Two days ago, a storm, of epic proportions for our little harbor town, blew through. On the shores of Lake Michigan, in NE Wisconsin, we rarely get storms this ferocious. The day began, sunny and humid, which is typical this time of year. Before noon, we had no power and trees were down everywhere. Our pergola cover was ripped in two and a metal bar blew through the fabric. I took multiple videos and more than anything, I was in complete awe. “Our God is an awesome God; he reigns in heaven above.” The Rich Mullin version of the song was on repeat in my head. 

The winds were clocked at 90-100 mph and several streetlamp posts were laying down in spite of having been anchored in cement. That is a force of nature, and of our awesome, magnificent God who created it all. All I could think was, “Wow God!”. 

I alternated between the kitchen window, overlooking the deck, and the bow window facing the street. It was…indescribable. I was fixated on both the force and the Father. I heard a whisper in the wind, and God was about to give me some of His wisdom. 

I watched the trees bend and shake. Some split and branches fell. The wind was howling, and the rumbles of thunder shook the house. Having a tendency to be fearful and a family history of anxiety, I was incredibly calm. I knew God had me. This was huge! I felt as if I uncovered and discovered a treasure, and I did. I am.

God is my good, good, Father. I’ve known it intellectually for decades. I am only beginning to experience it on a deep, heart and soul level. You see, my earthly father was not a nurturing, approachable or protective man. I was afraid of him and did not feel safe or secure. I came to a place of forgiveness, boundaries and tenderness with the man who was dad years ago. But I did not know how to trust my Father God.

While the storm was raging, I felt and knew I was safe. Had trees fallen on our house, I would have reacted, of course, but I do not believe I would have been afraid. I never had a blanket of peace wrapped around me like I did this day.

When the worst was over, I headed outside to see what I might do. There were limbs and leaves everywhere and the storm drains were blocked. I grabbed a rake and bucket and cleared off a few. Physically, I was unable to go after the bigger tasks. People were coming out of their homes to assess damage and begin to clear the street if they could. Emergency crews were out, and the HS football team rallied. 

Another gem discovered was the wonderful realization that people come together when it storms. I saw neighbors interacting that seldom speak to each other. I love that! 

God, inaudibly, spoke to my heart. “Jenn, hard times will come. They are coming, but I will be with you when they do. Just like today. I will give you what you need. You can trust me.”

This may not seem like much, yet to me, it was. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah did not experience God in the wind, but on August 27th, 2024, I did. I had peace in spite of the wind, and maybe I had peace because of the wind!

What about you? Has your experience with our Heavenly Father come easily or has it been fraught with fear or uncertainty?

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