Before the Storm

Photo credit: Charles Sowers

This spectacular photo was taken in Jacksonville, Florida, as Hurricane Irma began to move towards the state. The rainbow is a promise from God that there are limits to his wrath. At this moment, we can only imagine the devastation that Irma might bring. But beyond the storm clouds, the wind, the rain, and the surges, the promise of God’s rainbow shines in radiant beauty.

Hurricanes remind us of the fury and harshness of life and even of our own sin. Just as the winds and the waves of the storm damage our environment, the storms of sin ravage the landscape of our lives. Beyond the storms, beyond the hurt, there is grace of God. To the world the rainbow brings hope of healing and renewal. To your heart, the Cross brings the reality of rescue and restoration.

This photo shows us the images of the bow and the cross. Jesus is the great rider who calms the storms of your life, he heals the wounds of your heart. Through the debris of life he brings hope. No matter how deep the hurt runs, Christ runs deeper.

The rainbow and the cross, they are God reminders to us that he keeps his covenant promises. He has guaranteed his faithfulness with the sacrifice of his son.

The storms will come, both to Florida and to your heart. Remember and rejoice that before the storm you know the promises of God stand forever secure. Before the storm you know he is there, a refuge strong and sure. Because of Christ, there is hope beyond the storm.

As God said in Genesis 9:13-16:

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

 

Shepherd Press