How God Helps Us "Be Prepared!" for the Storms
Last week, I was deeply concerned about my loved ones who live in the projected path of Hurricane Irma. I continually watched the flurry of news reports, and by the end of the storm, I had wasted a lot of time in front of the tv, and my mind was overwhelmed by the input. The advanced information was helpful and necessary, but totally useless to anyone who did not heed the warning to “Be Prepared!”
Surviving the major storms of life involves wisdom and preparation.
Each day, we make a living in the eye of the storm. Frequently, we experience peace and calm, yet storms are always brewing. The earth is always quaking; fires are always burning; waves are always crashing.
In a flash, with the slightest change of a weather pattern, our calm surroundings can be stirred by a mood swing gust of epic proportion, and, if we’re not prepared, we will encounter angry words flying toward us like storm debris.
[bctt tweet="Tempest children tempt us to run for cover and hunker down until the storm passes." username="susankcrews"]
Wouldn’t it be nice if Doppler Radar existed for the impending storms of life? It would be helpful to tune in every morning to see the storms rolling in and then use the information to “Be Prepared!” for what was ahead.
Girded with advanced knowledge about the strength of an approaching argument, we could “Be Prepared!” with a gentle response to quiet a disgruntled child. Or, if we were forewarned about the timing of a confrontation, we could “Be Prepared!” with an adequate amount of patience to endure it because we’d know how long it was going to last.
Scripture bears a close resemblance to Doppler Radar. Within its pages, we learn the importance of being prepared because the truth is: Storms churn in the lives of every individual and their families. Scripture accurately pinpoints human nature and the weaknesses that prevent us from properly preparing for the destruction traveling toward us.
Some storms are worse than others, thus requiring a variety of preparedness. Some storms reach us, others don’t. Some storms are short-lived, some never end. However, God is the same through them all. His strong arm is long and steady as He reaches for our hand. When we can’t brace ourselves against the powerful wind any longer, He steps in and pulls us to safety under His outstretched wing. He shelters us until the force weakens and the surge rescinds.
The surest way for us to “Be Prepared!” for the next storm is to remember the One who stood with us in the eyewall of the last one and saved us from being swept away in the aftermath.
God can be trusted to steady us in the storm, save us from deteriorating conditions, and satisfy our deepest needs.
Anchoring our lives in Him is the safest and smartest way to:
“Be Prepared!” for conversations that rattle our nerves and shake our core.
“Be Prepared!” for the rising tide of unknown outcomes of poor choices.
“Be Prepared!” for a ravishing spiritual hunger as we journey alone through a decimated wasteland.
He is with us during calm or catastrophic conditions. He lifts us above the debris of difficulty and plants our feet high on a rock of salvation. He knows what we have weathered and offers protection and safe shelter. He is the Rescuer of the helpless and the Restorer of hopeless.
God’s shelter in the storm cannot be shaken or moved. He sees the plight of the downtrodden and has compassion on them.
God sees the path of destruction and comes quickly to rebuild new hopes and dreams for a better future.
While we wait for the storms that churn and brew, take shelter in the knowledge that God’s love and faithfulness run deep and wide and immeasurably firm. He will not allow the rushing waters to sweep over us, nor allow the fire to scorch us. He provides, protects, and promises His everlasting presence no matter how high the waves crash or how low the pit descends.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 43:2,3,5 NIV)
Waiting with you,