Face the Wind

“I firmly believe that in every situation no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship along with strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before.”             Andy Griffith

While walking on the beach last week during the beginning of a threatening thunderstorm, I saw a sight that I’ve seen many times before but never really considered.  In preparation for the storm, the seagulls were lined up – each one facing the wind. This wind was really strong, but they would not be moved!  In contrast, I found myself trying to turn away from the wind as I walked.

As I researched this phenomenon, I found that seagulls do indeed face the wind, and they do it for several reasons.  They face the wind to take advantage of wind speed. The wind speed determines their direction, and it makes it easier to vacate the beach quickly in case of danger or if food becomes readily available. When air comes straight toward the gulls, the special shape of their wings and body allows air to flow faster over the top of their wings than under the wings.  These forces that raise the bird are called LIFT, and it allows them to go up!

It seems the seagulls are smarter than I.  Instead of facing difficulties, problems, or situations head on, I tend to turn my back and hope things work out.  It would be so much easier to use my faith in God to face these obstacles head on and be lifted up and through.  God has given me the two things I need to face the wind – dependence on God and confidence in God.    As long as these two things are in place, difficulties will become easier, problems will be solved, and situations will have a successful resolution.  Like the seagull, God has made us to be LIFTED up if we only face the wind.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7