March has arrived bringing unpredictable weather, especially in Iowa. It can be gray with a cold wind in the morning, then shift to a breezy afternoon of warm sunshine, like today. We are so close to spring (we were spoiled by the recent warm spell) that we are aching to get outside to do anything! The lion/lamb scenario may be in play in 2026, though I'm not sure which it was yesterday (35 degrees, windy, and cloudy). That hardly qualifies as a lion, does it?
March also brings the Girls and Boys State Basketball Tournaments. Will they bring big snowstorms this year? The State Wrestling Tournament brought 10 inches. Can basketball outdo that? Then it is on to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Together they have earned the name, "March Madness". Who can predict the winners?
Sometimes our lives can be unpredictable. We don't always get what we expect. There is plenty of heartache to go around: illnesses, surprise medical results, injuries, falls, depression, and sudden deaths are a few of the things we don't put on our radar for the future.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand," (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
Families can experience all sorts of unpredictable events during a lifetime. Both of our boys endured broken bones at different stages of growing up. We didn't know exactly what to expect when we had three in college at once ($$$).
"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken," (Psalm 16:8 NIV).
When our knees and hands are shaking and all we can do is fall on our knees and pray, God is there waiting for us. We will not be shaken. God is our strength and our help. He clears the path before us and helps us keep walking, one step at a time.
Oh God, we are thankful for Your strong right hand of protection and aid. We are so grateful that You have given us a Savior who brought victory over sin and death. Lord, help us as commissioned believers to represent Jesus in our little corner of the world. Give us courage to share Your Word with others. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
