In this world you will have trouble but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
This year has been a tough one for many of us. For us in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa has dealt a hard blow on October 28, from which many are struggling to recover, and may continue to do so for some time to come. Personally, my first storm for the year was fracturing my wrist in July. Thankfully, by God’s grace, my recovery has been going well, and I am almost at the point of total rehabilitation.
The storms of life come when we least expect them an often deal crippling blows which cause is to wonder if we can overcome. In times like these our faith and foundation are sorely tested. The way we handle the resulting pressures indicate the foundation upon which we have built. If we have built on sand, we will be destroyed, but if we have built on the solid rock of Christ, our firm foundation, then we will be secure.
As Jesus told His disciples, we can overcome the troubles of life because He has overcome. When we build on Him, we are building on a firm foundation that cannot fail. This gives us hope that stands the test of time. We overcome because He is in our vessel and so we can smile at the storm. He is our strong tower and our refuge in the time of storm and so we can have joy on the inside when the turbulence is raging on the outside.
We navigate life’s storms by having our anchor fixed firmly on Him, the author and finisher of our faith. Like the songwriter, we can say, it is well with my soul!
Reflection
- What storms am I facing right now?
- How can I hand them over to God and be at rest?
Prayer
Father thank you that you have our lives in your hands. Thank you that you are not troubled by the storms of life and that you invite us to rest in you when we are faced by the storms that come our way. Help us to be at peace, knowing that we are safe in your hands. Amen.