As I write this, I am carefully watching the weather in anticipation of a possible winter ice storm. For the moment, it looks as if the precipitation will move out just before the freezing temperatures move in. We will have extremely cold weather for about 18 hours, but probably nothing more. Many others will not fare quite so well.
Every Season Comes with Potential Storms
As I have been checking the weather forecast, it occurred to me how prevalent storms are. They may take different forms, but there are storms for every season. We even have seasons based on storms. In addition to the ice storms of winter, we face the droughts of summer and the hurricane season's winds and rains. Every season comes with the potential for storms.
Beyond the weather, we experience seasons in our life too. Every age, every situation, every circumstance, every day of life has the potential for storms. The scripture indicates that storms will be a reality that everyone will experience. Jesus Himself says this in Matthew 7:24-27:
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on 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 slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on 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 slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great."
Storms are a part of life
These words make it clear regardless of who you are or your circumstances. Life is full of changes. Storms are a part of life in a fallen world, populated by fallen people. Storms can come for anyone and in any season. We would do well to be aware of this fact, as our best chance to weather the storm is for it not to catch us by surprise. If we know a storm is coming, we can prepare for it and perhaps minimize the impact. At the very least, we will be more ready to deal with the effects of the storm.
When storms intensify, we elevate them to disasters. In our lives, we can experience relational disasters, financial disasters, health disasters, and spiritual disasters that can often have a greater impact on our lives than any wind, rain, fire, or flood.
The counsel of Jesus is equally true for all disasters. Be wise, be prepared, have a strong foundation; this is the counsel of the Lord concerning storms. Regardless of the type of storm, don't be caught unaware. Make sure you are prepared and build on that which is unshakable.
Dress for Stormy Weather
As Christians preparing for the storms brought about by the world, the flesh, and the devil, we must be careful not to wait until the storm is present to try to get prepared. Don't neglect the practice of spiritual disciplines that form a strong foundation for our lives. We must hear the Word and act on the Word. If we do, when the storms come, we will weather them well.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.