Storms . . . danger or opportunity?

Last week Karis and I went on our special mother-daughter trip that is a part of our family tradition for 13th birthdays. I will never forget our Arizona adventure! Twice we found ourselves scarily close to thunder and lightning. The first time we were walking along the rim of the beautiful high plateau overlooking the Grand Canyon, with only a few stubby trees nearby. The second time we were riding a ski lift ascending to 11,500 feet . . . when the storm hit, we were maybe 1/3 of the way up, which is when it dawned on us that we were basically sitting ducks in a metal cage! In the first situation, we had a difficult choice – do we do the commonsense kind of thing and flee from danger (and potential mess) immediately, or do we continue our hike in spite of the storm, mustering as much wisdom, courage, and trust in God as we can, knowing that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? In the second situation, our choice was simpler – we could worriedly endure the ride, or we could set our anxieties aside and joyfully appreciate the journey (and savor the scenery!) You have probably figured out what we chose. We had a blast, and in some ways the dangers served only to heighten our excitement and awareness that God was with us.

Psalm 46:1 – 3 (ESV) – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.“

These experiences got me thinking . . . where in my life am I tempted to run away from mess or danger? Circumstances can be messy or dangerous. Relationships are almost always messy or dangerous. In whatever storms life brings, I want to pause and remember that maybe God has a higher purpose, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn something or love someone. I don’t want to assume that I know what to do when a storm hits. I want to be like Jesus and do only what the Father is doing. That means laying aside assumptions and asking Him. He may want me to take shelter and wait for the storm to pass. But I can’t assume that the safe way is the way He wants me to go. He may want me to continue walking in spite of storms. He may send me straight into a storm suited up in a metal cage. It seems to me He likes this last option quite a lot, especially when it comes to relational storms. No matter which way He directs me, I know His way is best. I can trust Him completely. I know this for sure, that when I dare to risk by stepping out in faith, God is already there. He is my refuge, my strength, my very present help in every situation and relationship.