Hurricane Ike
by Jeanie Prentice
(Bend, Oregon USA)
I would hasten to my place of refuge.
From the stormy wind and tempest.
Psalm 55:8
We watched as the news repeatedly warned those who were in the path of the storm to evacuate,leave as soon as possible,or face the consequences. Many took the advice and left while others decided to stay braving the winds, rain and sounds that screamed of terror. Those who decided to stay became very aware that they now had no other place to run or hide. In those moments, prayer became a last resort for many.
While outside in the tangled wreckage of a cross beam, a tiny bird hid trying to protect itself against a force that seemed to claw at its very existence. Its little body battered from all sides while nature in its rawest form propelled itself around the beam in which the tiny bird huddled.
When the storm had subsided and the rescue workers came. They found the little bird, wet and trembling. With gentle hands they reached to pick it up, but it quickly backed away in fear. There was safety in the only place it had found to hide.
As I watched this story unfold, I was reminded of a loving God that holds us in the palm of His hand. While the storms of life surround us, the terrors that buffet us seem to be more than we can bear, He is always with us and protects us.
We are safe in the crossbeams of the Cross.
Prayer,
Heavenly Father, help me to always remember that we are safe from the storms of life as long as we keep our eyes upon the Cross.
