Since object lessons are great ways to teach children, the heavenly Father is giving us one these days. A massive winter storm is working its way through the nation. Meteorologists teach us the natural explanations for weather, the jet stream, solar flares and the like. The Bible tells us that God is ultimately in control; “Even the wind and the sea obey Him,” Mark 4:41. A story in 1 Kings goes further; God can use nature for His purposes. God said to Elijah, “‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold there came a voice to him….” (1 Kings 19:11-13)
Here’s something to ponder. Elijah hid from the strong wind and the earthquake. Who gives us refuge as the winter storm comes? Ultimately it’s God. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) Who was it that sent wind and earthquake to drive Elijah into the cave? God. Who’s mysteriously behind winter storms and tornadoes and hurricanes and earthquakes that scare us to shelter? God. Do you see the contradiction? He can frighten us so that He can shelter us. We like to have a nice, neat God that fits into our views and hopes about how things should be. You won’t find that God in the Bible and this winter storm, may it not be damaging and fatal, is the Father’s object lesson to drive us to Him. And when God has used the storms of life to get us where we’ll listen, He comes in a voice, in His Word. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” And the Lord’s promise to us: “I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.” (Psalm 91:1-2; 15)
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