Stand

     The images of the devastation in the Philippines, as well as the aftermath of an extreme number of tornadoes moving through the middle of our country, are the latest disasters seen all over the news. Natural phenomenon like typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes are shaking the foundations of the earth.

     Our physical and emotional storms can be as unexpected and just as traumatic. We turn to each other with questions, “Can you believe it?” and “What do we do now?” and “How do we go on?” and “How do we get back up and begin again?”

     When we stand on the rock, on the firm foundation of our faith, we always have a place to sit out the storm, a place to let it all out and a place to be restored, refreshed, reinvigorated and redeemed. Our homes and belongings are earthly treasures. The more we witness the tragedy and the destruction around us, the more we recognize the absolute necessity for strength in our spiritual houses.

     Our true value lies in our Creator. When He builds our house, we stand again and again to face the earth and all it can throw at us. We come to the aid of a hurting world, a hurting family, a hurting friend. We have been through so much, you and I. Jesus went through all of that and more. He felt it. He lived it. He was tempted by it. He was mocked. He was tossed in a storm. He wept. He was beaten and tortured and finally, He was nailed to a cross.

     On His shoulders came the floods, the disease, the heartache, and finally, death. He took it. All of it. He experienced it. He overcame it and so will we. Our sure foundation is the cornerstone, Jesus. When all is said and done, He stands.

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation, the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16

     Can we find that kind of faith, where we are never stricken with panic? Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our foundation is secure. And Jesus says to us,

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25

     We are going to get battered and bruised and knocked around throughout our lives. We may lose some physical and natural treasures, but don’t panic. Jesus overcame the world. He’s got this. He’s got you. We can stand on the rock. We can stand for Him. Now stand.

Dear Father in heaven,

There is devastation and darkness around us. It is hard to understand the heartache, the disasters, the chaos. We put our trust in You. One day, very soon, You will put it back together, the way You created it, a new heaven and a new earth. The very earth is groaning for Your return. Keep us safe as we stand for You.

Amen