These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NASB
Tornadoes are not so uncommon for those of us residing in Southeast Louisiana. It is important to know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are favorable for producing tornadoes and that one could develop. A tornado warning means that one has been spotted in a specific area and that those in that area should take the necessary precautions.
With hurricanes we are often put under hurricane warnings as meteorologists attempt to plot the projected path of the storm. When you live in an area like we do, which is subject to the threat of storms on a regular basis, you should always be prepared. You should always have emergency supplies like water, candles, canned goods and pantry foods. We have also learned a lot from going through Katrina. One important thing we have learned is that if you have a gas powered generator, you need to stock up on a large amount of gas because the gas supply may be limited.
The other thing that must be considered is to evacuate or not evacuate. Hurricanes can carry high winds and tornadoes and make them extremely dangerous. The other problem is that they can produce flooding causing homes to be uninhabitable. Now if you work in law enforcement or any other type of emergency service this is probably not an option for you. But, if you plan to evacuate in the event of a major storm, then you know that you need your tank to be filled with gas, you need to bring your medications and you will need money or credit cards. You may also want to bring some food and water just in case you are stuck in traffic for hours. You also need to make provisions for pets during a storm. Now some of us are so accustomed to the weather here that we just go into autopilot and gather what we need and make our plans without even giving it much thought. We’ve been there many times and we have a standard plan that works for us and our families.
So, I want to ask you how you handle life’s storms? You see life’s storms are going to come along, just as sure as Southeast Louisiana is going to experience tornadoes and hurricanes. Are you prepared for those storms? Are you hunkered safely in a shelter? Have you evacuated from the dangerous path of the storm? How have you prepared for when that storm watch turns into a storm warning?
In our life, problems are sure to come along. If you are living a life that is worry free right now, then know that trouble is headed your way. If you have just come through a major trial or tribulation then enjoy the calm after the storm while it lasts, because it is also the calm before the storm.
I have lived my life totally unprepared for the storms that came my way. I have lived this naïve existence that left me shocked and devastated when bad things happened. But I finally figured out that if I remain in God’s shelter that I will have constant protection (Psalm 91:1-2). I have learned that this can give me a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) even as the storm rages all around me. I have learned that I must permanently evacuate some things like hatred, bitterness, wrath and malice from me because these things grieve the Holy Spirit and that’s the last thing I want to do (Ephesians 4:30-31).
Just yesterday a dear friend was speaking of a loss that she had recently experienced and how many friends she had lost over the last 20 years. We have seen people die that seemed to be in the prime of their lives. We spoke of how you just never know how much more time you have here on the planet.
With modern technology, meteorologists can do a little better at predicting the weather, but only God knows what is really going to happen. Their predictions are actually their best guesses. When you consider the storms of life, we live under a constant storm watch. We know that eventually one will come our way. Sometimes, it hits before we realize that the watch has turned into a warning. But if we pay close attention to God and stay in close relationship with Jesus Christ, we will be able to weather whatever storms life brings our way. Our best case scenario is that we will one day go to live with our Lord and Savior in glory where there will be no more storms, just skies lit up by our Savior’s glory. What a wonderful day that will be.
But if you are not making preparations here on earth, then you are setting yourself up for failure. If you are not in a close relationship with Jesus and residing in the shelter that He so lovingly provides, the storm may destroy you. You may face an eternity in damnation and torment. I beg of you to choose today to enter into a close relationship with your Lord and Savior. Study His word, pray, and enter into a loving fellowship that teaches God’s word. Trust in Him and choose to live in His shelter so that you will be safe in the storm.
Have a great day!