Storms don’t cause our flaws or weakness, they only expose them.
Recently, we passed a tree on our way to M & M’s Grocery that had been brought down during the savage winds that raged through Greenville and surrounding areas two weekends in a row. As I stared at the exposed hollow trunk, I was reminded of the saying above which I’d read or heard somewhere.
Although I hadn’t noticed this tree on other trips to M & M’s, I imagine it looked perfectly normal. It was only when the storms came that its hollow trunk was exposed, causing the tree’s demise.
As I pondered all this, I couldn’t help wondering what flaws and weaknesses will be revealed by the storm we are passing through. I want to be like Job of whom it was said in Job 2:10, “…In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
I remembered quoting this verse to a pastor who was preaching on the book of Job. I said, “I’m so amazed that Job didn’t sin in what he said.” His response was, “Oh, that was very early in Job’s trials!” He was right.
As I look at our present storm, even though five months seems like a long time, we are still in the very early stages of our trial. Although only God knows for sure what weaknesses or flaws will be exposed, I think He’s been giving me an inkling.
I mentioned before that I have a new friend at my eye doctor’s office who just went through the same surgery I’ll have on May 9. Last week she said in an offhand manner, “You probably won’t even be able to wipe yourself when you go to the bathroom.” I’m sure my eyes widened and perhaps my jaw dropped. I’d known I’d have some limitations, but I’d never suspected how drastic they might be.
All week as I’ve lived my normal life, I’ve recognized more and more things I probably won’t be able to do…wash or style my own hair, scrub out the sink, reach down and adjust my recliner mechanism, and much more.
The other day as I did laundry, I told Donn, “I won’t be able to get the clean clothes out of the washer to put in the dryer!” He loves to tease me and said, “No problem! We just won’t do laundry!”
As all the things I’d need help doing bombarded my brain, I cringed and thought, I’m not very good at letting people help me.
I remembered previous times that God had dealt with me about my tendencies to be independent, self-sufficient, and self-reliant. I think I’ve improved, but I suspect what’s coming will expose how much I still need to improve.
Donn has always been happy to help me, but I suspect even his patience will be tried by what’s ahead. So I’m asking God to prepare us for what’s coming, to strengthen us and fill us with His Spirit so we will not be casualties of the storm but will still be standing when it has passed,
When the storm passes over, when the thunder sounds no more
When the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
(Thomas Mosie Lister)
Asking, Father, that by your grace, Psalm 62:6 and Psalm 125:1 will be our testimony when the storm has passed. Truly [God} is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Psalm 62:6) and Those who trust in the Lord are as steady as Mt. Zion, unmoved by any circumstance (Psalm 125:1 TLB). Amen.
Health Update: Please keep me and my family in your prayers for my surgery (Tuesday, May 9 AT 10:00 a.m.) and recovery. Please pray for wisdom for the surgeons and for no unpleasant surprises in their findings. Only time will tell how soon after surgery I’ll be able to blog. You may find updates on my Facebook page. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers!