Where is the road of life leading you?
We all face life's difficulties and here are some examples.
The second Hurricane within a month slammed into North East Florida and into our picturesque town--St. Augustine, the Oldest City in the United States.
Majestic streets, shops and homes were soon invaded by the rough, churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Homes were swallowed up by the flooding waters, others were threatened and some streets were destroyed. Our lovely downtown area had to be evacuated, as the forceful storms approached and gale winds blew.
Then our car was temperamental at the grocery store and wouldn't start. After the tow service finally pulled our car to the garage, family members gave us a ride. It felt good to be out of the storm in a dry car and on the way home.
As we rode along a wooded area, winds and rain from the hurricane were approaching. Then we noticed three senior citizens coming out of the woods,
loaded down with backpacks and tents.We were stunned.
Yet we moan and complain about so many things, as though we expect life to be easy.
But the inconveniences and destruction in our area were nothing
compared to the total devastation in South West Florida. Homes and businesses were destroyed and entire towns were washed away. Today, weeks later, many people have lost everything. Thousands are without jobs, homes and are living in tents. Yes in tents, even after another storm ravaged our state.
In addition to much preparation for the two hurricanes and a tropical storm, people we know have experienced other major challenges, some serious health problems, and loss of loved ones.
Dr. M. Scott Peck, said in his book, The Road Less Traveled, "Life is difficult." He then showed how liberating it is to know and accept that fact. He added that we can face those challenges...and should teach our children how to deal with life when it falls apart.
In the face of those inescapable truths, we have a choice. We can moan, or pray. There's another reality, we have not valued the power of prayer as we bemoan our plight. It may be in our individual lives, family or our nation. We go on and on complaining.
Instead let us "pray about everything without worrying about anything" (Philippians 4:6 NLT).
We've all done it, moaning and complaining, about our trials or the horrible news of the day. Our Heavenly Father grieves over it, because it reflects negatively on Him. He loves when we bring our troubles to Him, believe in who He is, and what He can do, and then trust Him.
"He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think..."(Ephesians 3:20).
