“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” Matthew 7:24
When I was reading the daily reflection for the day, the suggestion was made by the author to go back and read the gospel for the day a second time and just listen. Specifically, “Listen to how Jesus may be speaking to you,” it said. So, I decided to do exactly that. I’m embarrassed to say I’m still surprised when He rewards me every time I take more time to reflect during my prayer time. At this particular moment, the above verse caught my attention, although I have both read and heard this verse so often over the years. The words felt new this time, like it was a reflection on my life, especially my married life.
As I’m sure you’ve weathered your own storms, I reflected back on just how many, both large tsunamis and even the little annoying drizzles, I’ve experienced. How did you and I survive and not give up during these challenges? Why didn’t I walk away from God when I thought He was quiet and didn’t intervene by making everything right (in my eyes)? This scripture said it all! Because mine is a foundation built on rock, not sand that sinks beneath my feet, causing me to fall. It all began for me, unknowingly at a young age, by my parents introducing me to Jesus, attending church and Sunday School. And it seems, without blinking now, through so many twists and turns, I stand here firmly, writing God’s words to you.
I am so proud to say I am a believer and happy to give my God all the credit for bringing me through every storm, even as I was kicking and screaming. That doesn’t mean that each of us will question, at some point, “Is it worth it?” But, in reflecting, we each have a choice to go it alone during our lifetime or to pull strength from Jesus, allowing us to weather each of our storms and welcome the joy of each morning dawn and be thankful still.
So, I encourage you this week to spend some quiet time with either a favorite bible verse, a familiar prayer or other scripture reflection, reading over it more than once and see how the Holy Spirit is reaching out to you. You’ll be surprised on what He will share with you.
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands.” Psalm 143:5
From God's Lips 