FINDING STRENGTH IN THE GUSTS OF LIFE

No doubt you have felt the effects of a wild and windy day, especially with the weather we have had over the past couple of weeks. When these powerful winds blow through, the world seems caught in a powerful, unseen force. Windy weather can be exhilarating, scary and unpredictable. It can sweep through suddenly, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Life’s challenges can often feel like these gusts of wind.

In strong winds, some trees bend and sway; their branches and leaves flail wildly, yet they remain firmly rooted in the ground. Others, however, snap under the pressure or even fall over, unable to withstand the force. In strong winds, the outcome for trees often lies in their roots and how deeply they are anchored and how well they are nourished. Psalm 1:3 describes a person who trusts in the Lord as being “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers.”

Have you ever thought about what birds do and how they cope in these strong winds? It’s fascinating to see how they handle the challenge. Instead of fighting against the wind, some birds spread their wings wide and soar, using the power of the wind to lift them higher. Some face the wind head-on; some use it to accelerate themselves on their journey; others find shelter and wait patiently for the winds to calm down. 

In Matthew 6:26, Jesus reminds us, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” In Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

Like the birds, we have choices when the winds of difficulty blow. We can try to control everything by our own strength, or we can ask God to guide us. Sometimes, God calls us to spread our wings and soar, using the very challenges we face to lift us closer to Him. At other times, He leads us to a place of rest, inviting us to wait and trust in His timing.