“Anyone who listens to my teachings and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on Rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” (1)
The ways in which God holds our life secure is through the reading, hearing and obeying of God’s Word. He works through the living testaments. This is “why” we are instructed to build our house on a sturdy foundation – which is Jesus Christ, Who is a mighty Rock. We have no guarantees in this life, except if we love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength we will be with Him in the end. Our relationship with God secures us so that if we are tested beyond strength we know He will be our light to guide us through each trial. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? Tragedy can come in like a storm, destroying everything surrounding it. I know!
Eleven years ago, on February 24, my family and I were hit by a fierce storm, shaking our very foundation. Many hardships developed because of the loss of our son who was murdered. To convey the impact on our family in few words, I’d say, “We were fractured”, right down the middle to its very core.” Through this catastrophe we’ve clung to God. God has always watched over us keeping us without failing.
Mike’s death seemed so surreal. Prior to his death I was a happy mom. Mike was very important to me; I loved him so much. He was a man of integrity and I was thrilled to see him radiate joy. How very sad I was the day he died, I was miserable and in deep pain. Dreams were shattered and the fact that I’d never see him again in this life, was wrenching!
I did not know the killer. To my horror I found out who he was in court. He was a murderer, a fraud, and scam artist, stealing identities and robbing people like us and many others. He was a con…pretending to be someone he was not…he hid and stalked our son. He came upon him suddenly, by surprise. How could Mike have known?
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” (2)
I never thought this would happen, but it did. Fear driven, and holding an accumulating amount of bitterness which affected my attitude to where I was so unhappy. I felt a deep need for change. As I cried out to God, He met me in my sorrow. I felt soothed and comforted by the power of His Word. It kept me moving forward. Even small steps of seemingly minor changes seemed like marks of progress until God in time completely transformed my heart. It was impossible to direct the wind of misfortune, but by God’s grace He adjusted my circumstances to fit me into His plan.
Do you know how to walk on stormy seas?
What do you believe in? Be wise, not like the foolish man ignorant of learning God’s way. I implore you to invest in your relationship with the Lord.
I can testify that I would not have survived my son’s death, without my relationship with Christ. Knowing this truth; Jesus was with me through it all! and if He be with me, then He is for me, safeguarded my soul. I was kept without failing! Who or what could be against me?
Our family remembers…Mike died, we grieve, life is different, and we miss him. We choose to build our life centered on Christ. Because He lives we have HOPE to face tomorrow. We are kept through the fierce storms of life – held tight in God’s love.
Footnotes:
1. Matthew 5:24-27 It’s Alive niv
2. Bertha Colloway
Addressing Crisis Together Ministry 