A repost from August 2017 – when Houston experienced Hurricane Harvey.

. . . . . . .

Over the past week, I have witnessed more people lose more possessions than I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

Living in Houston, it was astounding to watch the rain fall and fall. Fifty-two inches in a very short period of time. Over 9 trillion gallons of water! This would be like filling the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City twice or loading the Empire State Building 33,906 times. It is equivalent to nine days of the Mississippi River flowing into and continually flooding Houston or 128 feet of water resting in New Orleans. So much devastation; home after home underwater. And it may take another week or two before water is out of many of the homes.

What It Got Me Thinking…

• Storms are going to come. It matters not how well you plan, it matters not your background, income, or spiritual belief. Storms are going to come.
• Storms will redefine how you view life and shift your focus onto what really matters. People were not grabbing their 65″ TVs as they dashed out of their homes. They were clutching their children, pets, and a few private items, as they fearfully and boldly walked in waist-deep water.
• Storms can create unity and love where distance and division once lived. This storm broke down Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, black and white, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, and even religious denominational differences. There was story after story of people crossing over whatever division they had to save and help others. Yes, unity and love step forward in a storm.
• Storms will test your faith. So many people ask, “Why did God do this?” or “How could God do this to me?” I do not know all the answers, but I have witnessed God work miracle after miracle as a result of this event. Next-door neighbors who rarely spoke to each other are working to save each other. First responders are running toward the threat as others ran from it. I have seen God’s power in provision as people and churches worked together to help so many. In a storm, you will either turn your back on God, or in our case, turn to Him.

My friends, I am very confident that many reading this are living through a storm at this very moment. No, not a hurricane, but a personal challenge that has blown in to disrupt and destroy your life. A challenging marriage, finances, drugs or alcohol, or strained relationships in your family. Storms do come! But take heart. Find the time to discover the miracle, ask yourself how this storm is redefining you, and most important, step out in faith knowing it will soon pass and you will come out a healthier and stronger person.

Yes! Storms Come.