God Issues Today: "Dancing In the Rain"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

I'm writing today's essay on Tuesday evening, as I have an early breakfast meeting Wednesday morning. Just as I sat down to work on the devotional, the power went out. Tornado warning sirens began blazing. Janet dug out our weather radio, and we sat in our closet listening to reporters describe hail and severe thunderstorms blasting through the area. Fortunately I work with a MacBook and have another two hours of battery and a wireless card to connect (slowly) to the Internet. Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor hail will deter us from another essay.

Unfortunately, I have no idea if power will be restored in time for our server to send this to you in the morning, so I'll write in faith. If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes and it will change.

Storms are part of life on this fallen planet. However, God seems more than willing to use squalls and weather to teach significant lessons. The first rainfall in human history was the Flood and its judgment on sin. Jonah made a quick U-turn after an incident involving a storm and a fish. Jesus used a sudden squall to impress his divinity on his skeptical disciples. Paul weathered a hurricane to show Roman sailors the power and grace of his God.

One of my favorite promises in Scripture is given to us for the storms of life: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (Isaiah 43:2-3).

When we're in a storm, we quickly realize how powerless we are and how much we need the power of God. There are no atheists in foxholes, as the soldier's saying goes. If you're like most of us, there are sirens sounding somewhere in your soul today. You're dealing with the temptations and tests, discouragement and doubt that are part of the human condition. When the squalls hit, it's a good time to turn to your Lord for the help and hope, peace and joy that he alone can give.

Janet recently hung a plaque on our bedroom wall; its words seem appropriate as I finish today's essay: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.it's about learning to dance in the rain." Your Father is ready to lead-are you willing to follow?