Scripture: “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Prov. 24:16).
Thunderstorms
There is nothing quite like watching a thunderstorm roll up to your doorstep. Its majestic beauty and power are captivating. All storms require three things: 1. Moisture–usually from the ocean; 2. Unstable air—is created when warm moist air is near the ground and cold, dry air is above. 3. Lift—the difference caused by the air density pushing the unstable air upward. This updraft fuels the storm causing it to grow. The downdraft will phase out without the updraft, causing the storm to diminish.
Storm chasers are mesmerized by the beauty of storms. They aim to capture the center of the storm in motion. They exert a tremendous amount of energy chasing storm after storm. The adrenaline rush for storm chasers is rather addictive and can put them in harm’s way, making them vulnerable to the elements and dangers of the storm. A storm’s unpredictable approach can catch you off guard and inflict fear. One minute you are captivated by the beauty of the storm, and the next, you are paralyzed with the fear of the reality of the danger you face. As we explore the four types of thunderstorms, we will also explore our response to the fear they can inflict.
Four Types of Thunderstorms
Single Cell Thunderstorms are often called “popcorn” or “pop-up storm.” These storms bring brief periods of rain, lightning, and sometimes hail and offer relief from the summer heat. These storms are weak and usually last about an hour.
Multi-Cell Thunderstorms are multiple single-cell storms that have joined together. They are sporadic and unorganized. Hail and gusts of wind are common with this type of storm. They circle over the same area continuously, resulting in mass rainfall and the threat of flooding. Floods happen when the ability of the ground to absorb heavy rain has reached its capacity. When the ground becomes flooded, it can create a flash flood. They can be extremely dangerous, as they are unpredictable and can quickly sweep people and homes away. NOAA (National Severe Storms Laboratory) reports more deaths from flash floods than hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning.
Squall Line Thunderstorms can spread over hundreds of miles. They are common in the Midwest of the United States. Squall line storms are a baseline of thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. The greatest threat in this type of storm is the straight–line wind of more than 70 MPH, which causes tremendous damage. The damage caused by the storm can be mistaken for a tornado and often requires a storm surveyor to assess the damage the next day and determine if it was a squall line thunderstorm or a tornado.
Supercell Thunderstorms are called “The King of Thunderstorms” and have a majestic presence. They are often referred to as rotating thunderstorms due to the rotating updraft (mesocyclone) that sets them apart. Though they are small, these supercell storms are fierce. The rotating updraft prolongs the storm and causes it to become organized. The wind shear of a supercell thunderstorm causes the storm to spin like a top, changing the direction and speed of the wind. It generates extreme weather, often with baseball size hail and flash floods. They can be weak and yet produce violent tornadoes and often result in multiple tornadoes in one storm. They produce more tornadoes than any other storm.
Video on Supercell Thunderstorms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvIKIgelY6g
Be Prepared
As beautiful as storms can be, they can inflict fear, causing people not to react and putting them in great danger. The best line of defense against the dangers of thunderstorms is being prepared. An action plan will keep you moving against fear, keep you safe, and minimize impact.
In the United States, the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office created an alert system to alert communities of severe weather. Visit their website below to learn about the difference between Warning and Watch Alerts. Look up alerts that may be in your area and create a plan of action for your current situation and location, both at home and the corps. Being prepared and knowing how you will respond will keep you safe. https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined
The Storms of Life
Weather storms come out of nowhere. Sometimes life storms also take us by surprise, causing great fear. If we are not deeply rooted in solid ground, they can cause tremendous damage and alter the trajectory of our lives. Though the storms we face vary, we can be certain that we will all face storms.
Proverbs 24:16 tells us, “The righteous fall seven times.” Even with the best intentions, we are all bound to fall multiple times. Many friends will show kindness and mercy to a friend who falls once, only to become impatient and critical when that friend falls a second or third time. The same can be said about how we treat ourselves during life storms. We can be our own worst enemy, withholding mercy as a punishment for having fallen yet again. We need to be patient with ourselves and others. Be quick to offer mercy, compassion and kindness.
The second part of Proverbs 14:16 reminds us, “They will rise again.” A righteous person will get up. The fall or failure isn’t the final story. “Rising again” is the redemptive story. The storms may change, but a righteous women’s rising remains the same as she trusts in Christ. It’s a personal relationship with Christ that a righteous woman remains deeply rooted and can rise again and again and again. The storm will come and test our roots and our relationship with Christ. It will keep you grounded when all around you is uprooted.
Physical storms inflict fear with no regard for your circumstances. Life storms can do the same, inflicting fear of loss, failure, rejection, and regret. But as a daughter of God, we can hold on to the truth 2 Timothy 1:7, “God gave us His spirit. And the Spirit doesn’t make us weak and fearful. Instead, the Spirit gives us power and love. He helps us control ourselves.” The storms we face will be challenging and life-changing, but the Spirit has given us the power and love to face every storm. Being deeply rooted in Christ before the storm is the key to weathering the storm.
Closing
Discuss:
- What can you do daily to help deepen your relationship with Christ? Be creative and specific. There is no right or wrong way.
- How do you best connect with God? It may look different than someone else.
Invite the women to pray to ask God for His direction as they consider their relationship with Him.
Other Resources
Preparedness:
- https://www.ready.gov/plan
- https://www.weather.gov/
Sci Jinks –What Causes a Thunderstorm? https://scijinks.gov/thunderstorms-video/
“Anchored: Finding Peace in the Storms of Life,” (A 28-Day Devotional) Joseph Prince
“When You Don’t Know What to Pray” Charles F. Stanley
“Ultimate Reliance: Breakthrough Prayer Practices for Leaders,” Sue Nilson Kibbey
