Storms of Life: Encouragement for Seasons of StruggleSample

Storms of Change

When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. (v. 48)

As I write this, it’s hurricane season in the Atlantic. These massive storms spiral their way across sea and land, and in Tampa, Florida, where I live, they are a very real threat. Depending on the storm’s size and where and when it hits, the effect can range from a day or two of windy rain to blowing anything not anchored down across town and flooding over rooftops.

Like a hurricane, any major change in our lives, good or bad, can threaten to blow us off our foundations and flood us with anxiety. Sustaining a debilitating injury, getting married, death of a loved one, and retirement are some examples of the major changes we can encounter. What was comfortable, or at least familiar, has turned into something different that we may or may not want. In our reading today, the same storm hit both houses. The difference in how the house weathered the storm was due to how and where it was built. The house represents our lives and how we live them. The rock, or foundation, represents Jesus, and the words represent what Jesus instructs.

If we build our lives on Jesus, accepting him as our Savior and progressively aligning our actions with his will, then, when the storms of life break against us—which they surely will—our lives are not destroyed. What was once familiar may be changed, but our lives are secure on the foundation of Jesus.

As you pray, ask the Lord to help you build your life on him.