God, the Calm Before, After the Storm

July 15, 2001
My plants wilt in this heat. I worked hard setting them out in late May.  I fertilized and watered diligently. Just when they seemed to be off to a great start, along came the heat of late June and early July. The hot dry winds take its toll and I am tempted "to throw in the towel."

One year we had a garden. It flourished until July. The heat, wind and bugs had a heyday! "All of that time and money wasted," we thought. However, in the fall our little garden produced more vegetables than we could give away and it kept producing until frost. Looking at that scorched garden in July, I never believed such an abundant harvest in October could be possible.

I will remember that this year when my mums bloom. Now they look a little scraggly in this heat, but they will hang in there. So will you and I in the garden of our hearts.

In this life we battle periods of heat and drought and are faced with discouragement, anxiety and stress. The really "good news" is there is a God in heaven, who in His tender mercy provides for every need and He sustains. In the heat of the battle He is still there and, like the eagle, He enables His children to ride above the storm.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

A dear friend has come through a "fire storm." Through the many months of chemo she kept her trust in God. Her positive outlook has inspired all of us. She never said "What's the use?" She never gave up, but kept her focus on the One who never leaves or forsakes. Psalm 9l:5-6 became her lifeline:

"You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day, You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon." (NCV)

My dear friend stood her ground. She stood "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). Today she is cancer free.

I want to encourage you today to not "wilt" in the "heat of the storm." Cling to the One who is your strength. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Fight the good fight of faith. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Know that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5).

Resist negative self talk. Know "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

There is not a cross without a crown, no conquest without a conqueror and no victory without a battle. You may be in the "heat" right now, but the Lord has led you this far, He still will lead you on. He didn't bring you this far to abandon you. He builds a home in your heart to stay.

In times of heat and drought in your life, remember "With God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).

Stand strong in the Lord. Harvest is coming. We are on the winner's side. How do I know? I've read the last page!