As I write this, Hurricane Idalia has thankfully passed our community without any significant damage inflicted. However, I have no doubt other storms will threaten our area and our state before the season is over. When a hurricane approaches, what are you most concerned about? Is it flooding and water intrusion? Damage to your roof? Running out of your favorite beverages? For me it’s losing power. I hate that! Particularly at night when things get very dark. There’s no light at all, it’s hot and humid, and I can’t even watch ESPN! And of course, that’s when I realize there are no batteries for the flashlight.
I’ve been thinking about losing power in the context of our theme for this school year “See the Light…Be the Light” based on John 8:12. My house never seems darker than when the power is out during a storm. There’s no moon or stars because of the cloud cover and no streetlights to provide even a little illumination. There’s no better feeling then when the power comes back on, and those lights flip on throughout the house. Hooray! Thankfully the most important power in my life is Jesus and He never goes out. As Isaiah 9:2 teaches us, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” No matter the darkness in our lives, Jesus provides the power to shine a great light into whatever we’re experiencing. When the next hurricane or other trial or tribulation comes don’t fret or fear because the power of Christ in your life will never go out.