What Do You Believe?

The gloomy skies signaled an impending storm as I made the long drive home from work on a desolate stretch of highway. I engaged the traction control feature as I braced for the worst and turned on my favorite Christian radio station (hoping they would be playing "Jesus Take the Wheel.") But then in the distance, I noticed a rainbow cutting through. I have never seen this resplendence BEFORE the rain. For some reason, it occurred to me that God often gives us the promise in advance to help carry us through the valley.

Divergent narratives confuse our sensibilities and more than ever, we must use the tools that we have been given. Prayer and critical thinking can go a long way. Role models and high places are being brought down to ground zero and everything becomes level at the foot of the cross. There is no room for adoration, unless the spotlight is fixed on The Unchangeable One. As Hurricane Helene left ruins in her wake, we are reminded that even when the forecast is spot-on, sometimes we are ill-prepared for life's storms. I do take comfort in the fact that Heaven knows the end of our story and the trajectory of our life.

October paints a picture of autumn leaves falling but it also centers on fear. In fact, spending for Halloween 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion dollars. The Middle East conflict is a lingering nightmare. The Bible warns that men’s hearts will fail them for fear, but light overcomes the darkness. October is also a month of awareness. Everywhere you turn, urgent reminders are force fed: Volunteer! Get screened for cancer! Watch out for depression! Know the signs of domestic violence and advocate for others! Noble causes abound and the resources are few, but there is no shortage in God’s economy.

This is also the month of my brother, Steven’s birthday. His earthly sojourn included a painful battle with ALS, but I believe the light that I saw in his eyes when his life was forever changed by a loving God who held him close. My brother chose to lock in on the promise instead of the problem. On the surface, it seemed so unfair. But he died in perfect peace because he had come to know The Peacemaker who calms troubled waters.

Trust is a rare commodity these days and at every turn, we are bombarded with empty promises, corruption and scams. The same Rebuild Florida program that approved me for a brand-new home after Hurricane Irma is now being investigated for fraud. Here in the U.S., the presidential seat is up for grabs and the air is thick with anxiety and unprecedented division. So as the calendar page turns to October, let’s turn our attention skyward, opting for faith over fear. Set your eyes on the rainbow instead of the storm--because what you believe matters more than you know!

"Love Me Like a Rainbow" By: Wendy Miller-Aguiar

Verse

You add color to my world because You are the light

A promise spoken softly in the middle of my night

You have no beginning, and the end I'll never find

In the middle of the chaos, You bring comfort to my mind

Chorus

Father, love me like a rainbow

spreading high above the storm

I will follow where You lead me

And Your love is my reward-

Your reflection is my purpose

Every word You speak is true

I reach out in faith to touch You

Like a rainbow-I love You!

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.