Thunderbolts

Fire On The Mountain

I’ve always been fascinated by thunderstorms. The power of them is awe inspiring. Over the years, I’ve had several up close and personal experiences.  When I was a junior in High School, my hometown, Hesston, KS, was hit by a large EF5 tornado. I was actually out of town in Lyons at league band contest. Before we went out to perform, the band leader told us what had happened and that we were loading up and going home. That’s when the excitement began. On the way home near Elyria we looked out the bus window and there was a tornado in the field right next to us! So, we quickly stopped, piled out of the bus, and jumped in the ditch for safety.

Fortunately, it didn’t come any closer, but we got to witness one of nature’s marvels.

Fast forward eight years and I was teaching in Haven, KS. During summer break a buddy and I decided to go hiking in Colorado. One day while nearing the top of Mt. Princeton a storm brewed up. We were above tree line so the only shelter we could find was a big boulder. We huddled under a ledge as the rain and hail started pelting the ground. When all of a sudden lightning struck the boulder! Talk about scaring the living daylights out of us. It sounded and felt like a bomb went off. I don’t know if it was fear or adrenaline that kicked in, but we took off running down the mountain like a bunch of wild banshees. By the grace of God we made it down the mountain unscathed.

Life’s Storms

So, you may be asking, what do thunderstorms have to do with being a man of God? Thunderstorms, like life, can leave one feeling helpless and out of control. Circumstances can leave us feeling alone, in despair, and without hope. Just like there is nothing we can do to stop storms from forming in the atmosphere, often times life throws us a curve ball that we have no control over. Maybe it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, or losing your job, or the breakup of a relationship. Things happen to all of us as we go through life. However, it’s in those moments that we have a choice of how to respond.  Are we going to lean on our own power or look to the One who can calm the storm that is buffeting us? Are we going to make lemonade from the lemons life throws our way or are we going to allow them to sour us and make us bitter? David experienced a lot of highs and lows during his life. Through all his successes and failures, he set his heart on God. One of my favorite passages is Psalm 23. In verse 4 of that Psalm, David writes,

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and staff they comfort me.”

The disciples also experienced life’s storms quite literally as described in Luke 8:22-24. While crossing the Sea of Galilee a violent storm came up and threatened to capsize the boat. How did the disciples respond? They called out to Jesus and with a single word he calmed the storm. How do ships survive rough weather today? Often times they throw out the anchor to hold them steadfast against the waves. What’s your anchor? Are you trusting in yourself to have the strength to withstand the storm? Or are you putting your trust in God to be that anchor, that solid rock to cling to in times of trouble? I pray it’s the latter.

Not So Easily Broken

So, as you go through this upcoming week remember that when life’s storms come your way, you don’t have to face them alone. Don’t allow your pride to become a stumbling block. Share your burden with a friend or two. Allow them to help shoulder that burden so it’s not so heavy. The Message version of Ecclesiastes 4:12 says

“By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”

As men we tend to try and go it alone. We think we can handle it. That we’re strong enough or tough enough to overcome any situation. Don’t fall into that trap! We’re meant to live in community. Get yourself a band of like-minded brothers that you can walk through life with. And most importantly, don’t forget God. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. He’s the anchor that can hold you steadfast through any storm!