“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” There doesn’t seem to be any question here. Storms will come. It is simply a matter of time. As believers, we would like to think that our lives will be without problems and struggles. Yet, we are not immune to the storms of life.
Sometimes it seems to be just the opposite and we are under attack more than our non-believer friends. Why is that? I can only guess that it’s because we are believers. Satan is doing all he can to throw us off course. He and his tempters are working overtime to thwart our plans, to mess up our lives, to put roadblocks in the way of our obtaining a closer relationship with Jesus. Why is that?
The struggle for power is real. Satan has lost the battle, yet he still persists. He doesn’t want to give up hope. There is still time for him to mess up God’s plans for the lives of his children. I have seen ministries attacked, godly people gone astray, and many, many others losing hope amidst a trial of life. It seems we often turn away from God in those times rather than turning to him for his deliverance.
We need to cling to our lasting foundation those times of struggle, lest we be “whirled away.” It’s in the challenging times we need God more than ever. He promises he’ll always be there. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Merely reading that promise is enough to give me a sense of hope, of assurance, of peace. How about you?
Genesis 28:15 gives us another promise, “What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” God does not leave us. Ever. When we feel like we have been abandoned, it’s only because we allow Satan’s lies to permeate our hearts and minds. Yes, it’s very hard to stay strong in the midst of a storm, yet when we have built a strong foundation we need to not crumble.
I think of the rainy season here in Mexico and how the wind will howl, the rain will pelt our house with a vengeance, and the water will fill up our yard to look like a small lake. It’s frightening. Yet, I trust the solid walls and roof to protect us and keep the tempest on the outside. How much more I can trust God to provide for me when the storms of life threaten to destroy me and my faith.
Think of the last storm of life you weathered. Can you look back now and see how God was faithfully holding on to you? Give him thanks.
Let’s pray … Lord, I thank you that you are bigger than any storm of life. I thank you for how you have delivered me from one struggle after another. Forgive me when I lose sight of your wonderful provisions. Sometimes you work so quietly that I forget to give you credit. Forgive me for those times. Build me up today to be the strong woman you have designed me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
