Running Through the Storm

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

When I started my run early that morning, the sun had not yet risen. The weather was humid. In the dawn light, I could see the clouds building up in the west. A few miles in, I noticed that the sky was darkening. The lightning bolts between clouds were spectacular. Then, the rain started--first, just a drizzle, but soon it was pouring. As I ran through the storm with the lightning all around, I felt an inexplicable peace.

Lightning is caused by electrical discharge between negative and positive forces. Air movements and collisions inside clouds cause electrons to become charged. Lightning is a visible manifestation of a strike between opposing particles in the atmosphere.

It wasn’t this understanding of meteorology that led to my peace in this storm. There is a part of me that no longer cares about my own welfare. I am still bothered by suffering, but death is not a concern.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4 NIV)

My faith assures me that God is working, even though I cannot see it. The storms of life are part of the struggle between opposing forces in the spiritual realm. I am just caught in the middle. Lightning bolts are momentary reminders that there are powers at work that are often beyond my perception. Even though I am getting old and gray and cannot rely on my own strength or self-sufficiency, I know that my Creator will sustain me according to His purposes.

“When trouble comes, focus on God’s ability to care for you.” (Charles Stanley)

The darkness surrounds me. The wind and rain swirl around me. The trail before me is muddy and slippery. Yet, I run through the storm. I no longer focus on my circumstances or my inabilities, but on God’s ability to care for me and my loved ones. As long as I am stepping forward according to God’s purpose, I can be confident that God will take care of everything to fulfill His plans for our ultimate good and His glory.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)