Four-Calendar Café

A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.

Proverbs 19:3 (NIV)

In our lives, we are typically in one type of storm or another. Storms aren’t always bad. We have a tendency to think of storms as consequences, as trials and tribulations. Things that we go through that are hardships. However, consequences can be categorized as good, bad, or neutral. A storm is a natural phenomenon that brings change, usually very quickly, to an area. A storm can rage into an area engulfed in flames and put out the fire. Or remove very hot or cold conditions. A storm can sweep in and remove debris that could be a problem in other situations. Some of the worst types of storms are usually caused by two diametrically opposite weather conditions meeting together. Very hot weather and very cold weather. Weather fronts.

Now, folly is the exercise of a lack of good sense. Not using sound judgment. As I have mentioned, we are typically in a storm of one kind or another (several at once, sometimes). Storms are quickly moving, and while in one, it’s unwise to make decisions that reflect a lack of good judgment.

Remember that storms are usually opposites coming together. God moves in our lives powerfully. He can move no other way. When we accept His will and walk in obedience to him, our obedience is contrary to the law of the sinful nature. The two are in contrast. Hence, a storm is likely to be encountered. Let’s say that you have been in a long-standing state of walking on a financial tight rope. You are not lacking. God supplies your needs according to what he knows you need. Not according to the bill collectors, your desire for a full fridge, tank of gas, etc. You have been walking this rope faithfully and have wavered, but you stand because he keeps you from falling.

One day, you receive the overflowing abundance of financial blessings that have always been waiting for you. Do you respond and make decisions regarding this storm of financial blessings in wisdom, or do you go running for that car you’ve wanted? The house, the trip around the world? Do you give it all up to the poor? In other words, do you stop including the Lord in all of your ways and move on your own?

Let’s say you choose to visit family on the other side of the world. You can now afford it, and surely God wants you to see your family. On the way, the plane is detoured, and you end up in another country with no luggage and no means to feed and care for yourself. The thought comes that this wouldn’t have happened if God hadn’t given you the money or if you didn’t care so much about your family, etc. This might ruin your trip. It isn’t your life that is ruined. It’s a ruin of the joy and peace from the Lord, and who do you rage at? The circumstances? God?

The point is that we sometimes make choices without including God in them. We don’t seek His guidance, and then we might blame him. The example I gave regarding finances was an example of a storm. A storm of blessing. Even amid a storm of blessings, we still need to include God in our choices. If we might blame God as Christians, how much more might the world?

Before I was saved, I didn’t know God, but that didn’t stop me from raging at the universe and claiming it hated me. When I was saved, God showed me that he was the one I blamed for all of the poor choices in my life when I was the one to blame. I was the one who made the choices, but God also showed me his grace. We live in a world that doesn’t know God full of people who pray without knowing the one to whom they pray, and unfortunately, when their prayers don’t go the way they want, they rail against God.

If you ever want to look around for someone to blame, do what I endeavor to do. Start first with the person in the mirror.

No matter what kind of storm we are in, even if we’re in the quiet and silent eye of the storm, the best thing we can do always do is wrapped up here in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.