In the Storm
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
When Life is Hard
I write this to you out of a vulnerable place, and it's hard for me. But I write this for anyone out there willing to read it because I want to encourage you out of my storm. We all face difficult, often dark times that leave us wondering if we will be able to make it through the day. It rains on us all, the godly and the ungodly, and we can't change that. But we can change how we will respond to the storm. We can either take shelter from the storm in the house built upon the rock or in the house built upon the sand. Right now, I find myself in the house built upon the rock, and I hear the rain and the wind all around me. But I would rather be here than anywhere else.
If you are going through the storm, find the rock. Find your place in the Word of God and don't allow the storm to move you from that place. The only thing in life that should move you is God, as he takes you from glory to glory. If you're wondering how to make it through the day or where to find some strength, take shelter from the storm in the house built upon the rock and plant yourself. Allow your roots to dig deep into the Word and find peace in His love. There could be no safer place from the rain and wind that beats so mightily during our darkest times. I promise you, because God has promised, that it will pass and the sun will shine again. Every person found in the hall of faith learned this and can testify to God's provision.
If you're like me in that your storm comes out of a broken heart, be encouraged. Every good love story finds its challenges because God strengthens and grows love out of those challenges. Eve had to watch her husband Adam hide in shame from their Creator. Rachel had to watch Jacob marry her older sister because her father had tricked the man that she loved. Ruth had to wait while Boaz secured his spot as her redeemer. The stories could go on.
Or perhaps you're in a different place. Perhaps your storm is financial insecurity, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one or the rebellion of a child. Remember that those in the hall of faith faced hungry lions in the den, large armies on the horizon, imprisonment, torture, loneliness, death of loved ones and poverty. They have faced every grievance known to you and me, however, they were also blessed and highly favored, and today take company in the presence of our Lord.
Surviving and Thriving
If you wonder how you will survive the storm, take your place in the Word of God as I have and allow God to cover you in his love and grace. Take company with Him while the rain pounds all around you. And be encouraged that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and there is hope. If you need to share your story or would like some encouragement, please message me. We are in this together, brothers and sisters.
Today I was visiting with a friend and I saw the following verse on her refrigerator. It has brought me great hope and purpose today, and I hope it does for you as well.
"Do your best, prepare for the worst--then trust God to bring the victory." Proverbs 21.31