Are you prepared to ride out the storm?
Although the weatherman had predicted storms, I sat listening to a teleconference Thursday evening assuming his words were W R O N G. Why? Because the rain had come earlier and all was clear in time for my trek from work.
As I sat listening intently to the speaker on the call, suddenly I could not hear her voice any more. I assumed that something had gone wrong with her equipment. Within just a few seconds, I was engulfed in a blanket of blackness as the stormed rolled through shutting down the power in my area.
Once again I was busy assuming that surely the lights would not be off long. WRONG again…it wasn’t until midday Friday that electricity was restored, which thankfully was before they had estimated.
All my wrong assumptions left me groping around in the dark, trying to find where I had placed my candles and flashlight.
What happens when we make the wrong assumptions in our spiritual lives?
When we assume that we are somehow exempt from the storms of life because of our profession of faith, it can leave many feeling disillusioned.
Jesus gave us a prediction that in this life there will be trouble but take heart he has overcome them all.
What happens when we assume that something is wrong with God because we don’t hear him any more? He seems far away.
Perhaps the reason for the disconnect lies in all the beautiful stuff that beckons us to come take a look or the incessant activity that draws us out of his presence.
Shared with Essential Fridays, Friday Fellowship
Great, great post today! I love that Jesus didn’t hold any punches – He told us the truth. In this life, we WILL have troubles and tribulations. Indeed. But then, He followed that up with His proclamation of The Truth. “I have overcome the world.”
That is such a thrilling statement. A banner to ride out under, a shade to shelter under, a rebel’s yell and a victory song!
The storms of life will come – and sometimes we bring them on ourselves. May we be prepared, with The Light of the World close at hand.
GOD BLESS!
Oh there are so many that we cause ourselves because we assume we know how to make things happen. It would be quite depressing if Jesus just left at there will be trouble but I love how even in the trouble there’s a message of hope and victory! The light wins in the end!
Hi Wanda! I’m back! Love your new site! It’s true…we get out of His will and think something is wrong with Him when things don’t work out for us. We humans/Christians are something else aren’t we? Lol! Have a blessed week my friend!
Hi Michell, good to see you back my friend. Yes we some how convince ourselves the problem is always with someone other than ourselves.
I wonder where we got the idea that Jesus will prevent us from facing troubles? The comfort is in his promise that we never face any situation alone. Great post, Wanda. Power on!
Not sure where that fallacy came from either Pam. But thank goodness for the hope and comfort we have in the midst of it through Christ.
Well, Wanda, this bring me to my knees today. I had to laugh at myself a few days ago when a “coldfront” predicted by the weatherman did not happen the way I think it should. Because of my assumptions about what I had heard, I made plans and did things I should not have done. We often try to conjure up our own scenarios from what we hear instead of taking the words to heart. It’s no wonder Jesus said to be careful HOW we hear (Luke 8:18). When we don’t hear correctly, we don’t see correctly or do correctly; and we end up unprepared and faithless. When storms arise, or when we even hear a rumor of trouble on the horizon, may we remember the words of Jesus: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail”. – Luke 22:32
Oh that’s so good LaVonne! You always leave me with more food for thought. Our hearing is very impactful. Thanks for sharing that nugget.
Wanda, your post was exactly what I needed to read today. I am good at assuming so much without really waiting for the Lord to reveal what He wants revealed. It’s way too easy to just let assuming run away, sort of like our mouth runs away when we get to complaining or gossiping. Thanks.
I know exactly what you mean Betty about all that assuming. It’s pretty amazing how far from the truth our assumptions can really be.
Hi Wanda! I make wrong assumptions all the time. I should really stop!
That is a wonderful image you have made about troubles in the world. Of course, I’d rather have no issues at all. Smooth sailing all the way. But life isn’t like that. I have to remember that God is with me, and even though it’s bad, it will get better.
That storm sounded intense!
Blessings,
Ceil
Ha, I’m definitely with Ceil on prefer for smooth sailing but somehow God knew that wouldn’t produce the lasting fruit in our lives we need.
Thankfully there was no damage from the storm.
I shouldn’t surprise me when I go through trials. The Word of God clearly says we will have them. But, we have an Overcomer, Jesus, who will bring us through. Have a blessed week.
Yep, he didn’t try to hide that truth from us yet I still find myself alarmed at times when the unexpected rolls into my life. But grateful for the truth found in His word.
Wanda,
Thank you, for this post. I needed to read it, today. I needed this Scripture for my heart. Bless you!
Ah, glad to hear it ministered to you Cynthia. Have a wonderful day.
Wonderful illustration, Wanda. I find myself making assumptions, often. And I am often wrong. What a wonderful blessing to know God is never wrong and I can always trust Him.
Thanks Linda. It’s great that God didn’t leave us humans to fend for ourselves.
Oh man… I’m so glad I got to read this today. Great analogy and how I can relate to it! I assume believing I know more than I do. And our Father already knows what we can’t, and yet we struggle to learn and grow wise. It comes, just not nearly as quickly as we “assumed” it would. Powerful post and lesson, Wanda.
All that assuming gets us in a bunch of trouble doesn’t it Floyd?
Indeed, sister. Indeed!