STANDING IN THE STORM
A Firm Foundation
Matthew 7:24-27: 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Both saints and sinners have challenges and troubles in this life. How we respond to them is based on whether we are born-again and know God or whether we are lost and handle things in our own way. When we know God, we have knowledge that the world does not have. We know that there are forces beyond what the eyes can see that impact our lives. We can stand on God’s words as revealed to us in the bible, and also as He makes things known to us regarding our present circumstances. God’s love for us is what causes Him to give us guidelines to follow in times of trouble.
Recently, I came to a fuller understanding of why He tells us to pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us. When someone treats us unfairly, there are usually certain things that motivate them. If we are not guilty of anything that justifies their behavior, they could be under satanic influence; they could have a wicked heart; they could have misunderstood your motives and the circumstances. The reason why it is good to pray for someone who attacks you is not only to allow you to forgive them, but also, you can pray that their eyes may be opened to the disservice they have caused you. Satan likes to sow discord especially among those who are brethren spiritually. When we are united, we have increased power against him. His approach is to divide and conquer. This is another reason why when someone apologizes, we should forgive them. Accepting their apology and not holding a grudge will help to close the gap in the relationship.
Today, more than ever, we need to operate from the Rock that is Jesus. When things do not make sense to me, I find comfort in knowing that God is able to make everything work out for my good. I know that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I know that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I know that God is able to provide me with divine protection. He will even send angels when necessary.
How blessed we are to have access to God in prayer. To have the confidence that God hears and answers our prayers. To know without any doubt that God loves us and wants only the best for us. This knowledge allows us to trust in Him as the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures.