“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4
As I look out my window this morning I’m estimating about 5-6 inches of snow since I went to bed last night. And last time I checked the weather report, it is supposed to keep snowing throughout the entire day with the potential of a lot more accumulation. The schools are shut down, many businesses have closed, and most of those who must report to work this morning are not too happy about it. Now, if you have ever lived in southeastern Colorado, you know how important moisture is. It is important for our crops and incredibly important to mitigate our fire danger. We know we need moisture, but I personally prefer all our moisture to come in nice, pleasant spring rains that cool off the evening and make for a great night’s sleep. However, if you have lived in southeastern Colorado very long, you also know that wet, heavy snows are actually the best type of moisture. It sits on top the land for a long time, soaking deep into the soil. So even though life is on hold for a little while right now, I know this storm is exactly what we need.
Our relationship with God often works the same way. We pray for him to do great things in our lives, growing us and blessing us, but we want him to work in the exact ways we prefer. However, the truth is, God usually grows us and blesses us through the most difficult circumstances. We think we can become who he desires us to be by skipping through life. But in reality, it’s often the biggest storms…the ones that completely shut down life for a little while…that bear the greatest fruit in us.
Almighty God and loving Father, we ask that You grow us into the men and women You desire us to be. And if that means storms, we pray that You hold us, comfort us, and strengthen us through the most difficult times.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon