In the Eye of the Storm

Read Exodus 19:16-25

On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; Exodus 19:16-18 (NRSV)

Lea Anne Foster lives in Virginia. Her brother died on a June afternoon. That evening as a major storm rolled in, Lea felt drawn outside. WInd whipped at her tear-streaked cheeks and blew her hair in every direction. Shades of gray, blue, and orange streaked the sky. Lea looked heavenward and saw a flash of lightning and heard the powerful thunder. She stood outside until pelting rain drove her back inside. Lea was filled with unbearable grief. She wanted and needed her brother. But she knew that through this awe-inspiring display, God was saying, "Your brother, whom I love, is here with me."

In the months following her brother's death, Lea has read her Bible and prayed. God directed her to Exodus 19, where the Lord met Moses on Mount Sinai. The scripture took on a new meaning for Lea as she read of thunder, lightning, thick clouds, and the quaking mountain announcing God's presence. She was reminded of the display she witnessed the day her brother died. God called to her through nature, and Lea was in God's presence during the storm. God grieved with her, and offered comfort and love for the journey ahead. And God has stayed with her since.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us notice the signs that you are here with us during all the storms of life, in Jesus' name. Amen.