My lovely bride and I recently took a trip to Branson, MO. It was great to get away from the daily grind, non-stop phone calls and emails, and just relax. This is not a trip report, or guide-to. . . . No, a very specific place and time joined together to show me a wonder and sign of God's supreme power and presence.
We took an early dinner at the Top of the Rock restaurant. Upon arrival, we saw a small chapel on the property, overlooking Table Rock Lake. I remember thinking it was a nice little wedding venue and maybe we should check it out, but the thought passed and we went on to have a wonderful supper. There are a couple of restaurants located onsite, and the views were amazing, so we settled down to enjoy the sunset.
While waiting for the setting, we went on the take a look at the little chapel on the lake. I will not describe the building more than to say, we were surprised that it was actually a church, with a view of the lake and a cross to boot. We took time to sit in the pews and soak up the view of the lake. As we sat, a storm started to build on the horizon, so we went on back to find a good seat for the sunset show.
As the weather changed, rain started to fall. People started filling in the tables. The growing crowd actually gave us pause, and we realized that even a beautiful sunset that was looming would be overshadowed by the talking and drinking around us. Back to the chapel. . . .
Taking seats in the front of the church (it was a church for us now,) we watched as the sun settled and began to drop into the lake. Several things at once began to come into realization as we witnessed the merging of glory in front of our eyes.
It is hard to put into words what filled us, but it was obvious that God had a show in store and wanted us to be a part of it. We sat silently as the sunlight stretched in a fiery line across the lake, actually reaching and touching the foot of the cross, all while a thunderstorm crept in from the southwest. The sun, the lake, a storm and the cross.
A few others had entered and silently taken seats themselves to watch, but we hardly noticed them. This was God talking to us, and I believe all of us who were in that church just wanted to quietly listen for Him. Personally, I felt that the Spirit was right there, filling me and showing me His glory. I felt the need to speak, and put words to what I saw, meaning to direct to my bride, but later realizing that others would have heard. While not verbatim, I remember speaking/praying something to this affect:
God, what an amazing and glorious God you are. Thank you for allowing us to be witness to your beauty. We see the refining fire of redemption meeting the waters of salvation at the foot of the cross while the storms build around us. You have shown us your glory and the pure beauty of the cross and we thank you. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus!
So, remember, when life feels like a turbulent storm, those who are in Christ are refined and are saved at the cross, where Christ suffered and died for you and me, but rose again to defeat the death we so deserve, giving us everlasting life with Him and taking us to himself and filling us with the Holy Spirit when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
Enough said. Blessings to you in the matchless name of Christ Jesus.
