How Strong is Your Footing in the Storms of Life?
Good Morning Friends,
If we are looking for the way to survive with our hurricane supplies…if we are looking for the way to have an unshaken shelter in the storms of life…if we are looking for the way to be firm in our faith, and deep in our devotion, then we need the perspective of a heavenly plan that has been hatched and taken flight… that soars with the Savior on the wings of reason and faith to a place of safety and purpose. Notice how the birds seek and share a common shelter before the storm. They have an internal warning system they follow. They can detect changes in barometric pressure, which warns them of an impending storm. Birds seek shelter from heavy winds in trees or on branches. And still many die. How Strong is Your Footing in the Storms of Life?
Scripture: The Lord exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
Psalm 119:89 (NRSV)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”
Luke 6: 46-49 (NRSV)
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
Luke 13:18-19 (NRSV)
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:23-27 (NRSV)
Message: It is truly amazing that the Word made flesh and the Spirit of God survives the onslaught of history. The persistence and permanence of God’s Word is amazing, and yet too few benefit from its reality. Nevertheless the truth stands the test. It has become mature in joyful endurance in the storm. Yes, God is still working through the Word and we too can benefit if we delight in the experience of God daily. Here in a relationship built on the rock of ages, sheltered in the tree of life, and in memory of others who have heard the Word, we can put it into practice. Here we benefit from a plan devised before the creation of the world. Here we need but have obedience to the Word… feel the passion…the power…the perfection of the plan. It grows in us like a seed. The message is clear. We cannot always avoid life’s storms but we can build a foundation on a faith that can protect us. Somehow all the preparation begins bringing meaning into this arrival of Jesus…into the storms of our lives… into the eye of our hearts… into the hurricanes of our lives. Maybe we should find a way to celebrate after all.
Pray the wind of the Spirit be with us. Pray that we be inspired to continue on in the struggle with our nature. Pray that we pray not panic. Pray that we would believe God’s Word is forever our foundation for freedom….alive…and relevant. Pray that its leaves protect us… its limbs embrace us in the storms of life. Pray that we seek God’s will for us through the Word….never a victim always a victor perched on the Word. Pray that the words of Jesus change us, equip us and prepares us for our future. Pray that we have a foundation that is secure, strong and solid. Pray we find peace in the storms of life. Pray our faith is firmly perched. Pray we rejoice in the new growth that comes after the storm.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 