I got an unexpected day off today as the Eastern seaboard prepares for Hurricane Sandy, the latest storm to head our way. At a minimum, Sandy will bring with it a lot of rain and high winds, which is what we expect in the greater Washington, DC, area. Power outages are also likely. Those more directly in Sandy’s path will experience stronger winds, more rain, and flooding. As the path of a hurricane is never certain, a wide region must prepare for a possible onslaught.
Although our area doesn’t expect to experience the worst of Sandy, most of us have prepared by stocking up on bottled water, nonperishable food, and flashlight batteries. We’ve made sure our pets are safe and protected. We’ve cleared debris from around our sump pumps and secured outdoor furniture that might become projectiles in strong winds. Most government agencies and many business have closed for the day and most likely will remain closed tomorrow.
If the storm does not come our way, we will feel a great deal of relief and thankfulness. Thanks to oft-maligned weathermen, we have had many days warning that Hurricane Sandy might head our way and those caught unprepared will have no one to blame but themselves.
Unlike storms of nature, storms of life hit us with no advanced warning. We are going happily about our life when suddenly we are hit with a storm that wrecks havoc in our life. It might be the unexpected death of a loved one or a diagnosis of cancer after a routine medical screening. It could be the loss of a job or the loss of a dream. We typically don’t have an advanced warning of these types of storms, but we know that we will all face them from time to time.
How can we prepare for these storms? I prepare by putting my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with us and guide us through life’s storms. “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16, NIV) As we call on the Holy Spirit, He comforts us and guides us through the trials, or storms, or life.
I awoke this morning with the old hymn The Solid Rock running through my mind and I’ve been singing it all morning. The chorus says, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.”
I am truly thankful today that no matter what punch Hurricane Sandy throws at us, my feet are firmly planted on solid ground. With Jesus Christ as my Savior, I have nothing to fear.
Are your feet planted on a firm foundation today? If not, I pray that you will look to Jesus as your solid rock.
The Solid Rock Lyrics by Edward Mote, 1797 – 1874 Music by William B. Bradbury, 1816- 1868 My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the vale. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.
Susan's Reflections 