Well, the picture you see is a big tornado that ripped through Hesston, Kansas on March 13, 1990.   It was classified as an F-5 tornado on the Fugita scale, and to that date was the largest tornado recorded.  I happen to witness the awesome power of it as it came through town.   It was truly a feeling of utter helplessness.  In fact, there were concrete buildings that there was nothing left but a slab.  The only house left standing in its path was of a woman who had earnestly prayed for deliverance.   I am certain others had prayed because amazingly, after it hit sometimes the only thing left of a building was where people took refuge.  The tornado was on the ground for 80 miles, but only 2 people were killed.   I don’t always understand why some people survive and others do not, but the testimonies of the survivors are sometimes quite miraculous as if they received divine protection.

As I reflect upon that day, I realize that sometimes a storm so terrible in life hits.  Where do you run for refuge?   Where can you go for safety?  There was absolutely nothing I could have done had its terror turned and came my way.  I have talked to people who have had storms devastate their lives whether it be through hurricane, divorce, cancer, physical or emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, or through broken relationships, you name it.  The storms in life will come.  But if you take refuge in a house built upon sand, the house will fall because it has no solid foundation. 

Last year today, I began facing a storm that is as devastating as that tornado.  I began fighting a battle in court just to see my children. So far, it would appear as a defeat.  My children do not know that I love them dearly. If they only knew the truth, they would embrace the love they reject. Only the truth will set them free.  In the storm of my life, the only strength I have is because I have had to cast my cares and my worries upon the Lord who is like a Rock.  He is my refuge.  He is my helper.   Who am I to this tornado?  I am but an ant.  But if God is for me, who is this tornado that comes against the Almighty who upholds me?   So no matter what is happening around you, in God’s presence there can be a peace beyond measure.  When you see the terrible storm, take refuge in God’s presence.

When you are too weak to stand, Grace will stand in your place.

Blessings,

Wade Balzer
wbalzer@newjerusalem.org