Wait a minute--what's so spiritual about the WEATHER? Nothing--but it's been said, "When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!" and so we will! Nothing good is usually said about the weather--unless you happen to be at Words from the Well, and reading this devotional!
Before you meet Willy the Weatherman, one of my latest animated graphics, let's check out the "Weather in the Word," and find the latest forecast. I hear there's been some unusual weather there lately--so put on your imagination caps (or rain hats!), and let's go! Better bring an umbrella--and sunglasses. You won't need both at the same time...but then you never know...strange things happen at Peggie's Place!!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Yesterday's storm!...From the weather channel near the Sea of Galilee comes a strange report! "Unpredicted turbulent storm struck the Sea of Galilee yesterday. Some men found themselves in a dangerous situation. High winds,huge waves--breaking all storm records! A first-class disaster scene! And then, a strange phenomenon--a white-robed Stranger, known as Jesus of Galilee, stood up in the boat. He was heard to actually speak to the waves. Our report is that He said, "Peace, be still," and immediately the storm ceased. The fisherman were miraculously spared. And that's the news as it happened here. Stay tuned for today's forecast, coming up--right after this commercial!"
Hold it--He'll do it for you too! Whatever your stormy yesterday, you surely remember His glorious, miraculous intervention. Your life is a testimony to storm-stilling. And yet, you fear today's storm. Fear no more--He is in your boat; His Word today is the same as yesterday, "Peace, be still!"
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee...(Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV)."
Today's Sun!...From the weather channel in the Valley of Aijalon, Israel comes this record-breaking report! "Joshua, army commander for Israel, was in a fierce battle. Needing more time to fight the enemy, he prayed to his God in heaven. "Stop the sun," he cried, "so we can win this battle." The Creator of the universe, ultimately the One in charge of all weather, stopped the sun in its tracks for one day. The battle was won. Amazing story, but it's documented--and that's the news as it happened here. Now for tomorrow's forecast....right after this commercial."
Hold it--He'll do it for you too! No, I don't believe He will necessarily "stop the sun"--but HE will do whatever you need to win the battles of YOUR life. He is God--and will either give you strength to fight the battle, or deliverance in the battle. And maybe a little bit of both. We serve a great God of miracles--the God of Joshua is YOUR God too--He can do the impossible to bring sunshine to YOUR world. The neat part about it? It's a forecast for MORE than "two days"--it's a lifetime of His warmth and love to brighten your life for eternity!
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11 (KJV)."
Tomorrow's showers!...From the weather channel on Mt. Ararat comes this foreboding forecast. Guest weatherman: Noah--no last name available. "Torrential rain ahead. Floods predicted. Repent; turn from your wickedness; believe the Word of God. Judgment is coming--there is no safety except in the Ark built by command of the Lord..." (Hilarious laughter heard in background by the TV crew as the channel signs off for the evening.) Uhh...make that forever--for you know the rest of the story. Rain did fall; floods did come; only those in the Ark were saved. Noah and his family were safe, because they believed and obeyed the Word of God.
And He'll do it for you! The same God Who provided safety for Noah and his family provides safety for you and your family. We live in a wicked world; Evil men reject God, mock his laws, and laugh in His face. Those who love His Word are scorned and ridiculed--but it is not over. Someday judgment will fall, a dreadful day for those without the Lord. A safe day for those in His care. Fear not the headlines of your newspapers--God is in control--He knows the news before it is printed. Trust Him for yourself--AND your family! You are safe in His care!
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 26:3l KJV)."
Weather forecasts--storms, sunshine, floods--we listen daily, and plan accordingly. Raincoats, sunglasses, boots; snow shovels, storm doors, sunshade. But what about the rain, wind, and storms of personal life? No raincoat or storm door can prevent it. No weather forecaster can predict it. There is one thing we CAN do--we can let God's Word prepare and strengthen us--for the storm, the sun, the rain, whatever! Make His Word the weather advisor in your world today!
And that's just a word--or two--from my weather station to yours!
His Healing Word
"He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust (Psalm 91: 1,2)."
This week's extended forecast: Bible Gateway.com - Psalms+91:1-16">Psalm 9l
"Lord, the weather in my world is not good. Storms I can't handle; battles I can't win; floods I can't survive--unless You help me. I need Your protection, Your power, and Your peace. Thank You for being in control! In Jesus' Name, Amen."
