There’s no denying that the weather has been a little unpredictable lately. Last week we could walk around here in suburban Indianapolis without our coats on and then yesterday, snow! I had heard that it could rain, and that wasn’t supposed to happen until late in the day, but then I was reading Facebook early Saturday morning and people in the Chicago area were already posting pictures of the snowfall in that area. Before 9:00 am, folks south of here were reporting snow by the airport and several minutes later, the lightest flurries started here.
Janet and I were still eating breakfast and within several minutes, the flakes were actually quite large. Within an hour, they were humongous! And it was beautiful… At first, the snow was melting as soon as it touched the ground, but soon the snow started to “stick” and before long we had an accumulation of several inches on the ground and we were able to experience our first real snow of the season. It was, in every sense of the word, picture perfect.
By the afternoon, the snow was melting and although I heard that flights were delayed in Chicago and, therefore, other cities across the country, most travel was normal and driving was fine. When the reports were finally tallied, I heard that O’Hare had more than 11.2″ of snow! Down here, we received a little more than 2″ – but it seemed like much more.
Oddly, it was great to see a little snow. It’s been a long time since we had a snowfall and while I don’t want to be hampered by travel difficulties or see anyone inconvenienced, a quiet Saturday morning seemed like the perfect time to watch God at work while having a cup of coffee. Each year during the first signs of significant snow, I always think of the same Bible verse. Those of you who have been followers of this blog for many years will undoubtedly recognize it – from the book of Job.
Near the end of this book about suffering and faithfulness, God questions Job and starts to mention some of the things that have happened since the creation of the heavens and the earth. In fact, God demonstrates some of His awesome power when he discusses the creation of sea creatures and the storehouses for things of nature. We are told, in tonight’s verse, Job 38:22-25, “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle? What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed, or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth? Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain, and a path for the thunderstorm…”
My encouragement this evening is that God wants us to realize that He is the Creator of everything – and that He delights is sending us surprises. Such was the case yesterday! My prayer is that you will always appreciate the awesome power of God and ways that He chooses to connect with His people – whether it is through the creation of a rainbow – or some of the largest snowflakes you have ever seen! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…