Today’s Daily Bread ~ Snow Daze

Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear, even if the earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam.  Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Looking back through the years at my life, I realize that I am quite the nomad.

I was born in Bloomington, Illinois.  Before I turned two, we moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Before my fifth birthday, we relocated to New Brighton, Minnesota.  Just before I started the fourth grade, my family and I packed up our things, turned south on I 35, and planted ourselves in Overland Park, Kansas.  Right in the middle of my seventh grade year, we re-packed, and relocated once again, this time to Shoreview, Minnesota.  We lived there until the middle of my sophomore year in High School, and then fate dictated (actually it was my father’s job, but fate sounds more exciting) that we head to Denver.

I tell you all these things to say this:  I learned to drive on ice and snow. 

Of course, driving in treacherous conditions is easier when you live in a city built for winter.  Cars come with all-wheel drive.  Starting in November, you swap out your summer wheels for snow tires.  Metro-areas have more than 14 snow plows, and sleet and snow aren’t “arctic blasts” or “snow events,” they’re just a normal part of the forecast.

When you learn to drive in winter weather, several things become ingrained in your brain.  Here are just a few:

• Drive slow
• Be prepared (flashlights, ice scrapers, blankets, etc.)
• Be very aware of the other drivers
• Avoid dangerous situations (main roads over side or back roads)
• When you skid or slide (notice use of “when” over “if”), let the car right itself – don’t slam on brakes.  Let go of wheel, then when you can, continue on.

Perhaps the most important thing I learned was this: Respect the conditions.  Recognize that you have little control on ice, and no control over other drivers.  That advice has served me well on both the road and in life.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 – Enjoy prosperity while you can.  But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.  That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.

Is there a bigger illusion than control?  Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, planned for years to build a palace of a stadium that could house the crown jewel of the NFL – the Super Bowl.  I recall seeing the stadium plans back in 2001, when I visited Valley Ranch for something work-related.  The DFW area came together in a campaign that rivals the president’s, to bring the Big Game to town.  Then, the week of the Main Event, God points His mighty finger at North Texas and says, “SNOW,” and the metroplex watched as plans and revenue slipped down the drain.

John 16:33 – I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

In other words, the forecast calls for ice and snow.  Maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but at some point in life we can count on this: The ground underneath us will be shaken.  Upon who have you built your foundation?

I look at John 16:33 as something to be thankful for, not something to be feared.  Which scenario would you prefer?  A tornado striking unexpectedly in the middle of the night, or late in the day with plenty of advance notice?  When we know treacherous conditions are coming, we can prepare.

Drive slow – Don’t make rushed decisions.  Get sound counsel before making big moves, and seek the Lord in prayer always.  My husband gave me this piece of advice – “Always wait 24 hours before answering.  No one will mind if you say you need to think about it.”

Be prepared – So many of life’s biggest pitfalls can be softened by responsible living.  Don’t rack up debt.  Don’t spend what you don’t have.  Live beneath your means.  Don’t smoke.  Don’t eat only processed food.  Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.  Know who your children run around with.  Know what they read and what they watch.

Be very aware of the other drivers – Be weary of unhealthy influences.  Make sure you have fellowship with other believers.

Avoid dangerous situations – Know your areas of temptation or weakness, and stay away from them.  Don’t assume you’re strong enough to resist.

Let go of the wheel – Remember that control is an illusion.  Write the words of Solomon on your heart: Notice the way God does things; then fall into line.  Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what He has made crooked (Ecclesiastes 7:13)?

Dear Heavenly Father, we love You so much.  Thank you for this wintery reminder of Your power and majesty.  Press upon our hearts that we should prepare, not panic.  You shelter us when the storms come, and walk before us and beside us.  God, we ask that You would strengthen and sustain us through hard times.  We ask that You would gently remind us to bless others going through storms.  Give us gracious and generous hearts that love others as You do.  Help us to seek You and fall in line, rather than try to blaze the trail ourselves.  Thank You for speaking to us through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, and thank You for the unfathomable work on the cross.  We pray these things with a spirit of joy and victory, knowing that when we pray in line with Your will and in Your Son’s Holy Name, You hear and answer.  We love You, God, and we praise You with all our hearts.  It is in Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.