Cared For In The Storm

Cared for in the storm

I pulled up to our mailbox and it looked like someone had taken a baseball bat to it. Confused, I started to look around and noticed golf ball sized hail in the ditch. I pulled in the driveway thinking NO, NO, NO. Typically, we have two – three vehicles in the driveway. Only the old mini van was in the driveway. No one else was home. We had been cared for in the storm.

After talking with the neighbor, watching video of the hail, and walking around our yard to see the destruction, I was shocked by the violence of it. Holes in the siding, shattered windshield and large dents in the van, and holes in the roof started to overwhelm me. It became clear that if I had come home 30 minutes earlier I would have been driving in it. An unexpected work call delayed me 25 minutes. I was cared for in the storm.

The next few days brought lots of unsolicited phone calls and knocks at the door. I would ask for their card and send them away as quickly as possible as it raised my stress level just to engage a conversation. One gentleman was different. He gave us valuable tips in working with our insurance company. He shared about how detailed their process is and then said he shuts his phone off at 7:00 pm for family time. I respect that, so I started asking questions. By the time we finished, he shared that he attended a men’s small group and local church. I felt cared for in the storm.

1-4 But now, God’s Message,
    the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
    the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you: (Isaiah 43 MSG)

God’s promise to Jacob is for us too. He reminded me of that several times as I felt overwhelmed by the destruction of the storm. It’s a reminder I will carry for months to come. There are going to be many stressful moments ahead and He is caring for me in the midst of all of it.

How does God show you care? What helps you notice God at work in your life? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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