I had a lot of both last week! Before Irma was a “thing,” a menacing thing boring down on us from the Atlantic, my wife and daughter had lovingly planned my birthday: a “staycation” at Universal Studios. I had not been since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter had been built. I don’t do well with some of those jarring, 3-D rides, or with rollercoasters in the dark. But I toughed it out!

Then came the agonizing preparations and waiting for the massive storm. When it became apparent that it would be very close to us, I again toughed it out for the sake of my family. But I was more than a little concerned. Long story short: God was, and is, so gracious in His protection. In our era of enhanced meteorology, with Doppler or Klystron radar, we just had to track the snail-like 15 mph odyssey of this destructive hurricane.

Life is often scary, tricky to maneuver. We second-guess our decisions to get on the ride or not; to stay put and hunker down, or get completely out of harm’s way. Whatever our choice, through Christ’s love and mercy, we always get through. If we succumb to feelings of fear and dread over what “might/could” happen, we will miss out on God’s ability to assure us of His providence. Anxious moments of uncertainty over property damage (or just queasiness from the thrill of “Escape from Gringott’s”) will make us stronger and more confident in God’s desire that we have life, and have it abundantly favored in His unchanging grace. After all, He loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art