GRACE-WARD!
We have been soaked by a number of unusually heavy rainstorms here in Southern California. Although we welcome the much-needed rain, the strong winds that have accompanied these storms have caused a great deal of damage and destruction in some areas. There have been homes damaged and some very large trees toppled over. One of the lessons we can take away from these events is this….
The Time To Prepare For Storms Is BEFORE They Hit.
If you don’t have homeowners insurance before the storm damages your home, it could leave you financially (and maybe even physically) exposed. If a tree doesn’t have a well-entrenched root system before a storm hits, it will be too late to try and magically grow deep roots as the storm rages around it.
The same is true for us in our spiritual lives.
The time for us to establish a strong spiritual root system of deep relationships is BEFORE the storms of life assault us. It begins with an ever-deepening relationship with Christ as our spiritual “taproot”. However, from that Source, it is essential that we grow a thriving network of deep spiritual relationships with other members of the Body of Christ where God has planted us.
Disappointment, sickness, lost relationships, hurts, temptations…. one or more of these storms is sure to batter your life at some point. When that happens if you have taken the time to invest in deep, meaningful relationships with those God has placed in your life you will remain secure. You might sway but in the end, you will remain standing.
Who do you need to spend some time investing in relationship with?
Make a simple gesture to strengthen that relationship this week. It doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. It might be a note of encouragement, a phone call or an invitation to connect over coffee. The investment you make in them and that they make in you will be worthwhile.
You’ll be glad you prepared…..
Before The Storm
*“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13