Reflecting on Ice Storms and Simple Faith

BY STEVE COLEMAN

If you’ve lived here for a while, you will be well familiar with snow and ice experiences in metro Atlanta. Images of cars stranded on the highways, and stories of children and teachers spending the night in schools have grazed the national media.

Growing up in South Carolina in the 1970s, I remember an ice storm in ‘73 that turned our small state on its head. I was 7 years old, and a family friend picked up my family, along with the contents of our freezer. He loaded us in his truck to drive us to another family’s home, where we stayed for several days. Multiple families converged on this home because of a gas stove (uncommon in our town) and plenty of charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill.

As a youngster, I believed this to be a great adventure — and it was! We played in the snow (mostly ice and slush) and watched our parents thaw and cook feasts from food stored on the screened porch.

I do not remember worrying about when the power would come back on, whether the food supply or the charcoal would run out, or if we had enough blankets. Why? I knew my parents would take care of me. I had complete trust that my needs would be met by those who were responsible.

In the book of Philippians, Paul acknowledges he had troubles. He references life’s difficulties and confirms

God’s created beings have problems with circumstances, relationships and obedience. Paul wrote: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

Paul affirmed a truth: We can have complete trust our true needs will be met by the one who is responsible. Whatever the struggle, the storm or the situation, God is in control of all things. That control does not mean he will prevent all storms and struggles from coming our way; it means he always is at work and can be trusted to guide us through those struggles with peace.

We don’t need to worry about our present or future circumstances. There is no issue, no mountain, no obstacle or circumstance you can’t face with the God of the universe as your protector and guide. Trust him today, and trust him enough to let him define a good day, a good week and a good struggle.