts.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Is there a risk you need to take to more fully live the life God has entrusted to you?

2.    How can you embrace living in community with God and with others?

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 1:1-3, 91:1-2; Hebrews 10:39

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer and are expecting to welcome their third child in January.

Act Love Walk

By Tracy Smith

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with our God."
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

This has always been one of my favorite Bible verses. A few years ago, while on Pinterest [1], I saw a project that was labeled as a craft for the kids, but I want to do something like it for myself! It was the words "Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly" stacked on top of each other in three different lines. Layered under the words "Act Justly" was a pair of handprints. Under the words "Love Mercy" was a drawn heart. And under the words "Walk Humbly" was a pair of footprints. I thought that was genius - - it perfectly illustrated the verse by pulling out the three action words: act, love and walk.

Act justly. Merriam-Webster online defines just as, “acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good.”[2] How do we find out what is upright and good? His Word.

Love mercy. I once heard mercy described this way: not getting what you deserve. The Lord showed us mercy in not allowing us to “get what we deserve,” which is an eternity separated from Him. We are called to show the same type of mercy to those who hurt us. Not always an easy thing to do.

Walk humbly with our Lord. We need to stay in step with our Lord. If we are walking with Him, our path will stay on course. If we are walking with our Lord, we will find the strength to love mercy and act justly.

I have “pinned” the artwork on my Pinterest board; now I need to “pin” the verse onto my heart!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Which action word from Micah 6:8 do you struggle with most?

2. Can you commit to praying and asking God to help you make strides in this area of your life?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 6:36; Matthew 5:7

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] Pinterest is an online social photo-sharing website comprised of “pinboards” collected and posted by theme

[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just

Words of Affirmation

By Karen D’Amore

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)

I left the staff meeting perplexed over the feedback involving students I’d soon be teaching, striving to resist forming preconceived judgments about the “bad class” reputation I’d just heard from other instructors. While prepping for my semester, I prayed for insight into the behavioral issues…along with wisdom in meeting each student where they were at personally.

Introducing myself on Day One, I shared the following quote: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!” [1] I prefaced the quote explaining that I genuinely care about my students, as well as their success in the program, and vowed to put actions to those words. 

Throughout our first week, I could feel God lovingly go before me, honoring my prayers for insight into the students. He also used a student’s question regarding my love-language to prompt ideas and strategies I’d never used in previous classes. With “words of affirmation” being my love language, I resonate deeply with the concept: Praise LOUDLY…Correct softly! [2] And after deeper insight revealed my students’ immense need for encouragement, God spurred me to adopt this concept as the foundational theme with these students.

Between family dynamics and previous adverse instructors, environments that were hypercritical- - void of praise or encouragement, chronically being torn down versus being built up…my students were products of their environments. They lacked confidence, passion and motivation to learn their new trade. Succumbing to the belief that no one cared or believed in them, they had stopped believing in themselves.

After displaying a sign which read: Be-YOU-tiful, I positively affirmed the uniqueness of each student, encouraging them in the things they did well. I began rewarding critical life skills, such as respectfulness and teamwork with nominal prizes, while commending practical skills with uplifting words of affirmation. By the end of our term, I’d witnessed the transforming power of praise with the “bad class” blossoming into the “A Class!”

Over the course of eight weeks, I gained a new perspective on the power of words. I’d observed the destructive aftermath of negative words. More importantly, I had witnessed the transforming power of words that build up, encourage and affirm. Scripture warns and exhorts us regarding the extreme power of words - - the power to destroy, and the power to build up. [3] As God’s love language shouts from the pages of His Word, He affirms and encourages us from cover to cover.

Be mindful: Words are cheap, but their power is priceless! Choose wisely…striving to be an AFFIRMER!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Need affirmation? Open His Word!

2. Who can you encourage?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 12:37

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC.

