There's a storm coming.

I'll never forget November 2010. Around Thanksgiving I began to hear the Lord ask me if I trusted Him. I'm not sure how God talks to you, but I felt the question deep in my soul. "Do you trust Me?" There was no mistaking who was asking. It was the voice of the Spirit and it wouldn't quit.

I told my friends and June (my wife) that something was coming. I was certain of it. I kept hearing the question for months. I tried to ignore it, but the Spirit is persistent. Who knew? When God’s trying to get your attention, He’s doesn’t give up.

He doesn't often give you a heads-up before trouble. Usually, life just happens and you learn to trust Him in the moment. Having a hint didn’t make it easier. If anything, my fear grew in the anticipation. The trust dynamic changes when you know about trouble in advance. I knew a storm was coming but I knew He already saw the other side. (FYI, I’m not on the other side… yet).

A part of me was afraid. But another part was ready to get started. My gut was telling me that I wasn't going to like what was about to happen. I knew it would be unpleasant, and maybe, downright painful. My heart was telling me that I was going to be OK. I always am.

I answered with reluctant certainty, "You know I do." The question wasn't easy to answer, but it wasn't difficult either. For 43 years God has always been faithful to me.

I was certain He wasn’t going anywhere when the storm hit.