April Showers...

The calendar says April.

The saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers."

It was sixty degrees last week.

The tulips are sprouting in downtown Holland.

All of the above statements are true. In Michigan, however, those statements may be true, but we can and still do receive accumulating snowfall. Such was the case yesterday. The beautiful sunshine of the morning gave way to noon snow globe type showers, followed by blustery winds in the afternoon. Hours later, the bright blue sky was visible yet again. And, as if on cue, we had another round of accumulating snow overnight. Us Michiganders groaned a collective, "ARGH!"

The spouting day lilies and daffodils in our yard were covered in a blanket of snow. One might think the extreme cold and snow destroyed life and the possibility of continued growth, but quite the opposite is true. It turns out that tulips, day lilies and daffodils are hardy plants. In a few short days, as the weather warms, the daffodil buds will bloom into beautiful flowers.


Most of us encounter adversity in our lives. Adversity may come in the storm of sickness. It may rain down in unemployment or the death of a loved one. These stormy times may seem devastating. The blanket of adversity may seem debilitating.


Jesus knows about adversity. He endured trials, sufferings and even torture.  Having Jesus as my Savior means he understands my struggles. Why? Because he experienced and endured the storms of life himself. Nothing in my life can compare to what Jesus experienced. What a comfort it is to know that Jesus gets it. Amazing as it may seem, he not only carries us through the storm, but he helps us grow in spite of them as well.

He gets me. He understands you. He knows my circumstances. He endured your pain.

When the storms of life seem too tough to weather, go to him. He's always there.

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:15-16 (The Message)