My five year old son Kaleb is going through a phase where he's really afraid of thunderstorms. Whenever he hears the loud cacophony of sounds produced by torrential rains, wind, and the expansion of air surrounding lightening bolts that illuminate the sky, he covers his ears, trembles, and sticks his head beneath the nearest blanket.
I always feel so sorry for my youngest boy when I witness the sheer terror in his eyes.
Well, last night, I was reading a bedtime story to Kaleb called Hooray for Summer by Kazuo Iwamura. It's a cute little story, first published in Japan, about three squirrel friends--Mick, Mack, and Molly-- who are terrified by the unfavorable weather conditions created by a summer storm.
So they seek shelter in a cave along with other scared animals. At the conclusion of the book, once the downpour stops and the sunlight beams through the clouds again, all the happy animals emerge from the cave and celebrate summer. "Hooray for summer!" everyone shouts, glad to run free in the open sunny field.
And that's pretty much it.
The End.
But, in life, the narrative doesn't quite read like children's fiction, does it? We don't have the luxury of hiding in a cave when intimidating storms invade our lives. Nor do we get to behave like five-year-olds and stick our heads under a blanket, and wait for the storm to pass over.
Whether life's skies are clear or murky, we have to keep moving forward. What we see and hear might be intimidating, but we must not allow the blustery winds of trouble to make us retreat.
Otherwise, we'll consistently be paralyzed by our problems, stopped by our struggles, and hindered by our hurdles. In those times when we should be walking in authority as the conquerors God's word says we are, we'll be off in a corner, cowering in fear, and hiding from the storm.
And that's not God's will for our lives.
Although He wants us to take refuge in Him (Psalm 46:1) and take cover under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1), our Heavenly Father doesn't want us to hide due to fear. Rather, we should seek safety, solace, and strength Him because we know that apart from the Lord, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
I know storms can grow intense and rough.
Believe me, I do.
Sometimes, with every fiber of your being you want to quit. But with God on your side, you can walk on through your storm. That's why today, I'm adding Philippians 4:13 to your cup of inspiration. When you drink it down, it will remind you that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
You don't have to run away, back down, grow discouraged, or hide from the storm. By the power of the Holy Spirit living on the inside of you, you can stand strong and do what 2 Timothy 2:3 says and endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Thank You for this word today God. I give You glory for speaking to me right where I am. Right now, I kneel at Your feet seeking strength to go through my storm. On my own, I can't do it. The burden is too heavy for me. I feel tempted to run, hide, and retreat from life. But Lord, I know that's not Your will. So I ask that You infuse me with even more strength, courage, and confidence to walk in the authority You have given me. Help me boldly declare that I can do all things through You, Oh Lord, for You are the one who gives me strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
