By Cheryl A. Harris

A mother saw a thunderstorm forming in mid-afternoon and worried about her 7-year-old daughter walking three blocks from school to home. Deciding to meet her, the mother saw her walking nonchalantly, stopping to smile whenever lightning flashed. Seeing her mother, she explained happily, “All the way home, God’s been taking my picture!” Not all children can deal with storms that casually.

This same majestic power displayed in nature is also exerted on behalf of his people to give them strength and peace through any storm. “God does not lead his children around hardship, but leads them straight through hardship … and amidst the hardship, he is nearer to them than ever before” (Otto Dibelius). “My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything” (James 1:2-4). Have you let him do this for you?

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3).

Originally published March 2, 2001