Stormy Weather
By Caron Cline
Burke County
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service reports that about 1800 thunderstorms are happening at any given time, resulting in about 16 million storms per year. Most last thirty minutes or less and are typically about 15 miles in diameter, with the greatest threats being lightning and flash flooding. Tornadoes and hurricanes occur less frequently but are much more powerful, often destroying homes, businesses, and lives.
Summer storms are quite predictable and the rainfall is much needed for crops and plants. Thankfully, modern technology offers early warnings for severe storms allowing residents time to prepare or even evacuate if necessary. Unfortunately, the storms of life usually arrive with little warning. No one can forecast their length or intensity and evacuation is not an option.
Whether a storm is mild or severe, there are at least three Biblical truths that can serve as anchors for the soul; the sovereignty of God, the sacrifice of the Son, and the seal of the Holy Spirit. Meditating on and clinging to these three principles will ensure that our faith remains rooted and grounded during difficult times.
The first anchor necessary to survive any storm is the foundational truth of the sovereignty of God. Our God created the heavens and the earth by His Word. “All things were created by Him and for Him and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). “Not one sparrow falls to the ground unnoticed and even the hairs on our head are numbered” (Luke 12:7). “Nothing can touch our lives that is not first filtered through the loving fingers of our heavenly Father. The plans that He has for us may be painful and confusing but He promises that they are not for evil but for our good”(Jeremiah 29:11). The fiercer the storm, the stronger the tree. In God’s economy, difficult times are essential for maturing our faith and conforming us to the image of Christ. Isaiah 43:1-3 says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”. In the darkest storms of life, our Father promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. The sovereignty of God is a sure anchor in every circumstance of life.
The second anchor necessary for survival is the sacrifice of Jesus. The Father proved His love for the world by sending His only begotten Son so that no person need perish (John 3:16). Romans 8:32 emphatically states: “He Who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Jesus willingly emptied Himself and became a servant, offering Himself as a ransom for whoever would receive His gift of eternal life. When the winds of life threaten destruction, remembering the unfathomable sacrifice of Jesus will anchor the soul and bring peace and hope.
The third anchor that guarantees survival is the seal of the Holy Spirit. When we place our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 promises that we are now sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are truly the children of God. He is our guide, our comforter, our counselor and so much more. The Spirit will consistently shine the light of the promises of God into our hearts and minds. During seasons of extreme pressure, amid multiple fears and doubts, the seal of the Holy Spirit is a sure anchor for the soul. He is the guarantee that God will give us the heavenly inheritance He has promised to all who believe. Storms are common in the human experience, but there is no need for panic if we utilize our soul anchors; the sovereignty of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the seal of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of whether our storm is mild or severe, we are hidden with Christ in God; no one can snatch us out of His Hand!
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Caron is a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. She loves to teach the word of God.
Her desire is to see every believer grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
You can read more Christian News from Caron HERE.
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