TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

As I look out on the golf course through my sliding glass door this morning, there is an eerie calm. The skies are grey, the sun is hidden, and there is a slight gentle breeze. It looks like dusk rather than early morning. The weather alert calls for a Hurricane warning in the area until the afternoon. Hurricane Dorian is now tracking along the coast and Florida has been spared what could have been the storm of a generation.

The forecast for our area still includes possible damaging winds, rains, and flooding. Yet, there is a sense of relief and thankfulness that the eye of the storm has taken a different route. While we take solace in the updated forecast, we must remain diligent in praying for those who have suffered loss and are still in harms way. And, we must continue to remain diligent in positioning our hearts toward God!

In Isaiah 7-8, King Ahaz of Judah was facing an oncoming attack by the King of Aram and the King of Israel. The size of their armies dwarfed the army of Judah. King Ahaz, and the people of Jerusalem, were frozen in fear. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah. They would be delivered from this attack. God’s judgment upon the kings of Aram and Israel, by the armies of Assyria, would protect Judah and Jerusalem. They were delivered by God’s mercy!

How do we respond when we are delivered by God’s mercy? It should bring about a change of heart, a renewed focus, and a diligent pursuit of the Lord. However, in many cases, after the sense of relief passes, we tend to go back to life as usual. We forget the mercies of God and fall back into our old patterns. This is ultimately what happened to the nation of Judah. It is a strong reminder and call to us!

As it appears that we have been spared the worst case scenario of Hurricane Dorian, how will I live going forward? Will I live in thankfulness to God, ordering my life aright, and living in the power of His grace? Or, will I simply go back to the way I was before I even experienced my first hurricane? Will I forget the lesson of preparedness and begin to live like I will never have to face another storm?

God’s word has been given to us to teach us, warn us, and prepare us for all of life’s challenges – including hurricanes! The lessons of the Old Testament, and the teaching of Jesus and the New Testament, are our roadmaps to navigate through the storms of life. When we dodge the affects of a storm our journey does not end. We do not cease praying, and we do not cease studying our roadmap. We need God’s guidance as much, if not more, when we travel down the peaceful valleys of life. For even in the peaceful valleys there are stones in the path and ruts that we can fall into unless we are prepared!

• “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 CSB

Lord, as I watch for the storm, help me to live day by day with an attitude of preparedness. Help me to abide in Your word so that I may truly be “…complete, equipped for every good work!”

In Jesus Name!