I REMEMBER

article by PAUL LIPE
opinion expressed is that of the writer

I REMEMBER THAT, when I was growing up in North Carolina, we would have two or three winter storms each year. Those storms were an inconvenience, but nothing like the devastation from the storm that hit our area recently. The North Carolina storms did not cause power failure because the rural areas of the state had not yet received electric service. In rural North Carolina, where we had no power service, we would heat our homes with coal burning heaters. Our Louisiana storm was marked by power failure all over the northern part of the state; without power service we had to improvise in order to stay warm.

Dealing with our catastrophe was a challenge for us all. Some had generators but most of us had to rely on other sources. Some were fortunate enough to have gas log to help with the cold augmented by some extra blankets. 

Life is confronted by multiple problems, and challenges. How we face these depends in large part with our relationship to our Lord. Those who have faith that there is a God and that prayer makes a difference have help that will sustain us. In face of situations that overwhelm us we have help from the One who is in sovereign control of the whole universe. Whenever you face heavy burdens, I recommend that you exercise your faith in one who is able to provide all the grace that we need for every situation.

If there is any benefit from experiencing storms like the one we’ve been through, it is that we are grown closer to one another and to our redeemer.

By God‘s grace, we have endured the storm and we give to Him our praise.