Are You Prepared for the Storms of LIfe?

Forest Fires Hurt Animals and People

There's one dependable thing about storms: They are indiscriminate. No one is spared by their economic status, color, culture, or level of education.

For example, firestorms not only destroy forests and animal habitats but also the homes of people who may have tried to prepare for such a disaster.

Tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes also produce damage. Picture roof-high flood waters, or houses blown to pieces by outrageous winds. Beyond the destruction of buildings, gone are food and water, important documents, and things that sustained everyday life.

In the mid-sixties, we went to San Diego, CA for our honeymoon. Consistently heavy rain waylaid our plans, so we headed home early.

Mud Can Be Very Destructive

On our way back to the Los Angeles area, we took a side trip through a rainstorm-damaged mountain community. I'll never forget my sadness at seeing mud oozing out of open doors and broken windows.

Preparation for the storms of life cannot be overestimated. Spiritual preparation is as important as any other. It requires a certain amount of personal concern, followed by time and effort.

Jesus told a story about a major storm. Heavy winds and rains caused flooding. The storm hit indiscriminately, but some people were more prepared than others (Matthew 7:24-27).

The point was that Jesus' teachings are rock solid. Wise people, once they have heard or read them, prepare to put them into practice.

I like the explanation in The Message Bible: "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on."

On What Do You Build Your Life?

Unwise, or foolish people, hear His teachings but ignore them. They go about life doing their own thing. Jesus compared it to building on sand. The Message says, "When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

If you'd like to know some of Jesus' teachings, open the book of Matthew. If you want a shortcut, get a red-letter edition of the Bible. Jesus' words will stand out easily.

To be prepared for the storms of life, start now. Don't wait.