Tip of My Iceberg

               photo courtesy of Gayle Carlson

Kate and Alex, my niece and her husband, have lived in Portland, Oregon for several years. It rains quite a bit there, but rarely does the temperature drop low enough to provide the specter of a winter wonderland/compromising conditions as it has this past week.

Kate and Alex found themselves in the curious position of not being able to get out and drive to various locations around the city because of the icy conditions. Both could work remotely, but living in a triplex with no direct access to their garage made it difficult to even get to their car safely.

As time went on, however, their supplies became reduced. They hadn’t gotten enough food for an extended period of time, so as the days passed, they used up everything they had. The final food items they had were two potatoes and a can of chickpeas.

Yummy.

Their circumstances made me realize how unpredictable life can be. What Kate and Alex went through wasn’t a deal-breaker. It was inconvenient and a little uncomfortable. The conditions around the world are often more challenging,

It’s the picture of the uncertainty of life. We think we can control what happens, but our limits become obvious when we come up against obstacles larger than us.

Too often people are hesitant to ask for help, to request a friend to come along when situations are difficult.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” Psalm 46:1-3

This is an illustration of the tumultuous forces of nature that can rock our world. When life feels like it’s crumbling around us, when our emotions quake because of the trauma we’ve endured or the pain we’ve experienced. When our molehills become mountains of sadness or disruption. God is present for us, a refuge, a safe place to find our footing, strength to handle whatever comes our way.

Who we are, what our jobs our, our socioeconomic status, our ethnicity cannot protect us from trials and tribulations. We will be disappointed; we will find disparaging circumstances that undermine our best efforts. Jesus reminds us of that.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you WILL HAVE many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We can’t overcome every challenge that confronts us. We can, however, have Someone in our lives who will be with us and help us through the the rough spots of life.

Kate and Alex finally made it through the worst of the ice and cold. They can prepare for the possibility of plummeting temperatures, but they have no idea if anything like that will happen again. But they can count on hard things happening. At some point.

Jesus gives us the strength we need to not be the victims in the challenging stories.

He is the Victor who helps us come out on top.