Storms

Looks like we may be in for some stormy weather tonight in NE Ohio. For years I have been afraid of storms. While a loud crack of thunder can still make my heart pound, I have learned to think about my all-powerful, wise Creator God who sends the storms, and Who also cares for my well-being. A favorite verse when a storm hits is Psalm 56:3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Another verse (can't recall reference) speaks of "stormy wind fulfilling His Word."

Years ago we lived on West Spring Street in St. Marys, Ohio. The previous owners had failed to warn us of a rather unsettling occurrence. We experienced it for the first time one stormy night. The power went out, and we gathered at the living room window to watch the storm. Flashes of lightning revealed a startling sight--the street in front of our house was flooded, and the water was rising! We didn't know that a drain just down the street often got plugged, causing the water to back up even beyond our corner lot. We watched the water get higher and higher, nearly to the porch steps. Finally it stopped, and the next morning it was all gone, but we could see a "debris line" in the front yard. This occurred several other times while we lived there, during the daytime. The water was pretty deep--up to a car's bumper. We used to sit on the front porch watching the kids come home from school, some of them wading through the water, some plowing through on a bike. We also tried to warn cars about the depth of the water, as some had stalled on the street. Some turned around, others went ahead despite our warning.

It certainly is a comfort to know the God who is in control of everything, including storms. Also, He has given us many warnings in His Word about bad things that happen when we disregard His commands, yet so often we plow ahead anyway. I think in the future storms and storm warnings will be a reminder to heed God's Word.