ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Where I live, the temperature is going to hit triple digits today, with almost unbreathable air. When I took the garbage out this morning, it was like walking into a blast furnace. It took my breath away. I plan to stay within my little air-conditioned house today and may not venture out until this passes. God alone is the only One who controls the weather. Mankind has yet to realize that, but if this is what hell feels like, I sure don’t want to go there.

When the turbulence of a summer storm knocks the wind out of our sails, when our breath dissipates in the eye of it – when there is nowhere to go – some may eventually surrender to God’s will.  We pray.  We ask for intervention.  We wait and wait and wait for answers, but they don’t come as quickly as we’d like.  Our faith weakens, but our inner voice tells us that God has a handle on all our life experiences.   That tiny voice of conscience and the truth of God’s Word, also reminds us of the unconditional relationship we have with our Creator.

When we’re forced up against a wall, we call on our Savior.  It isn’t a matter of giving up.  Surrender means more than that.  We’re putting our complete trust in One who can calm the winds – the One who sends refreshing water to cleanse and refresh – the One who knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

Dear, Heavenly Father, we come to you for guidance.  Our world faces the winds of disharmony, hatred, fear and division.  You have proven your power to us through the forces of nature.  Still many of us cannot accept your majesty.  What they can’t see, to them, doesn’t exist.  You reveal yourself through the weather. You show us your face in the eye of a storm.  We ask that you watch over our country.  Be with our president as he faces difficult criticism.  Be with our lawmakers as they try to sort through legislature regarding immigration.  Our nation seems to have deserted you in the last few years.  Many don’t believe in you.  They laugh at those who do.  Please, work in their hearts.  Let your Holy Spirit inspire us as a nation.  Bring us together and unite us.  In Jesus name we ask.  Amen!