In Awe of God's Power

I was awakened shortly after 4 a.m. by the power of God. The wind was blowing and the rain was falling in absolute blankets.  There were close strikes of lightning that repeatedly lit up the sky accompanied by thunder that rattled the windows and the china cabinet. The wind and the rain kept pounding for 15 to 20 minutes before the power let up a little. Through the dark and rain I could make out the shape of a temporary river running through the back yard of every house along our street. The rain gauge shows over three inches.

I wondered where the storm developed and how long it had been moving across Iowa, and if it would continue with strength to the east or north. It seemed like the power could cause damage to big, leaf-burdened trees or weak and tired buildings. I imagined the creeks filling with rushing water that built up momentum from the hillsides and waterways. It was a quick summer storm that followed a suddenly steamy Sunday afternoon.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).

The image of God's power in a thunderstorm reminds me of how much greater His power is beyond what I can see. Although the events of the world see to overshadow our days with gloom and dread, we can trust that in the end God has control and He is and will be victorious over the evil one.

Claim God's power for your day and rejoice in His majesty around us.