Downed Power Lines
One of my favorite things is to enjoy the pattering of rain on my roof and windows during a late-night rainstorm. It evokes calmness and serenity. As I lay comfortable in my bed, I thank God for my blessings.
What I don’t like is when the storm turns violent or destructive. It is intimidating and reminds me how small I am and how powerful Creator God is. I am especially intimidated when I hear or see that power lines are down. These small conduits of light, connection, and energy suddenly become a destructive, even fatal, force when on the ground. These lines hold within them the power to give light and the power to destroy. All it takes is an environmental stressor and it becomes unrecognizable.
I am convicted writing this because that describes me. When the storms of life hit and I feel knocked down, I become another version of myself. It’s not a version anyone would enjoy being around. Irritable, judgmental, impatient. So much more ugliness than I care to describe. Instead of speaking life, I speak division, discouragement or dissent. Scripture tells me I am made in the image of God, but I’m sure not looking like Him.
It's in these moments that I have stepped away from my power source. Romans 8:11 states,
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
We can trust that our power source never goes down, and he never changes. We may walk away from him, but He didn’t move, we did. We must turn toward where our help comes from. It’s His strength, not our own, that allows us to overcome the storms of life.
“Look. I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
That power is available to you and only a conversation away. Lean in, my friends. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Invite Him into your storm, then stand and deliver using the borrowed strength of our unending supply in our faithful provider.
I leave you with Psalm 91:1-4:
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”