Lessons From the Storm - Points to Ponder

Recently in Florida we were placed under extreme weather conditions, which was quite unusual. Temperatures dropped below freezing and residents were cautioned to cover pipes and run water throughout the night to prevent freezing. We heeded the warning and prepared, but unfortunately some did not. One local church had to cancel services on Sunday due to frozen pipes and other stories surfaced by individuals experiencing the same. Our hearts broke for those affected.

In preparation, my husband removed the water hoses from the spigots to over them, and it sparked a series of pondering thoughts. Now you might say, “Is there really a message in everything?”. I would say it’s possible, if we are open to God speaking to us throughout our daily task. He can demonstrate a principal using what is right in front of us. That happened to me, which I will explain later!

Along with my bible reading I also started a wonderful book that addresses the love of God and abiding in that love. The author describes how many people struggle with receiving the love of God and feel they must work for it or perform for it; many times, unaware that the mindset or behavior is even present. Whether it’s because of trauma, lack of unconditional love or faulty teaching, it has prevented many from the joy that comes from receiving a Father’s love and abiding in it. He also brings out how there is a disconnect with some people because a loving Father has brought discipline and instead of seeing it as a gift from their Father who cares, rebellion causes them to pull away. Fear of judgement sets in and so begins the running, hiding and emptiness.

As I contemplate that picture, it breaks my heart to see that sons and daughters of the best Father anywhere were potentially walking around as orphans. I too have experienced choosing the road of an orphan in the past to avoid the hand of a loving Father who brings discipline. Eventually I realized that it’s much better to be at home with our Father in loving communion, than distant because I chose to run. It’s horribly painful and lonely. Id like to say I tried running once, learned my lesson and that was it, but in all transparency, it was a longer journey for me. Maybe it was for you too. The road was filled with potholes, bomb craters and ditches. Not the road ahead, but the one I created behind me. Whoever might have followed me, endured the fallout, even if they were unaware. Years ago, I came to the end of myself, but a cleanup would be required and that is never fun and often ongoing.

Forgiveness through true repentance is a guarantee, but freedom from consequence and cleanup isn’t. I decided to never live like an orphan again. To truly and without reservation, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the Father’s heart to me in ways that would never again be questioned. To abide in that love and let that love abide in me until I was in the loving arms of the giver of that love for all eternity. My desire was that my life would make a difference for the Kingdom of God instead of creating another potential casualty within the world because of my brokenness, rebellion or ignorance. I tightened my circle (guard well my heart), clung to my Savior and His leadership with a heart to see wisdom and knowledge bear fruit in ways only a submitted and obedient daughter could see.

Layers are still being peeled back from the past as things come into view. They are always lathered in grace by my Father who not only loves but IS love, and he carefully and strategically presents them as if to say, “Hey, let’s look at this,” and we do. But never does it feel unloving, because when rebellion stops, LOVE takes over.

Now you might ask, “So what about the water pipes?” Well, that was a sweet conclusion to God putting a bow on the message He had been revealing for years. God gives all that is necessary for walking out this life. As a pipe carries water, we carry God’s Holy Spirit within us. God shows us how to insulate ourselves from the harsh elements of the world and the one who comes to kill, steel and destroy. It is imperative that we guard our hearts by staying in the word, seeking God’s wisdom and heeding his warnings and direction. As I receive His love and He abides in me and I in Him, that love transforms me from the inside out. I continually submit to that love that is at work within me. I am not the same person I was 15 or 20 years ago or even 10 years ago or even yesterday for that matter. By the love and grace of God and a submitted heart, tomorrow will bring even deeper sanctification.

My journey isn’t over and neither is yours. We have a bright and hopeful future as we continue to run this race called life. Regardless of what comes, we take heed and respond to the warnings and are prepared for whatever the storms of life might bring! For we are no longer orphans. We are sons and daughters of the Most High God and in Him, we live, move and have our being!