Several weeks ago Stephanie and I had the chance to get away to the Jersey Shore for a few days and celebrate our anniversary (8 years!). We had intended to do nothing but sit on the beach, read and relax. Well, we did read and we did relax, but not on the beach. A Nor’easter made that impossible. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced a storm that strong. For two straight days it did nothing but rain. Our little beach cottage seriously felt like it was going to blow away.

The morning we were slated to come home, we got up and took our one and only walk on the beach. I could not believe the junk that had washed up on shore. There were pop-cans, plastic wrappers, old toys, rotten wood and dead fish—it was pretty disgusting. But in the middle of all the junk, there were people out with metal detectors hoping to find a treasure.

That illustrated an important truth to me—a storm will always bring to the surface what’s hidden in the deep.

Do you know people that go through similar trials in life, but one comes out bitter and angry while the other is stronger and more compassionate? Their storm unearthed what was already in their heart.

The Bible and life experience are pretty clear—there will be storms. What’s important is what your foundation is rooted in. If your foundation is self-reliance, and pride then be prepared to sift through some junk the next time it rains. But, if your foundation is rooted in a trust and hope in God, you might just find a treasure after the storm.

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