One of the most amazing phenomena in the Juneau-Douglas area is the wind. Over the last five days or so I have repeatedly moved my doormat back to its original position. After a while I just made the decision to pick it up and leave it inside. I realize that this decision comes with a certain level of risk and uncertainty, but I was willing to take the chance. The weather could turn nasty and turn the porch into an ice rink, but the other option was losing the mat all together to the wind.
Ultimately the same thing is true in our spiritual and personal lives as well. We are sometimes subject to the winds of change. Often in this tumultuous environment we are faced with a decision to either retreat to a point of safety or to succumb to the whirling torrent. I know that personally I have made the wrong decision. If I choose the path that is of least resistance (with the wind) it is an easier choice. If, however I choose to go against the wind I know that I have a lot of work in front of me. It is in times like this I am reminded of Amos 4:13:
“For lo, the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals, makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name!”
As we sit on the precipice of important life-changing decisions it is important to remember that along with the gale force of the wind there is always a voice as well. The voice that warns us to seek safety, and the voice that tells us to dig in — because even through this trial, you will be fine. The divine intention of an Almighty God is often found in the situation we desire to avoid. We need to be comfortable enough in our relationship with God to trust the voice we hear and obey God’s will. The more you trust the better you hear; the better you hear, the easier it becomes to be obedient. Thus as life throws its weight around as oft it will, it is easy to follow God’s divine path “wherever the wind blows.”
• Jason I.W. Cornish is pastor of Douglas Community United Methodist Church. “Living & Growing” is a regular column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
