We got hail on our house last Saturday. Fortunately, the storm here wasn’t too widespread or lasted very long, but the hailstones were alarmingly large and pounded our roof like angry fists. I’ll never get over my fear of hearing that sound.
There is little that terrifies a farmer like the sound of large hail. Crops and trees are shredded, roofs and implements damaged and even animals injured.
Decades ago when the storms came, my father would stand helplessly watching, hands on hips and fervent prayers in his heart.
A fifteen minute summer storm could wipe out a whole year’s crop and income. As Dad said, “If you have no crop insurance, you plow and maybe replant. If you do have crop insurance, you put in a claim and take a vacation somewhere else.”
Life can be filled with problems, so we look for solutions. Yesterday was Pentecost in Christian Churches across the world. Parishioners heard once again the Bible readings that tell of the Holy Spirit who came to infuse the early Christians with abilities they needed to share the faith. We heard again our annual explanation of Who the Spirit is and what His work is all about.
One of my favorite word pictures for the Holy Spirit is the pipeline. The Spirit brings the Gospel message. The Gospel is the fuel or food, and the Holy Spirit delivers it where it is needed. We human beings may squander the fuel, ignore the food, or even deny its presence, but all to our peril. God, however, brings it to us anyway. He knows we need it.
Hailstorms are a part of life. In this sinful world, we can’t stop bad things from happening, but they need not destroy us or our faith in God. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Hailstones, tornadoes, fires and storms WILL come, but they need not OVER come us. It is God’s grace and good will that He care for us and give us our needs. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” He promises in Hebrews 13:5. Even in our darkest hours of storm, pain or despair, God is there beside us, holding our hands.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for covering us with Your mercy when storms arise.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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