Out of the Whirlwind

By Ava Pennington—

When we relocated from New York to south Florida, we were told to expect two seasons: drought season and hurricane season. Hurricane season begins June 1. Summer rains are welcomed, summer hurricanes are not.

For the first four years after our move, hurricanes barreled across the Atlantic but often spun themselves out in the ocean. When they did make landfall, it was the shores of Haiti or Mexico, or states such as North Carolina that bore the brunt of the punishing winds. Weathercasters warned our good fortune wouldn’t last, but few people heeded them.

As the season opens again this week, I can’t help thinking about the hurricane season of 2004. Once again, it started quietly. But warnings to prepare took on new significance as an organized storm approached the Florida coast. Still, long-term residents rolled their eyes and expressed their skepticism. “Haven’t had a direct hit in twenty-five years. Won’t happen now. You’ll see.”

We did see. Two hurricanes made landfall in almost the identical place exactly three weeks apart. A statistical improbability, but it happened nonetheless. Both times, the eye of the storm was just a few miles from our home as the whirlwinds engulfed us.

Fear consumed me during each hurricane. I was afraid of the sheer force of the wind. Anxious about the raw power of tidal surges rushing to engulf us. Wondering if our roof would hold and if the rain would ever stop.

But despite the howling wind and the pounding rain, I rested in the knowledge that I belonged to the One who “laid the earth’s foundation” and “shut up the sea behind doors” (Job 38:4, 8). I knew, beyond all doubting, that even hurricanes are subject to the God of creation. Regardless of the outcome, I could trust Him. The sky cleared after each storm, reassuring me that not only is the Creator powerful over His creation, He is also a loving Father who extends mercy to His children.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding” (Job 37:5 NIV).

 

 

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Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker. Originally from New York City, she relocated after a 20-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired. In addition to writing and speaking, she teaches a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 150+ women from September through May each year.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries International. Ava has also written articles for magazines such as Power for Living, Called, and Christianity Today’s Today’s Christian Woman. She has been published in 25 anthologies, including 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Ava is grateful for her husband, Russ, their marriage of 35+ years, and their home in south Florida. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com or contact her at Ava@AvaWrites.com.