Apples of Gold

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

One year when I was returning my daughter to college in Florida we drove straight through a hurricane. The rain and wind were so heavy and thick that it was almost impossible to see enough to even keep going. We could not see far enough to know what was coming next. Thankfully it was a trip we had made quite a few times so the road was somewhat familiar. I found a tractor trailer to follow. The size and weight of the vehicle was cutting a path through the storm. The large wheels pushed the water off the road and parted the wind. We couldn’t see much of anything other than the back of this truck. Although we didn’t know the driver, the safest course of action at the moment was to trust that they could see where they were going. We followed them for quite a distance through the eye of the storm. Eventually we poked through the eye and found ourselves in the outer bands with the wind and rain ebbing and flowing. Still further on the wind and rain ceased altogether. I’m not sure how that drive would have gone if we hadn’t had someone bigger than ourselves with a better view of the surroundings to follow. When we finally peeled my fingers from the steering wheel we were thankful and exhausted. 

Our lives come with their own share of storms.  We are currently walking through one that I would rate a Category 5 Hurricane with random F-5 Tornadoes showing up too frequently.  The eye of this storm is very large and we are holding tight to the Master of the winds and waves, trusting that he has this under complete control. The day we followed the truck through the hurricane we couldn’t see what was ahead. Our vision was pretty much the back of the truck. We were trusting the one who could see. That is our posture through this spiritual battle. God is guiding us. The winds and waves do not intimidate him nor foul up his plans. 

Navigating these wild rides requires faith and trust in God. 

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

There is only one way to do this successfully:

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2

In this life where so much is instantly obtained, patiently waiting can seem like an archaic practice. Yet, so much of what is instant lacks quality. Think Big Mac vs. melt in your mouth, grass-fed roast beef, slowly marinated in broth and spices all day. The best things often require significant time and effort. 

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:24-28

If you find yourself drenched and shivering in the wind and waves of a relentless storm, wondering how much longer you can even hang on, remember who has you. God always has a plan and it is always good. 

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

The way you walk through your personal storms impacts those who are watching you. Perfection is not demanded, rather a readjusted grip, and replanted feet, as you remind yourself of the faithfulness of God. 

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:12

Remember you don’t have to muddle through alone. I am surrounded by a band of mature, godly, praying friends who listen to my concerns, see my exhaustion and gently but firmly bring my focus back to my merciful Savior. 

When God puts someone on your heart, reach out. You might be confirming something deep that God is doing in their heart.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

During life’s storms sometimes we follow the faint glow of the tail lights of a truck in front of us. Sometimes we are the truck someone else is following. Rest assured God has everything under control no matter how ferocious the storm is.