Part 2
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
When we were only into the second day of Tropical Storm Fay's drenching rain, the gloom of it all was becoming very depressing. Thoughts went through my mind of how this flood would effect the ones around me. As I returned to work on Monday after the storm had made its way through over the weekend, my inquiring thoughts were answered. Many saw an end to the rain, but flood damage caused concern for their homes and reports kept arriving of more flooding to come. Road closures made traffic a mess to get to work. It was in the midst of this traffic that my four year old daughter and I sat at a stand still as yet another storm began to add more water to the ongoing flooding problems. I heard this sweet voice in the back seat say, “Mom, are clouds like sponges?” As I realized this was a good analogy for a four year old level, I answered, “Yes dear, that would be a good way to describe it.” I heard her sigh and then asked, “Well, then when are the sponges going to be dry and stop dripping rain?” I could tell from her question that she was trying to ask the same question the rest of us were asking: Is this ever going to end?Storms of our lives, whether physical or spiritual, have the same effect. Many times we begin seeing light at the end of the tunnel and the next thing we know another down pour begins. We question whether there is an end at all. One thing that is certain: we will have storms in our lives. However, another certainty is that the provision of God is ever present for every storm we may face. It is during these times that we must realize every crisis and storm is an opportunity to trust God. He calls us to have a heavenly perspective in regards to challenging times. Yet, it is hard for us because in our flesh the world seems to be closing in and flooding us with troubles one after another.
How do we keep a heavenly perspective? I think the answer is right in the midst of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. As he talks about his own hardships he lists some truths that give steps in obtaining the heavenly perspective. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 6:6, “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” First in the list is purity. Purity is foundational for a Christian to weather a storm. Sin separates us from God and makes our spirit unstable. Psalm 51:10 tells us “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Trials in our lives sometimes arise from our sin. Yet, other times, trials may be revealing a sin in our lives. Either way, God is using the trial to purify our hearts and we must adhere to the lesson for stability to be obtained. Next, we must ask God for understanding. As humans, our understanding of heavenly things is limited. However, we must not forget we have the Spirit of the living God indwelling within us. During times of trials, seek understanding. Ask God to give you the wisdom to learn the lesson within the trial. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” This goes hand in hand with being pure in heart. Many times it is hard for us to see the sin in our lives through the limited understanding of the flesh. However, when we ask God to give us His wisdom the light shines brightly revealing it to us.
Do the storms in your life seem to have no end? Are you seeking to have a pure heart? Begin to demolish the storms in your life by asking God for His wisdom to reveal how you can overcome. A deeper lesson of trusting Him is bound to be in the middle of all your trials. Lean on Him and He will guide you through the storm.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I do feel like there is no end to the storms in my life. I know that life can be messy and bad things will happen. Teach me to trust in You. Show me how to have a pure heart. Create within me a steadfast spirit so I may through my trials draw closer to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Don't miss next week - we will continue to look at how patience, kindness and the Holy Spirit can help us through storms that are beyond our control.
UPDATE: Click here for Part 2
