“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
When we were up at Duck Creek we decided to take a ride in my parent’s ATV. It was a beautiful day at 75 degrees. It was perfect! We came across some antelope on the side of the trail. We went up further and further into pine forests and then we stopped at the ridge line of Strawberry Point. We walked a hundred yards and everything open wide to beautiful pink cliffs and thousand foot drops! The view was amazing of three different states!
From there, we could see a storm brewing north of us but thought little of it at the time. Then the clouds started to get darker. A few big drops and the thunder started rumbling. The time between lightning flashes diminished. We knew it was time to start moving. The little roof on the ATV didn’t help as the rain started pelting through the open sides. Then came the hail. And the rain gushed down in torrents. As we were flying towards shelter we saw lighting flash on top of us and the thundered rumbled immediately. It was so close you could feel the electricity.
Finally we made it back to town and into an ice cream shop. Boy that was irony. The warmest place was next to the freezers! We were so glad to be out of the rain for our clothes were soaked through.
In our lives there will always be side trips that do not end up the way we think. So how do you work through unexpected journeys in your life?
Be prepared
In Utah the weather can change at any moment. It is always important to prepare beforehand. in the same way, the storms of life can blow in at any moment. So it is vital to take time daily to refill our physical, emotional and spiritual tanks. The more we are connected to Jesus the more He prepares us for the stuff we don’t know about. He gives us the wisdom we need to overcome.
Take chances
Sometimes it easier just to sit at home and not do anything for fear of the unknown. However, had we not gone out that day we would not have had the experience! The scripture passage above says to make the most of every opportunity. Try something new. Go on an adventure. But first prepare by talking it through with God.
Tell a friend
When the rain let up we went over to friends of my parents. They were sure glad to see us because we had told them before we were going out. Had we not come back they would have gone and found us. life is a team sport. Always include others on your adventures. That way you get their support and help if you unexpected journey goes awry. They will help you through the hard times.
God is full of surprises. When you follow Him, he will give you unexpected journeys. So hang on and have fun!
Lead WILD 