in life. The question is not "if" the storm happens, but "when" will it happen?
My Midwest and Northern friends are bracing for more white stuff, fluffy and frozen. My Southern friends are gearing up for bucketfuls of rain, cat and dog variety. Preparations vary. Some race for extra bread, milk and eggs. Others load up on movies to entertain bored children. Plants get moved in or covered. Cars are filled with fuel. Pantries stocked. Planned boredom.
Ready? Set? Go?
The storm comes.
Yesterday, twice, I was asked how to comfort regarding suicide, how to tell children of that death. Today I was called on to pray regarding a six month old's sudden death. Within an hour the phone rang again to spread news of breast cancer newly discovered.
The storm comes. Who is ready, set, gone? What preparations are made by believers for these storms?
In all four cases, the answer is same. Turn the hearts of each to the character of God. Only in Him is there foundation for weak legs to stand upon. Only in Him is there solidity and surety for answers this life, this world will never offer. Only in Him is there comfort for the gravest and deepest of griefs.
Feelings will shift like snow drifts. Poured out like buckets of rain onto soggy earth. French toast doesn't satisfy broken hearts.
Knowing the character of God must come before the storm. In the steady preparations of filling hearts and minds with the fullness of His works and words. Of seeing that persistently He deals with man in a sovereign and compassionate and powerful way. That His unchangeableness, His eternal decrees are true through every age. In every circumstance.
To interpret the storms through the truth of His love, not to interpret His love by the severity of the storm.
A storm is coming. How are you prepared?
"Knowing the character of God must come before the storm." "To interpret the storms through the truth of His love, not to interpret His love by the severity of the storm."
ReplyDeleteSo well put. May I focus on the Lord's faithful providence and provision for His own since the beginning, so that my emotions are not stirred by the storms of life.
Thank you for posting.
Been thinking about this a lot lately, and for years. Oh, the importance of building our house upon the Rock so when the torrents come our feet will be held firm and our tongues will sing praises to Him.
ReplyDeleteWe've been in a lot of storms lately and the one constant thing we can count on is that God does not change. How wonderful that you are available for those who needed to have some human comfort them and remind them of God's love for them.
ReplyDeleteI've missed reading you. This post sends my thoughts immediately to Rachel Barkey. I studied and read and prayed about suffering for years and in 55 minutes, I found peace in a message that resonated with me. As does this post.
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