[1] This is a quote attributed to too many people to identify its originator

[2] For more on the concept of love languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

[3] Proverbs 12:6

Storm Windows

By Susan Klein

“He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:45 (NIV)

I grew up living in houses with storm windows. You know, that extra window on the outside which protects the inside window and the sill from the elements. Maybe it’s a northern thing. Not until I moved to my current home did I realize that many window companies have replaced that type of window unit with double pane windows. These are single window units with two panes of glass and only a screen on the outside. I’m guessing one double paned window is more cost efficient than having to install two separate windows. However, one window does not mean less to clean!

Every time it rains, the water and plant debris fill up my sills with no storm windows to keep them out. And somehow, bugs always manage to get in and either die there or make webs. I just cleaned all the windows and sills last week when the rains poured two days later leaving a new mess. Who thought having only one window was a better idea?!

Sometimes, I feel that my life cycles in much the same way as this. I finally get around to cleaning out some of the junk I’m carrying around in my head or heart when the rains of life bring new issues to deal with. Sometimes, the enemy sneaks in with a really tough storm leaving much debris/temptation/sin in its wake. Trying to deal with it alone could be exhausting! I much prefer having the added protection of the storm window - - God’s Word - - to help keep out some of that unwanted mess.

As evidenced by the above verse, being in God’s Word does not guarantee that showers and storms will not come our way. However, the more I am in God’s Word, the better equipped I am to deal with them when they arrive. I can stand firm against the enemy’s temptations, not letting him clutter my mind with wrong thoughts if I am equipped with the power of God’s truths. And I can better react to the everyday rains/trials of life knowing that God’s Word tells me I’m not alone in the struggle; He is right there with me. If I didn’t rely on God’s Word for guidance and comfort, those bad storms could do some serious damage.

While our homes may only be outfitted with single window units, we are blessed with the added protection of God’s Word. Let’s take advantage of this gracious gift and save ourselves some unnecessary “cleaning.”

GOING DEEPER:

1. What sources do you turn to in times of trial and temptation?

2. Which precepts from God’s Word might you store in your heart for added protection?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 119:9, 11, 105; Proverbs 30:5

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

Cloudy Skies Make the Best Sunsets
by Jeannine Sawall

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Gray skies, wind and rain...NOT the best beach day. It was the first day of our girls’ getaway and the weather was not cooperating. We were here for some sun and fun and could have done without the liquid sunshine. All day long, the clouds remained and the rain steadily continued from a light drizzle to a torrential downpour. The cloudy skies damped our spirits and we begrudgingly went on to plan B for the day.

That evening, the rains finally stopped, but clouds still littered the sky. We decided to head down to the beach to see if we'd catch a glimpse of a sunset. We were not disappointed. The sky was lit with golds, ambers and russets. Each cloud was awash in sunlight painting the sky in vibrant beauty. As the sun continued to set, the reflections off the clouds turned to stunning violets, pinks and reds...a symphony of color only God can create. The heavens declared the glory of God!!

As we stood on the beach overcome by the sheer beauty before us, it made me realize that without the storm clouds, the sunset would not have had the depth and dimension of beauty before me. The reflection of sunlight off the myriad of clouds scattered across the entire sky created the masterpiece before us. We would have missed the beauty of the evening had there been no storm during the day.

How often in our lives does God work in similar ways? When we have seasons of trials and tribulations, we complain about the storm we are walking through. We long for the simple days of sunshine and wish the rain away. Yet it is during these stormy times in our lives we go deeper with Him. We learn more of His character when seasons of rain cloud our days. It is when the wind and waves overwhelm us and we are drowning, we reach up to our Help and Salvation. And when the rains stop, the winds die and the sun shines once again, the beauty now reflected in our lives is another of God's masterpieces. It reminds us that the clouds that came floating into our lives no longer carry rain or usher in storms, but add color and depth to our lives and reflect the glory of God once again.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    When storms cloud your day, whom do you trust?

2.     How do you recognize the masterpiece God is creating in your life?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 5:3-5

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.