I watched as the headlights from passing cars reflected against the ice crystals that clung to the tree branches in front of the house. It was breathtaking. Every water droplet seemed to dance in unison each time the spotlight was focused on them.

Michigan is known as The Winter Wonderland State and the view from my window brought that coined term to life. Unfortunately, there is a downside to all the wonderland beauty which includes power outages, interrupted cable/internet services, icy roads and weather-related accidents.

Life is filled with the unexpected.

I opened the front door to snap pictures of the beautiful, silvery trees and immediately heard something that sounded much like gun shots. It wasn’t long before I realized it was branches breaking beneath the weight of the ice. The sound of generators hummed from nearby houses and our ice coated road was a treacherous skating rink for cars.

The seasons of life can be just as unpredictable as the weather. One minute we bask in a climate of sunshine and then, without notice, we endure a tornado that levels everything we have worked so hard to build. Skiers will fearlessly glide down a ski slope only to find the snow has turned to ice and they lose control. Mountains crumble during an earthquake and tidal waves sink even the biggest ships.

Have a back-up plan.

When our life is interrupted by conditions, circumstances and events out of our control, we need to have a back-up plan in place.  I have always embraced the saying,

 “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.”

We may not be able to control every weather condition of our life, but we can have a back-up plan that allows us to navigate through unexpected times of destruction, downed power lines, and slippery roads.

I think you will agree it’s a little late to buy a generator once the power is out, purchase road salt after you spin out on ice, or make plans to evacuate in the middle of a tornado.

Know your Redeemer.

When you come face-to-face with a tidal wave that rocks your world, or an earthquake that swallows your dreams alive; know your Redeemer.

If an ice storm immobilizes your direction, excessive heat burns your hope, or high winds strip everything green from your life; know your Redeemer.

Whatever the weather situation in your life, know your Redeemer. His name is Jesus. He can captain a ship, navigate icy roads, ride out the tides, reconnect all lines of communication, and subdue the most powerful winds. Oh yes, did I mention, He can also walk on water.