Encouragement

Shelter from the Storm

by Darna Bedwell Gutter
12/16/08
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It is written, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." When we fear the Lord we understand there are consequences for doing things that would be offensive to him. It so happens that those offensive things would also compromise and bring harm to our lives. So the fear of the Lord keeps us safe. But when we are foolish enough to ignore his warnings, chastisement can come in many forms, even as a storm. But not all storms are a result of chastisement. 

The Bible speaks about how "the wise man built his house upon a rock". That rock is upon the promises and principles of the Lord God. God is the rock. And when the storms of life came, his house (life) did not crumble under the pressures because his eyes were on the Lord, not the storm. He built his house on a solid foundation.

"There was another man who built his house upon the sand", a life without God, without promises. And when the storms of life came his house crumbled, there was no foundation to stand upon. He had no anchor to keep the raging winds from tossing him about and destroying what he had endeavored to build. He had labored in vain. If you're not sure, its time to ask yourself, where are you building your house?

The storms of life happen to all. I've heard people ask, why do bad things happen to good people. No one is immune or exempt from trials. But how we handle them depends upon where we build our house. "Once when the disciples were in a boat in the sea, a storm came. Jesus was also on the boat asleep. As the storm raged, the disciples were sore afraid. And they woke Jesus saying, "We are perishing in this storm". And Jesus said unto the storm, "Peace be still, and the sea obeyed him." And the disciples marveled unto themselves saying, "What manner of man is this that even the sea obeys him." 

"When Jesus walked on the water, Peter saw him coming and wanted to step out of the boat to meet him. As Jesus extended his hand for Peter to come, he stepped out. But unbelief quickly paralyzed him and he began to sink crying, "Save me Lord".  This is what happens when we focus on the circumstances, conditions and problems, storms. Instead we must keep our focus on the Lord who is the problem solver. "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." 

When we see how the Lord is able to bring us through storms victoriously, our faith in Him is strengthened to continue to conquer the storms of life. The first step to establishing your house upon a rock is to have a penitent heart; asking the Lord for forgiveness of sins and accepting his eternal salvation. Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sins and the sins of the world. Then begin to seek and serve Him through church worship and the reading of His word, the Holy Bible. And you too will find the strength to stand against the storms of life.

Copyright 2008