Make Sure You are Storm-Proof

""Everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." - Matthew 7:24 NIV

My husband, Joe, and I have been raising pet ducks for more than 25 years, and in all that time, we have learned a lot about their behavior. Because ducks are pretty much at the bottom of the food chain, they are usually very timid and skittish, even with their owners. Yet, when there is a thunderstorm, instead of running and hiding, they will stand at attention and lean into the driving rain. I have heard of big, strong dogs that would cower and run under a bed as soon as they heard thunder. So it never ceases to amaze me that when it is thundering and lightning, my ducks don't even flinch. On the contrary, they relish every moment of a storm, no matter how hard the rain falls, or how severe the wind blows. Even flood conditions don't faze my ducks because they are literally waterproof.

I was thinking about all this earlier today, and it brought to mind Jesus' parable about the wise and foolish builders. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV) When we build our foundation - our entire life - on Christ and His Word, and we put His teachings into practice, we will be storm-proof. Satan and his evil cohorts can come against us and attack us from all sides, and we will remain steady and unshaken as we cling to our Savior, His truth, and His promises. We may initially experience some fear and trembling, but as we seek God's face, and His wisdom and strength, He will sustain and support us, and lead us all the way to victory.

On the other hand, Jesus tells us what is likely to happen to those who haven't built their lives on the Rock of Christ. "But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:26?-?27 NIV) Those who don't build their lives on Christ and His teachings will find themselves on shaky ground when the storms come. And all that they had put their hope in will eventually crumble before their very eyes. ??

It is in a duck's DNA to be storm-proof, and if you are a follower of Christ, it is in your DNA, too. Cooperate with Him today to make sure that your life is built on solid rock!

Prayer: Lord, help me to build my foundation - my entire life - on You and Your Word. Empower me to put Your teachings into practice, so that I will remain storm-proof in times of adversity. Guard me from all anxiety, fear, and doubt. Thank You that as I seek Your face, Your wisdom, and Your strength, You will sustain me and support me, and You will lead me all the way to victory!

- J. M. Farro

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