Expect the Unexpected - Martin Wiles

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 NLT

Ominous clouds threatened as my wife and I eased into the parking space. We did not expect the unexpected. 

Hot, humid weather had peppered the previous week. Pop-up showers increased by the day. But on one particular evening, I had a wedding to officiate. A few rain showers had already passed by earlier in the afternoon, and I hoped for fair weather since the reception was outside.

Shortly after we pulled into our parking space, large pellets of rain began to fall. As the winds increased, I anxiously watched the reception tent. Although a few odds and ends blew away, most things stayed in place. They had expected the unexpected. The tent was securely staked. Long, heavy tablecloths clung to the tables. Wrapped utensils kept the napkins from blowing away. Apart from a bit of trash and dirt blown in by the wind, the reception went on as usual despite the earlier storm.

Peter speaks of another type of storm: persecution. And early believers were facing their share of it. They might have been surprised, but they shouldn’t have been. After all, Jesus had been persecuted and told them they would be as well.

When we remember the impact of sin on people and the world in general, we will no longer be surprised by the trials we face. People infected by sin will behave in harmful ways. Sinful natures are responsible for physical and verbal abuse, crimes of all sorts, divorce, financial mismanagement, and elder abuse. The list is endless. The infection of sin can also make nature misbehave. Tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.

But not all trials are caused by sin or sinful people. As long as they don’t violate God's nature, God, too, can send trials. The Bible is adorned with stories that show how he did just that. The difference is that God’s trials are beneficial. When we respond to them with a positive attitude and draw closer to him for wisdom and guidance, we grow spiritually, and our faith is enhanced. Remaining in a close relationship with Christ helps us survive and even thrive when the unexpected comes along.

Don’t let the unexpected blow you away. Remain grounded in Christ.

Father, when the trials of life come, may I find my anchor in you. 

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Safe in the Shelter - Martin Wiles

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NLT

The shelter was only a few hundred feet away, but at the moment, it may as well have been a mile.

I had grown accustomed to storms while hiking in the mountains. Which is why I started early in the morning so I could finish before late afternoon, when storms were known to arrive. 

On this particular day, my brother, daughter, and I were on the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia. We planned to arrive at our destination around noon, set up camp, and then ditch our packs before hiking for a few more miles.

We reached our destination on time, but as soon as we unloaded, thunder rolled across the mountains. We quickly set up our tents. No sooner had we driven the last stake than powerful pelting rain, sharp peels of lightning, and booming bangs of thunder slithered across the mountains. A trail shelter was only three hundred feet away, but we couldn’t reach it at the moment.

During a brief lull in the lightning and thunder, we ran for the shelter like deer from hunting dogs. Soaked to the skin, we huddled in the crude building for the next four hours, listening as one storm after another marched across the mountains.

The psalmist also discovered a shelter in the God he served—a shelter that provided rest and comfort.

The mountain storms I’ve encountered were nothing compared to some of the life storms I’ve experienced. During these times, the shelter of God’s protection often seemed close but unreachable. But it only appeared that way. 

God always has a shelter for our troubled souls. The storm may continue to rage, but we're protected from harm when we rest in God’s sheltering arms.

Just as we had to make an effort to get to the shelter, we, too, must run to the shelter God provides. Our efforts demonstrate to God that we recognize our need and love for him. And that we understand we can’t handle life on our own.

Shelters of various styles dot the length of the Appalachian Trail. God is our ultimate shelter, but he manifests himself in different ways. Sometimes, he shelters us through the presence of others.

God’s shelters are always close when the storms of life pummel. Run to him often, and find the protection and peace he offers.

Father, may I remember that you are my ultimate shelter in the storms of life.

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Get Ready - Martin Wiles

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44 NLT

I heard the alarm . . . and looked at my smartphone. 

In seven years, we had only had drills—no real alarm. But not this time. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico infiltrated our area, bringing monsoon rains. From the West, a cold front approached, boasting fierce winds. The colliding fronts raised the risk of tornadoes. 

As I perched on my stool early in the afternoon, teaching my middle schoolers, the weather alert on my smartphone sounded. A tornado warning for our county greeted me when I looked down. No sooner had I read the warning than the headmaster came over the loudspeaker telling everyone we had a severe weather alert. This meant lining up against the walls in a protected covey, kneeling, and placing books over our heads. The students had practiced this many times but never in a for-real situation. 

As I sat against the wall, I checked the radar on my phone to see exactly where the danger lay. Our school was smack dab in the middle of dangerous storms. Periodically, the headmaster told us we could relax, meaning remove the books from our heads. Then, minutes later, he would announce we needed to return to our protected positions. For an hour, we kept up this relax-get-ready position until the strong line of thunderstorms had passed.

