Uncovered Treasures

The devastating hurricanes of 2004 caused damages in Florida estimated at more than $21 billion. While many home owners are trying to recover from property loss, treasure hunters are preparing for property gain as they gather the bounty uncovered by the powerful storms. Hurricanes regularly shake loose treasures lost at sea like that in a fleet of Spanish vessels sunk in 1715.

The devastating tsunami of 2004 caused damages in several nations estimated at more than $12 billion. But the real devastation is measured in lives rather than money. When all the missing but presumed dead are accounted for the staggering death toll could top a quarter of a million people. While people, communities, cities, even nations rebuild from the rubble left by the giant waves, archaeologists near the coastal town of Mahabalipuram are beginning excavations on an ancient Indian city uncovered by the tsunami. Uncovered treasures include an elaborately carved elephant head, a sculpture of a flying horse, and a structure depicting a reclining lion.

That’s the way storms are — especially the storms of life. They blow through causing all kinds of damage and destruction. But in the process of rebuilding you find treasures, sometimes long-hidden, have been uncovered. Treasures that may have never been fully-appreciated or known at all without the storms.

Enduring Hope. “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope” (Romans 5:3 b-4).

Foundational Rock. "Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

God-Reliance. “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9 b).

Strong Character. “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4).

Purified Faith . “These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:7).

Is a storm blowing through your life? Waves crashing in?

You just may be on the verge of discovering some amazing treasures.

— Bob Clark

3/8/2005