"That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer
wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You belong
here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a
home. He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here - in what he is
building." (Eph 2:17 THE MESSAGE)
Southern Ontario was in the grips of a major winter storm. It was the second in
two days, and two more major storms were in the forecast for the upcoming half a
week. Everyone was talking about the cluster of storms, but this one was my
concern. More than 30 cm of snow was predicted, with sharp winds and white-out
conditions. Driving home would be a real adventure.
I listened to the local radio station as I crept along, squinting past the
blowing snow to try to see which parts of the road had been cleared and which
hadn't. The local police were asking everyone who didn't need to be on the roads
to please stay home, and fortunately, many must have complied because there was
relatively little traffic. The storm desk was open, and every 15 minutes there
was an update of all the cancellations for the region. Schools closed at noon,
evening youth programs were cancelled. Handicapped transit was cancelled.
Outpatient rehab centers closed early. Even the local college and university
cancelled all classes and evening programs. Interestingly, the mall stayed open
…
Needless to say, I was quite happy to pull into my garage, and after closing the
garage door to the blinding blizzard, I sat in my car for a few moments, just
relaxing in the security of home.
The storm continued throughout the night, and as I watched the snow drifts
deepening, I was overcome by a sense of peace and security. I couldn't help
thinking how nice it was to have a place where I could be dry and warm, to have
shelter from the storm. But as I reflected on this, I realized that there was
more to my sense of security than just shelter. As I looked around, I could see
various members of my family carrying out their normal routines, all safe and
sound, and I marvelled at the love that filled my home. Yes, this feeling of
peace and security that I was experiencing was not only brought on by shelter
from the storm. The warmth and love I felt from my family played an important
role as well!
This made me think about my life as a Christian. Although the world throws storm
after storm, sometimes making every step a burden, I don't have to be out in the
storms of life. I can rest at home, in the shelter and love of Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us that when we become Christians, we are no longer "wandering
exiles", but we have a "new home", in the "kingdom of faith". That means that
when the storms of life come our way, we don't have to be stuck out on the
streets to weather the wintery blasts. Instead, we are encouraged to come
"home", to our "new home", our "kingdom of faith". There we will find shelter
from the storm.
How can you go home to the "kingdom of faith"? By simply putting your trust in
the One who has promised to "save you from the fowler's snare and from the
deadly pestilence." In the One who will "cover you with his feathers, and under
his wings you will find refuge;" In the One whose "faithfulness will be your
shield and rampart." (Ps 91:3-4 NIV) That is the Kingdom of Faith, my friends!
That is your new home! That is where you find comfort, shelter, love, and
acceptance.
So no matter what the storm in your life looks like; whether it be a winter snow
squall that you have to drive in, or the loss of a loved one or job, illness or
strife-whatever it may be! You have shelter from that storm! Use it! Put your
faith in the One who loves you above all else! Let Him carry you through!
Interestingly, once I finally arrived home that day, I was no longer worried
about the storm. In the same way, once I give the storm of my life to Jesus, I
no longer need to worry either. I can simply rest in Him and watch blowing snow
from the safety of His arms!
Are their winter storms in your life, my friends? If so, remember you are no
longer a wandering exile! You have shelter from the storm! All you have to do is
"go home" to Jesus. Give Him your problem. Rest in His arms, and you will be
able to simply watch the storm go by!
And you won't even have to worry about shovelling the snow off of the driveway
the next day, either!
Lyn Chaffart
, Mother of two teens, Speech-Language Pathologist, Author and Moderator for The
Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website
devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems,
www.scripturalnuggets.org , with
Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org .
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.