Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Storm Warnings


Warnings came from every quarter: the Mayor, the National Weather Service, TV meteorologists. Hurricane Irene would have far-reaching effects along the Eastern Seaboard.

Mandatory evacuations were announced, people cut short vacations, and almost everyone took precautions. While this storm didn't pack the punch of a Katrina, it brought a lot of rain and flooding.

Jesus admonished those who did not look at the signs of the times. The small indications, when put together, all spelled major trouble ahead. Are we so wrapped up in our daily lives that we ignore the signals all around us?

Taking steps to preserve life are not a sign of fear. They're a sign of wisdom. Make sure your life is grounded on the Rock, Christ Jesus. When He's your foundation, the wind and waves of trouble may assail you, but you'll stand firm in Him.

What are some of the lessons you've learned from going through the storms of life? Do you keep an eye on the state of our nation and pray about it?


12 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

I've learned that my way is not always His way, and He really does not need my help. Preparedness in all areas of life is a good thing.

DenaNetherton said...

First there were the Old Testament prophets -which nobody wanted to heed. Then there were the Apostles -which pagan cultures persecuted. Now, God speaks directly to us through His Spirit, and we MUST listen. We must hold everything up to the light of scripture, keep walking close to the Lord, pray for our nation. Great post, Susan.

Jessica Nelson said...

Yeah, I do keep an eye on things but am not always the most consistent prayer.I'm really glad this storm wasn't as bad as they thought it would be.

Unknown said...

Good post, Susan! It's so important to be anchored to the Lord. Life's storms help me to see how much of what I've read in His Word has actually been put into practice in my life.

The recent natural disasters definitely have me thinking about the Lord's soon return. I'm challenged to introduce others to the Savior.

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Good post Susan.
I must purposely choose God's word over world events and news. We do not have television or newspaper... so I carefully choose what I watch and read, the Middle East always has my interest and it makes my prayers more specific. I try to see natural events in the light of the spiritual warfare... not always easy. Hhmmm, as always, you make me think Susan, thanks!

Carol J. Garvin said...

Canada's west coast usually escapes extreme weather events but when I see the devastation people in other places have to cope with, my heart aches for them. The words of scripture in song, like "Will Your Anchor Hold" and "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand", take on a whole new significance! My list of petitions gets longer and longer with so many increasing needs around the world to pray for.

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

Loved that picture. We have had many signs that makes one think that we need to get our houses in order. We do live in scary times.

Kathi

Karen Lange said...

I've learned that God is faithful even when I am not. He is much more dependable! :)
Blessings,
Karen

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I have learned to look at the world events through God's eyes. This causes me not to get upset over the disasters we see. There is scripture to allow us to understand what is happening.

Good post.

Blessings on you and yours,

JD said...

One of the lessons I learned from going through the storms of life--including Hurricane Irene--is that our priorities often are askew. Many of us mean to make this or that spiritually-essential thing a priority, but procrastination gets the better of us. Linda said it best in the first comment--"preparedness in all areas of life is a good thing."

Be well. :-)

Kathleen said...

The thing that's struck me (again) is how many mandatory evacuation notices have gone out, and how many people have chosen to opt-out. The Lord, in His many warnings, encourages us to get to higher ground; yet so many call that "doom & gloom", when in reality it is good news.

As for life lessons: I have learned, that once I've done all that I can to prepare for or endure a storm, to stand. What remains in the aftermath will be what it is, and no amount of fear will change that. God is good all the time.

Blessings,
Kathleen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Everyone -

It's been a crazy week with enormous demands on my time. I apologize for not commenting sooner even though I've read your comments.

Thank you for your insights. We can all learn from each other.

Blessings,
Susan :)