Simply Heart and Soul: Mountains, Seas, and Piles of Trees

A bizarre eeriness filled our home, and then it happened.  An F4 tornado came down our long, woodsy, driveway, to our front door, and then made its way across our back woods. 

Intense pressure filled our ears, and the “big bad wolf” roared loudly. Our floors and walls vibrated, outdoor objects flew across our windows, and just like that, it was over. 

We rushed to the windows and doorway to look out.  Our woodland landscape lay in destruction, appearing unrecognizable to us.

The sound of sirens brought our minds out of the shock of what just happened, and a new realization set in—our neighboring family members may be in trouble. We tried to reach them by phone.  It was of no use.  Landlines were dead, cell phones were jammed.  Our driveway couldn't be found for all of the downed trees and our cars were completely surrounded.  We were trapped......Our minds raced as we realized the desperate need to make sure everyone was ok.

My husband and 23 year old son knew what they had to do—just what God would want them to do—head out on foot in spite of impossible seeming conditions, to check on everyone.

Noaa radio repeatedly warned, "This is not a tornado warning.  This is a tornado EMERGENCY."  Were there more tornados to come, I wondered?  I was afraid for the girls and I to be separated from our men with no communication, but there was no other answer.  It had to be done.

Dusk was settling in, joining the rain and lightening and heavy walls of humidity.  In spite of it, they set out on their journey of climbing over and under trees, and the daunting task of  trying to find their way through.  My husband described feeling as if they were on another planet.  It was disorienting, challenging, and it seemed nearly impossible.  But God equipped them with the courage and physical strength to press on.

God doesn't ask us to do something that He doesn't equip us for.

Have you ever pondered what the disciples must have thought when Jesus told them to feed the 5000 people?  Can't you just hear them say, "You want us to do what?” It must have seemed impossible, yet

He equipped them to do what He asked, providing them with what He told them to give.

How about the Israelites?  Reckon what was on their mind when they saw the Red Sea in front of them, the Egyptians behind them?  Yet

God equipped them, making a way for them.

How about you?  What are you facing today?  Are you dealing with circumstances that seem too difficult, or maybe even impossible?  Are you between a rock and a hard place like the Israelites found themselves?  Or, maybe you are feeling like God is asking you to do something that you don't feel adequate enough to accomplish? 

Our Creator, the One that created all things, can handle what He has asked you to do.  Call on Him.  Ask Him for help and guidance and direction.  Submit your will to His will, and then, press toward the mark of Christ Jesus.

He will equip you.

His way, His timing, the way that will be best.  Friend, hang in there.  He loves you.  Trust Him.  He knows how everything will turn out.  

No mountain, or sea, or even piles of trees will stop our Faithful, Loving, Heavenly Father.

After some time, our men folks returned safely.  Everyone was ok.  Several family members’ homes were lost, but everyone was ok.

 

 

 

 

This is a view of our front yard and driveway, taken the following morning from an upstairs window. 

 

The same view after some clean up.