Last night, a storm rolled through our area, but not before something incredible happened.

Jeff and I had left a few minutes early, trying to beat the weather as we headed to Stoked Worship with friends. (Stoked is a time of worship at a friends’ home where two hours of worship with live music and prayer happens.) The air had been heavy all day – hot, humid, like we expect around here in August. But just before the storm hit, it was as if God gave us a gift: the humidity vanished, a cool breeze swept in, and the atmosphere changed. It was refreshing, almost holy.

A few of us stood outside and watched the sky darken. Thunder cracked across the heavens, wind whipped around us, lightning danced across the clouds, with a few bolts jabbing directly into the ground. After one really loud crack, I stepped inside as the rain began to pour. Still looking out, with the overhead door open, in the middle of all that power, I couldn’t help but stand in awe of God, His creation, His presence, felt near and undeniable.

As the storm died down, we stepped into worship. The theme? Love… God’s love, love so deep and strong that He sent His only Son to die in our place. This is a love that storms can’t shake. A love that refreshes more than any breeze and restores more than any rain.

As I reflected this morning on the storm and the stillness before it, I was reminded that God often works this way in our lives. He sweeps in with power and might, but always with purpose. And sometimes, just before the storm, He gives us peace, just enough to remind us who He is.

If you’re longing to worship that powerful, loving God this morning, bring your lawn chair and come join us at New Hope Fellowship at 10:30. After worship, you can walk to Atwood Park (right next to us) for the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival and grab some lunch or enjoy the festivities. We’re starting a sermon series this morning that shows how “Jesus Cares” about our lives. If you’ve never been to New Hope, this is a perfect time to visit. Don’t forget your lawn chair.

There’s something special about praising God under the open sky, surrounded by the very creation that declares His glory. Join us at New Hope Fellowship at 10:30 this morning. I’ll see you there!