Like you, I did multiple visits to weather sites projecting Irene’s path as Hurricane Irene drew closer to making landfall. I nervously wondered which of the model paths it would take. I grew tired of waiting for the storm. I wanted it to come through and move on. Preferably, I desired it to turn north prior to reaching any U.S. land. The Lord had other plans.

Ps. 19:1 is very true in its statement that “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.” I was reminded that my life is totally in God’s hands. All that my family has belongs to God. We must hold it loosely. As I awaited the storm’s arrival, the Lord, by means of an earthquake seventy miles away, shook the building and rattled windows at the church. What a reminder that our lives are daily in God’s control. He, truly, is our Protector.

The storm’s path gave me pause to consider my love for my neighbor. Would I be satisfied for the storm to pass us by, no matter what it did to the lives and possessions of my neighbors in North Carolina or the Jersey coast? How much sympathy for others did I show in my prayers or thoughts? Prayer content in the midst of storms and similar events are good testing grounds to reflect love for our neighbor or to reveal a lack of that love.

The storm’s path was a reminder of God’s great power. He moves the clouds when and where He will for reasons known to Him (Job 37:12) It was a comfort to know the powerful storm was fully under God’s control. The clouds, wind and rain would not move one iota from His predetermined path for it no matter what the computer-generated models indicated.

Before the storm’s intensity hit, our lights at home went off. It would be a little over two days before electricity would once again flow into our home. I was reminded anew at night as to the darkness of dark. Without a flashlight turned on, I could see nothing. What a picture of the darkness the unsaved dwell in and in which I dwelt prior to my conversion. Is it any wonder that those who dwell in darkness stumble through life, unable to see their need to love God or one another or how to practice such love? In darkness it is easy to fall over objects even in familiar surroundings.

Until power was restored, it was particularly a joy to see dawn’s fingers pushing back the darkness. Once again I could see my wife, read and how to navigate within our home. My joy, as wonderful as it was, paled in comparison to the joy of a people who walked in darkness having seen the light of the gospel burst into their lives. What a joy to be brought from the darkness of spiritual death to the glorious understanding of Christ’s perfect atoning work for His people. What a reminder to continue to pray for the unsaved to be brought to know Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

Throughout this time, I was continually reminded of the beauty of prayer. My dependence is on God in all things. This fact must not be forgotten in the normalcy of life’s daily routine. Prayer provides real communication. We can come boldly, praying in faith and petition for a decrease of the winds, a turn of the storm’s path, restoration of electricity and anything else on our hearts. I can rest these requests in One Who does all things well.

I am no fan of trials. However they are a great source of wisdom, In the midst of any trial, we must realize that it is an opportunity for spiritual growth, increased trust in the Lord and for witnessing His hand at work in our lives and the lives of others for His glory and our good.

©2011 Byron Snapp, Hampton,Virginia