Sleep didn't come easily that night. She lay awake watching a running tape in her mind filled with all the things that might possibly go wrong: visions of the roadway suddenly flooding and their car carried away in the swiftly moving water; memories of rain coming down in torrents and being unable to see the road in front of you, of cars out of control and careening into one another.
She woke, after a fitful sleep, to a morning sky filled with ominous looking clouds. Whispering one more plea to the Lord to hold back the rain, she reluctantly got ready to go. Once in the car, she grabbed ahold of her husband's hand and asked him to pray.
They rode under clouds heavy with the promise of rain, but no rain fell. She felt herself relaxing a bit, when about an hour into the drive the heavens opened up. "Oh Lord," she whispered, " please."
In a matter of minutes, they rode out of the storm and once again it was clear sailing. Sometimes the road would be wet from a shower they had just missed. Other times a few drops would hit the windshield and then quickly the rain would taper off.
She gazed into the heavens at the swiftly moving clouds and felt a warmth fill her heart. "See," she heard Him whisper. "Don't be afraid. I'm taking care of you."
Peace settled into her spirit. To think He would do this for her, knowing how fearful she had become, knowing how desperately she needed to somehow see and feel His love and concern.
Like a gentle benediction it came, this knowing He was there - would always be there. If she had to go through the storm, He would be with her and see her safely through. He spoke to her, in those moments, of His absolute trustworthiness. He spoke with gentleness and love.
There were no promises of unending days of clear blue skies. Those days are yet to come. But there was the promise that when the inevitable darkness comes, He will be right there in it with us.
"Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
"But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness. My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me."
Psalm 13: 5,6
Blessings,
Linda
