OUR SPIRITUAL HURRICANES
A man living on Long Island, New York purchased an expensive barometer. After having it delivered to his home, he noticed the arrow seemed to be stuck, pointing to the section marked "Hurricane". He shook it and tried to reset it, but it wouldn't budge. Sitting down, he wrote a scorching letter to the manufacturer, and mailed it the following morning on his way to work. Returning home that evening, he was shocked to find his barometer was missing... along with his house! A violent hurricane had struck the East Coast.
With all that's currently transpiring in our world, sometimes it feels as if every "spiritual marker" in our culture is pointing to "Hurricane." Whether it’s the intensity of the election, scares over COVID-19, the economic and emotional toll resulting from quarantine or the racial tension which has culminated in violence across our land. We wonder, “What is going on?” Is our civilization being blown apart by a spiritual hurricane?
These storms rip across our lives, daily reminding us that we live in a fallen world. Truthfully, I’m not surprised that our world is in such a mess. I’m more shocked that there isn’t greater evil permeating our planet. I John 5:19 informs us "that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." That being true, shouldn't we expect chaos, confusion and conflict? How else would the world look, with Satan running it? But ultimately, God controls it all. The next verse reveals the rest of the story: "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding" (v 20).
Jesus came and defeated the evil one when he rose from the dead. He equips us with all we need to overcome the hurricanes of life. Looking around, we scratch our heads in doubt. But trust God. The day is coming when heaven and earth will be one (Rev.21:3). "No longer will there be any curse" (Rev.22:3). Jesus will "make all things new" (Rev.21:5). In the meantime, we live "between the trees" (the tree of life in Eden and the tree of life in heaven). This is not the end of the story; there is more to be told. For now, grab hold of Jesus and don’t let go. He’s our only reliable “barometer.” Only He provides the way to endure the "hurricanes" of these dark days.
Principle: Don’t be surprised by the spiritual hurricanes of our world.
Promise: Jesus equips us to overcome the hurricanes of these dark days
Ponder:
Besides the “hurricanes” our culture is enduring, what storms am I facing in my world?
How can I “grab hold of Jesus” and not let go?
Prayer: Lord, in the midst of these spiritual storms, remind me that you are in charge of the universe and ultimately you’re making all things new.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Revelation 21 & 22.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.