Some students thought this was only a drill, although we had told them differently. A few removed the books when they should not have, and a few more talked even though teachers had instructed them to remain silent so we could hear forthcoming announcements—a breach that led to consequences the next day. 

Most of the students maintained their protected position and followed directions. One high school class even sang “Jesus Loves Me.” At this age, students think they’re invincible, but I reminded them the next day that what we had experienced was the real deal—and that none of them was beyond severe injury or even death. 

Using the example of Noah and a thief at night, Jesus warned His listeners to be ready for His return. In Noah’s day, people had a good time, reveling in their sinful actions. They didn’t believe Noah when he told them a flood was coming. They perished. And if someone knew a thief planned to rob their home at night, wouldn’t they prepare to stop him? 

Speculation over when Jesus might return has been going on for years, but Jesus said no one knows when the event will occur. Even He, in His limited capacity as a human, didn’t know. Some have written books, and others have made elaborate charts, but the dates have come and gone—and Jesus hasn’t come. 

Perhaps the more significant lesson in Jesus’ caution to be ready is just that—be prepared . . . for life . . . and for His return. We never know what life will throw our way—and we can’t actually prepare for all the scenarios and the changes they might bring—but we can prepare generally and spiritually by reminding ourselves that God has our best interests at heart and loves us superlatively. 

And we can ready ourselves for Christ’s coming, whether in the sky or at our death. Either way, we’re going somewhere because life doesn’t end with death or Jesus’ Second Coming. Christ has paid for our sins. Accepting His gift readies us to meet Him when He comes and how He comes. 

Sometimes, I get a little impatient while waiting—as my students did. Living in this ever-changing world, where things get worse rather than better, makes me long for something better. A place called heaven. But like my kids, I stay in the ready position and keep doing God’s work, so I’ll be prepared when the Coming happens. 

Think of a few ways to prepare yourself for life and Christ’s coming.

Prayer: Father, may we live prepared to meet You when You come. 

Tweetable: Are you ready for Christ's return? 

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Holding Pattern - Karen Huffaker

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 NIV

Daily, it seemed as if we were in a holding pattern.

With all the happy excitement of high school graduation season ahead, the weather didn’t appear so bright and sunny. The final weeks were a flurry of last-time activities: senior walks, revisiting primary schools, enjoying fond childhood memories and early teachers, field day, senior picnic, senior parade, graduation practices, ceremony at the racetrack, and pool and garden parties galore. Unfortunately, forecasts of rain, showers, or thunderstorms loomed.

Many prayers were made, flowing through prayer circles and prayer chains almost daily. We would make it through one event with only moments to spare, thankful that the weather cooperated, only to repeat the process the next day. I prayed, as many others did, that the Lord would hold back the rain.

The Old Testament prophet Elijah came to my mind. He announced that dew and rain would not fall until he said so. Oh Lord, please let it be that way, I thought selfishly. We were dependent on God to withhold the rain.

On graduation night, weather apps forecasted rain again, and heavy clouds surrounded the racetrack. We held our breath with ponchos and umbrellas on standby, but the Lord held back the rain—sending only wind.

Two days later, thundershowers threatened our lakeside graduation party. Again, we prayed. Just as the celebration began, the sun appeared. The party was a wonderful event for family and friends. Later that night, the skies opened and delivered rain while we slept.

God often shields us from storms, hardship, harm, evil, temptation, negative influences, disease, and disaster. Our prayers for help are effective, and the Lord hears them. We must not give up hope. He also protects us from many things we may never know about. He is a loving God who is merciful and compassionate. He cares about us and what is important to us. Like any good father, He watches over us and bestows blessings.

If we keep our hearts right with God and believe in Him, great things happen.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you care for me so deeply.

Tweetable: Are you in a holding pattern because you haven't prayed?

Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

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Boats for the Storms - Cathy Hill

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. Isaiah 43:2 NLT

I remember as a little girl absolutely loving rainstorms.

I loved watching the weather roll in. There was something magnificent about it. I also remember my dad. He would walk to the backyard and discern exactly what the weather was going to do. 

As we waited, he would go to his workbench, hand us a couple of scraps of wood and nails, and tell us to make a boat. When the rain stopped, we would find streams of fresh rainwater. If we had designed well, our creations would float, but we had some sinkers too.

There is an adage that says a boy marries his mom and a girl her dad. I did. Like my dad, my husband is a weatherman.  

One early morning, my husband was out in the country for ministry. The forecasters predicted the worst storm in seventy years. Great, I thought, and here I am without my weatherman.

I talked to the children about who controls the weather, but I wished Jesus were stilling this storm.  Sitting in the bathroom with my three children, as we listened to sirens roar and the rain fall, I wondered if I could build a boat for four?

Some hours later, the warning was lifted. The wind still blew, but the sky was noticeably brighter. Our day began again. I dropped the kids off at school and then sat at my desk, still unsteady by the fear-filled morning.

We face a lot of storms—a lot of heartaches. In these storms, gales of fear and downpours of tears come. I ask for God to still them, but He allows them to remain. He knows I have so much more to learn.

God asks us to have faith. Yes, we can build a boat, but we will need His presence. He will protect us when we can stand no more. He will hold us when life is too rough, and He will still our hearts when the storm rages on.

What are some ways you can trust God in your storms?

Tweetable: Have you built a boat for your storm? 

Cathy is a writer, teacher, and entrepreneur. She met her husband Brian while studying in Paris, France. They make their home in Geneva, IL, with their four children and their daughter-in-love. She loves writing about the wonder and whimsy of life and her love for Jesus. Her first book is Destination: Fierce, Moving from Fear to Fierce. Learn more about Cathy at www.cathyjoyhill.com.

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Things Change - Martin Wiles

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10 NLT

Within ten minutes, our world changed.

My daughter and I had set out for an overnight backpacking trip—something we had not done together in nineteen years. The weather forecast predicted an 80% chance of thunderstorms. Having done a lot of hiking in the mountains before, we figured it would be 100%.

Our destination was Sam’s Knob, a rocky bald that boasted 360-degree views. We hoped to arrive before the storms did. At over 6,000 feet, we felt sure one or more of the thunderstorms would cross the summit, and we didn’t want to be exposed when they did.

Thunder rolled across neighboring peaks as we labored toward the top. We wearily gazed at angry clouds that stalked and passed over the tops of neighboring mountains. But the storms spared us. After a steep and rocky climb to the top, we welcomed our reward: several rocky places where we stood and gazed upon beauty we hadn’t witnessed in quite some time.

We stood and marveled and took pictures. We could see mountains far into the distance beyond the ones that immediately surrounded us. But what we also saw was numerous storm clouds.

Ten minutes after summitting, raindrops began to fall. Wisps of white clouds slithered through the valleys around us like snakes searching for a home. Soon, the clouds gobbled up the neighboring summits and swallowed the valleys. What appeared so clear and beautiful ten minutes earlier now disappeared.

Moses experienced a sudden change also. For forty years, he had lived on the backside of the desert tending sheep. Running from an angry Pharaoh put him there. Moses had killed one of Pharaoh’s citizens. One day, an angel of the Lord appeared to Moses and told him to lead the Israelites out of the slavery they had endured for 400 years.

Change is inevitable. We may not enjoy it, but we cannot live without experiencing it. Expecting it makes it easier to accept when it comes.

But some things never change. Among them, God. God told Malachi, “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed” (3:6). God will always love us and forgive us when we ask. Our confessions repeatedly reach His ears. God never turns away anyone who wants to enter His family, nor does He ever leave us when our circumstances turn ugly. And He is with us during times of change.

Unwelcome change may make us feel as if God has abandoned us, but He hasn’t. He controls the circumstances, and in His timing, He will change them. God knows what He has ahead for us, but sometimes it takes time for Him to prepare us for what’s ahead.

Our job is to be patient, trust God, keep doing the last thing He told us until we get further instruction, and not give up hope. With a sovereign God, things can change in a moment, as our mountain view did.

Don’t give up on God when unwelcome change occurs. He can change things again.

Prayer: Father, when unwelcome change approaches, help us trust You until the welcome change arrives.

Tweetable: How do you react when things change? 

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Prepared for the Worst - Martin Wiles

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 NLT

An ominous forecast awaited, so we prepared.

The weekend forecast depressed us. We had planned a camping trip with friends, but it appeared if we went, we’d sit under a canopy the entire time. So, we canceled and rescheduled for the next weekend at a different place—in the mountains.

As the next weekend approached, the forecast disappointed us again. While rain and storms were not forecast to last the entire weekend, Friday was scheduled to be a violent day. So, we prepared. Arriving late Thursday evening, we began our attack on the approaching bad weather. We staked down our tents, closed the windows, and zipped the door. We erected a canopy over our eating area and strung a large tarp over our sitting area.

Early the next morning, two hours before daylight, the storms approached. Our preparations wouldn’t keep us dry, so we decided to take a ride to a nearby town and spend the day looking around in stores. When the storms passed later that afternoon, we’d return.

As we made our way back, we wondered what we’d find. Had our preparations been enough? As we drove down the road to the campground, we encountered a line of cars. A swollen creek had washed away the road. But the sheriff’s department was making plans for campground visitors to use an alternate route through a gated neighborhood.

After an hour's detour, we arrived at our campsite. We surveyed the damage. Because of our preparation, the damage was minimal. Only a small amount of water coursed in our tents. We retightened the tarp and dried off our food goods. Preparation had saved us.

The wise king spoke well of preparation, too. According to him, if you know danger is coming, take precautions. Otherwise, we will suffer the consequences.

Opportunities for preparation abound. Preparation can keep us from financial and relational ruin. It can also mean an enjoyable retirement. Even now, I’m planning for my retirement, which is only three years away. Preparation leads to better grades in school. Many hands also make for lighter work. The list is endless.

But our greatest need for preparation concerns eternity. Jesus will come again—whether at our death or at His Second Coming. Recognizing our sin, repenting, and inviting Him into our life prepares us for His return and our eternity and gives us the most fulfilling life we could ever ask for.

Don’t be a simpleton, failing to prepare for what you know is ahead. Prepare now.

Prayer: Father, we trust You to show us how to prepare for the things that come our way.

Tweetable: Have you prepared for the worst? 

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Flashback Friday - Calm in the Chaos - Martin Wiles

Calm in the Chaos

What appears incapable of incapacitating can often incapacitate nonetheless. 

Meteorologists advised the South to prepare. A major winter storm packing snow and ice was on the way. Many school officials sent students home before it arrived or either canceled classes entirely. But some in and around Atlanta, Georgia, weren’t so fortunate. By the time students were dismissed, roads were too treacherous for buses to navigate. Students were returned to schools. Buses couldn’t take them home, and parents couldn’t retrieve them. The interstates weren’t any better. Ice and accidents produced a congested tangle with hundreds being forced to spend the night in their vehicles or abandon them and walk for help. Read more...

Tweetable: How do you find calm in your chaos?

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Flashback Friday - Storm Promises - Martin Wiles

Storm Promises

Like the weather, life changes abruptly…and it did for hundreds on Monday, May 20, 2013. 

At three in the afternoon, a massive EF5 tornado packing 200 mph winds spent 40 minutes on the ground in and around Monroe, Oklahoma, traveled 17 miles, and leveled 13,000 homes, several schools, and a hospital. Twenty four people were killed, and two billion dollars in damage was done. Read more...

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Seeking Refuge - Martin Wiles

Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 25:20 NLT

The day appeared calm enough, but Mother Nature soon released her hidden fury.

My brother and I—along with my daughter, set out early for a ten-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the five mile point, we planned to set up camp and walk the remainder of the way without our packs.

As we reached our destination, we were greeted by the sound of thunder. We were familiar with mountain storms and decided to set up camp. Within minutes of driving the last tent stake, we felt the first drops of rain. Then came a torrential downpour with lighting to match. There was no safe place to seek refuge. We huddled on our rubber sleeping mats, hoping lightning wouldn’t strike the tall pines above us.

After sitting for what seemed like hours, we tumbled to a trail shelter that sat a mere 100 yards away. Through pouring rain, intermittent lightning, and puddled water, we made it to our refuge where we remained for the next several hours, listening as storm after storm marched through the mountains. Though our refuge was only a three sided shelter, we felt secure.

David’s enemies were numerous. Among them were lions, bears, Philistines, giants, and even a jealous king. Regardless of who or what they were, David found refuge in a big God whom he trusted to protect him.

I’ve sought refuge in healthy and unhealthy things. At the end of a stressful day, I love taking refuge in a good book. I cherish the times when my wife and I can go to a restaurant alone, without friends or the grandboys. Sitting in our old glider on our back patio in the fall of the year is also nice.

But I’ve also attempted to find refuge in unhealthy things during stressful times. Instead of running to God, I ran to addictions or unhealthy relationships. They brought only temporary satisfaction, along with a foreboding sense of guilt that I was looking in the wrong place.

Where David found refuge is where we should. A healthy relationship with a loving Savior is the only thing that will bring satisfaction, contentment, and peace. All other things and people will disappoint. He always loves unconditionally and protects faithfully. Friendships and family can be the icing on the cake, but they can never take God’s place.

Run to God for refuge when times are tough.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being a trustworthy place of refuge when life is stormy—a place that will never disappoint us. 

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