"Shelter From The Storm" by Kirk Hunt

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock

Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

In my mind's eye, I pray about the storm raging outside. When I finish my prayer, with a loud “amen,” it's still raining. I feel the concussion of thunderclaps in my bones. The house groans and creaks from the fury of the wind.

I wring my hands and fret. My thoughts go to my neighbor across the way. His house went up so much faster than mine. His home has features and advantages mine lacks. Building on the Rock of Jesus has cost me time and money I could have used for other things.

I barely hear the knock over the violent pelt of rain. Grumbling that anyone is out in this storm, I go to the door. My neighbor and his family huddle and shiver on my porch.

Lightning flashes reveal the ruin that was his home. Built on the sand of human wisdom, their house stood no chance against the storm. My simpler, humbler home is now a sanctuary from the chaos outside.

The storm outside still rages, but I no longer mind as much. My hands are suddenly busy, ministering to the spiritually homeless. The sure foundation of my house has proven itself and Him.

Think: Obedience to God is its own reward.

Pray: “Lord, teach me the benefits of obeying Your Word.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt