This is the passage of scripture that I read in my devotional time today.  It stopped me in my tracks, challenged my personal depth of faith. How easily today could this passage read something like this: 

Though hurricanes such as Katrina and Sandy destroy everything that I have,

though tornadoes claim property and the lives of beloved family members,

though fires sweep through and devastate the landscape I call home, 

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will be joyful in God my Savior.

As much as we think we would like to know what tomorrow might bring, God spares us that knowledge.  He knows that we only need focus on the demands and energy needed for one twenty-four hour period at a time. However, in each twenty-four hour day in which we exist, there is a dire need and indescribable joy to be experienced in spending time alone with our Heavenly Father. How else Could we possibly be prepared for what today holds, much less what tomorrow has in store.

What if we are faced with the worst of circumstances, things we never could have imagined would happen to us?  Have we prepared ourselves beyond storm shelters, extra rations and flashlight batteries for the impact that our lives could sustain.  Have we developed the most vital necessity of all to weather these storms of life?  Would we be able to reach for a relationship with our Lord that would sustain us beyond the loss and devastation?  How I desire to ascend to that level of communion with Him that would make joy and rejoicing achievable no matter what transpires. To be so readily able to draw on the strength that only He can give, strength that would enable me to go on to the heights.  

There is no way I can say in this moment as I sit comfortably in my home exactly how I would respond to the worst of circumstances that may come.  All I am sure of is that I am dedicated to having a relationship so strong with Jesus that I am prepared to depend on His presence, provision, and strength no matter what transpires. Won’t you accompany me and train your vision to see God present for you in whatever the circumstance you may face. Secure the ability to rejoice in Him at all times and in all things, because of who He is and the promises He has given us. To God Be the Glory! 

*The above pictures were taken in an old college used as a makeshift high school after a tornado had devastated the local high school and much of the surrounding community. What a testimony!